Apply for the Fully-funded NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2026: Advancing Sustainability Transformations (Monthly stipend of EUR 1,300 available)
The Resource Nexus for Sustainability Transformations NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme invites passionate individuals to contribute to global sustainability through groundbreaking research.
This esteemed opportunity, offered by the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), is designed for doctoral candidates eager to engage in multidisciplinary research focused on sustainability transformations.
The programme offers a chance to study in Dresden, Germany, contributing to the United Nations’ mission to address pressing global challenges.
About the United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank dedicated to policy-oriented research aimed at resolving global challenges.
Founded to support the mission of the United Nations, UNU focuses on areas such as sustainable development, conflict prevention, and human survival. With more than 400 researchers worldwide, UNU collaborates with UN agencies, universities, and research institutions to drive positive change through evidence-based research. For more details, visit UNU’s website.
About UNU-FLORES
UNU-FLORES, located in Dresden and Weißwasser, Germany, is one of the UNU’s research institutes. It tackles sustainability challenges by developing strategies for the sustainable management of water, soil, waste, energy, and geo-resources. The institute’s work is particularly relevant to developing economies and emerging countries, supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information, visit UNU-FLORES.
The NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme
The NEXtra programme, funded under the EPOS (Development-Oriented Postgraduate Courses) by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers 42 months of doctoral research support. The programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct innovative research within the Resource Nexus approach, which addresses the interdependencies between water, energy, food, and other resources.
The selected candidates will work alongside experts from Technische Universitaet Dresden, UNU-FLORES, and the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER). The goal is to advance sustainability transformations and support SDG achievement.
Key Areas of Research Focus
Applicants can choose from a range of research topics that span technology, nature, and people, with the chance to submit proposals for up to two different areas. The topics include:
Technology:
- Topic 1: Integrating remote sensing and the Resource Nexus for resilient post-mining land use.
- Topic 2: Geospatial data integration for advancing the Resource Nexus approach.
- Topic 3: Affective and multi-perspective maps of Resource Nexus indicators for diverse target groups.
- Topic 4: Design and usability of a scrollytelling atlas based on Resource Nexus indicators for different target groups.
Nature:
- Topic 1: Biodiversity offsets, ecosystem restoration, and net gain in urban development: A Resource Nexus perspective.
- Topic 2: Advancing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Nexus-driven policy pathways and integration at scale.
- Topic 3: Optimizing the land, space, and materials resource nexus in the infrastructures of cities in the Global South.
- Topic 4: Resource efficiency in urban-regional contexts: Potential in gray and green infrastructures.
People:
- Topic 1: The foreign policy of global powers towards Sub-Saharan Africa: Forest-mining-land use nexus.
- Topic 2: Integrating Resource Nexus thinking into publicly financed transformation programs in the Global South.
- Topic 3: Empowering farmers, traders, and businesses through citizen science for sustainable finance and resource governance.
- Topic 4: Data-driven investigation into the spatial relationship between economic restructuring and land consumption in the Global South.
Programme Responsibilities
As a NEXtra doctoral candidate, you will have the opportunity to:
- Research and Develop Methodology: Advance scientific knowledge within your chosen research topic, applying appropriate research methodologies.
- Collaborate with NEXtra and the UN System: Participate in workshops, collaborate with UN entities, and contribute to a global sustainability network.
- Disseminate Knowledge: Publish research findings, present at scientific conferences, and engage with local communities through outreach efforts.
- Support Capacity Development: Contribute to the education and supervision of Master’s students and support capacity development initiatives.
- Other Duties: Collaborate with the supervision team to enhance the program’s impact.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely development and execution of the research project.
- Completion of a doctoral thesis within the stipulated timeline.
- Active participation in workshops, conferences, and related events.
- Positive contributions to the NEXtra consortium’s reputation and visibility.
Candidate Profile
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- A Master’s degree with a strong academic background (a grade of 2.5 or better in the German system).
- At least two years of relevant work experience after obtaining the first degree.
- A passion for sustainability, development cooperation, and the Resource Nexus.
- Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in English (knowledge of German or other UN languages is a plus).
- The ability to work in a multicultural, collaborative environment.
Duration and Benefits
- The scholarship is for 42 months, beginning in April 2026.
- Monthly stipend of EUR 1,300, covering living and education expenses.
- Health insurance, German language course, and travel allowances.
- Accommodation and local transportation during the programme in Dresden.
Application Process
To apply, submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- Research proposal (max 13,000 characters).
- Abstract of your Master’s thesis.
- Reference letter from an academic supervisor.
- Proof of academic qualifications and internships (if applicable).
Application Deadline: 5 June 2025.
For further details, including how to apply, please refer to the EPOS application guidelines and submit your documents as instructed.
APPLY NOW
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to global sustainability and work alongside leading experts in the field. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative initiative.
