NEXTRA Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2026: The United Nations University (UNU) invites applications for the NEXTRA Doctoral Scholarship Programme aimed at advancing the Resource Nexus approach to sustainability transformations while supporting the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This programme is part of the EPOS (Development-Oriented Postgraduate Courses) initiative and is primarily targeted at doctoral candidates with a solid academic background and professional experience in sustainability.
Designation
Doctoral Candidate
Research Area
Research candidates can choose from a wide array of topics within the following areas:
- Technology:
- Integrating remote sensing and the Resource Nexus for resilient post-mining land use
- Geospatial data integration for advancing the Resource Nexus approach
- Affective and multi-perspective maps of Resource Nexus indicators for different target groups
- Usability design of a scrollytelling atlas based on Resource Nexus indicators
- Nature:
- Biodiversity offsets, ecosystem restoration, and net gain in an urban development context
- Advancing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Policy pathways and integration
- Optimizing the resource nexus in urban infrastructures
- Resource efficiency in urban-regional contexts
- People:
- Foreign policy impacts on Sub-Saharan Africa regarding resource use
- Integrating Resource Nexus thinking into public finance programs in the Global South
- Citizen science for sustainable finance and governance
- Data-driven research on economic restructuring and land consumption
Location
Dresden, Sachsen, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree with an equivalent grade of 2.5 or better in the German system
- Completed Master’s degree not older than six years at the beginning of doctoral research
- At least two years of work experience related to the selected topic
- Not more than 15 months of prior stay in Germany at the application deadline
- Strong background in sustainability, development cooperation, or the Resource Nexus
- Demonstrated proficiency in English (knowledge of German or another UN official language is an asset)
Job Description
- Conduct research aligned with one of the selected topics
- Develop and implement a research methodology to advance the scientific knowledge in the specific area of study
- Collaborate within the NEXtra programme and with UN entities
- Disseminate knowledge through publications and presentations
- Support the educational development of Master’s students
- Engage in workshops and capacity development activities
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by submitting a single PDF document that includes:
- Research proposal (max 13,000 characters)
- Abstract of the Master’s thesis (max 1 page)
- Reference letter from an academic supervisor
- Proof of higher secondary education (with translations if necessary)
- Any relevant internship certificates.
All applications should respond to the EPOS checklist and must be submitted via the application portal.
Last Date for Apply
5 June 2025, 23:59 CEST
For further details and application process, please refer to the UNU website.
