ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027 in Germany

## ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027: PhD Research Opportunity in Germany The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre - Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) has opened applications for **two ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027**. **Title:** ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship 2027 **Location:** Aachen and Dresden, Germany **Closing Date:** 31 October 2026 **Contract:** 9-month research scholarship | 1 March-30 November 2027 **Host Institutions:** RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden, UNU Resource Nexus **Target Applicants:** Doctoral students from Developing Countries / Global South The scholarships are designed for doctoral researchers from Developing Countries who began their PhD studies within the last three years. Successful candidates will undertake a **nine-month research stay in Germany**, hosted by RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden or UNU Resource Nexus. The programme aims to support research that can contribute to practical solutions for global challenges involving **water security, climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable development**. ## About the ABCD-Centre The ABCD-Centre is a collaborative initiative involving: - RWTH Aachen University - Asian Institute of Technology - Indian Institute of Technology Madras - United Nations University - Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU Resource Nexus) - Technische Universität Dresden Its work addresses global water security and climate adaptation through three interconnected research clusters: ### Cluster I: Water Security and Water Resources Research covering water security, water resources management, secure water supply and water treatment. ### Cluster II: Ecosystem Resilience Research focused on ecosystem resilience and nature-based adaptation measures. ### Cluster III: Climate Adaptation and Society Research examining traditional knowledge, local economies, societal acceptance and strategies for transferring climate adaptation solutions into practice. ## Scholarship Research Opportunities The nine-month research stay will run from **1 March 2027 to 30 November 2027**. Applicants must indicate their preferred host institution from the following options: - **RWTH Aachen University** - Aachen, Germany - **Technische Universität Dresden** - Dresden, Germany - **UNU Resource Nexus** - Dresden, Germany The call welcomes a broad range of research topics connected to the ABCD-Centre’s priorities. Particular preference will be given to proposals addressing the following areas: ### Topic A: Water Infrastructure and Digitalisation - Modelling water infrastructure - Innovative digitalisation methods - Digital twins - Habitat modelling ### Topic B: Ecosystem Resilience - Innovative ecosystem monitoring - Ecosystem resilience - Nature-based adaptation measures ### Topic C: Urban Water Extremes - Climate-driven water extremes - Urban climate adaptation - Water-related risks in cities ### Topic D: Unconventional Water Resources - Sustainable business models - Unconventional water resources - Innovative approaches to water management ### Topic E: Sustainable Building and Materials - Eco-friendly materials - Sustainable building solutions - Climate-adaptive construction ## Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: - Be doctoral students from Developing Countries. - Be registered as **full-time PhD students at a university in a Developing Country**. - Have commenced their PhD studies **within the last three years**. - Have a research topic aligned with the themes and objectives of the ABCD-Centre. - Demonstrate strong academic potential and motivation to contribute to the field. - Have proficiency in English and effective communication skills. - Demonstrate adaptability to conducting research in Germany. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to spend the **full nine-month scholarship period in Germany** and who are interested in translating research findings into policy papers and practical applications. ## Scholarship Benefits Successful scholars will receive financial support covering key costs associated with the research stay. - **Accommodation and living expenses:** €1,200 per month - **Insurance allowance:** Up to €105 per month - **Travel expense stipend:** Up to €1,000 one-time payment - **Research materials and equipment:** Up to €1,000 through the host institution The scholarship therefore provides both financial assistance and access to an international research environment in Germany. ## Application Requirements Applicants must compile the required documents into **one PDF file** and submit the application by email. The application should include: 1. A personal motivation statement for the research stay, approximately 2-3 pages. 2. A sample of a written scientific paper. 3. A recent curriculum vitae. 4. The preferred host university. 5. A support letter from the applicant’s home institution. 6. Preferably, an invitation letter from the prospective host scientist. 7. A statement confirming the ability to work online if remote work is required. 8. An enrolment certificate and current transcript of records, issued no more than six months before application. 9. A copy of the applicant’s passport. ## Research Planning Requirements At the application stage, the doctoral supervisor and home university must agree with the applicant on: - A research topic aligned with the ABCD-Centre’s research clusters. - A detailed timeline for the complete doctoral project. - A description of the research to be conducted in Germany, including a timetable. - Plans for future third-party funded research projects. - Planned contributions to ABCD-Centre outreach activities. ## Selection Process Applications will be assessed by the **Steering Committee of the ABCD-Centre**. Selection will consider: - Academic merit - Strength of motivation - Quality and relevance of the research proposal - Potential contribution to the field - Alignment with ABCD-Centre priorities - Communication skills - Adaptability to conducting research in Germany The programme emphasizes **equal opportunities and diversity**. ## Scholarship Responsibilities Successful applicants will have additional reporting and research obligations. A mandatory scholarship and experience report must be submitted **three months before the scholarship ends**. Before completing the research stay, scholars must also submit a **scientific draft paper** based on the research conducted during the fellowship. The paper should demonstrate the scientific outcomes of the research stay and may subsequently be developed into a publication. Scholarship recipients will sign an agreement with the host institution outlining the applicable terms and conduct requirements. ## How to Apply Applicants should combine all required documents into **one PDF file** and submit the application by email to: **abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de** **Application deadline: 31 October 2026** Applicants are encouraged to consult their local International Office and DAAD office regarding questions related to the research stay. The scholarship is subject to applicable DAAD and German Federal Foreign Office rules, as well as the regulations of the relevant host institution. ## Enquiries **Email:** abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de ## Terms of Reference The full call for applications and detailed application instructions are available in the programme documentation provided with the opportunity: DOWNLOAD TERMS OF REFERENCE. ## Why This Scholarship Matters The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships provide doctoral researchers from the Global South with an opportunity to spend nine months in Germany, access an international research environment and develop research with potential applications in **water security, climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable development**. The programme is particularly relevant to PhD researchers whose work can bridge scientific research and practical policy or climate-adaptation solutions. **TEN (10) MORE REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES:**