Do you want to pursue your PhD at a prestigious United Nations institution in Europe with a fully funded scholarship? The United Nations University (UNU-FLORES), in collaboration with TU Dresden, is offering the NEXTRA Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 for international applicants from developing countries who want to drive sustainability transformations and manage environmental resources globally. You can apply to study through your doctoral studies the Nexus Approach to the Sustainable Management of Environmental Resources at the United Nations University (UNU-FLORES) & TU Dresden

This is an unparalleled opportunity to bridge academic excellence with the global mission of the United Nations in the historic city of Dresden, Germany.

About UNU:

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global community of scholars dedicated to policy-oriented research and capacity building to address pressing global challenges. With over 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving positive global change through impartial research.

About UNU-FLORES:

Based in Dresden, Germany, UNU-FLORES focuses on sustainable and integrated management of environmental resources. It engages in research, capacity development, teaching, and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus.

Application Deadline: April 20, 2026

Program Start Date: 1 April 2027

Doctoral Research Opportunities:

The NEXtra programme, supported by the DAAD EPOS funding, offers 42-month scholarships with a two-month German language course. Doctoral candidates will conduct research to advance the Resource Nexus and support the SDGs. Supervision will be provided by experts from Technische Universitaet Dresden, UNU-FLORES, and the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER).

Research Topics:

The NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme offers the opportunity to study under one of the following topics:
You may apply up to two subject-related topics, by submitting one application document, which includes two separate research proposals.

Topic 1: Building the Circular City: A Resource Nexus lens on planning barriers and urban revitalisation
Topic 2: Communicating Resource Nexus indicators through persuasive maps
Topic 3: Construction follows availability – Resource Nexus strategies for urban-regional development minerals
Topic 4: Data-driven investigation into the spatial relationship between economic restructuring and the resource nexus in the context of developing countries
Topic 5: From Resource Nexus Thinking to Action: Fostering and Measuring Systems Thinking, Agency, and Behavioral Spillover
Topic 6: Geospatial data rescue from a Resource Nexus perspective
Topic 7: Integrating remote sensing and the Resource Nexus for resilient post-mining land use
Topic 8: Land Use Dynamics of Large-scale Infrastructure Projects in the Global South from a Resource Nexus Perspective

Topic 9: Operationalizing transformative capacity for environmental resource governance: A mixed-methods assessment approach for urban and regional systems

Topic 10: Resource Nexus approach to the Quantification of Responsible Mobility in Transport Networks in Data Scarce Regions in the Global South
Topic 11: Rethinking coastal resources in the Global South: Material potential, conflicts of use and sustainable value creation of seagrass
Topic 12: Sustainable resource management in peri-urban areas and/or informal settlements of developing countries: The role of land rights and access to connected environmental resources
Topic 13: Translating  Scientific Evidence on the Resource Nexus into Policy: Implementing Resource Nexus solutions on the ground

Benefits:

– Monthly stipend of EUR 1,300 for up to 42 months.
– Health insurance and introductory German language classes.
– Additional allowances for travel and research.

Responsibilities:

– Conduct research within one of the specified topics.
– Collaborate with the NEXtra programme and the UN system.
– Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and community outreach.
– Support capacity development and  education efforts.

Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

– Master’s degree with an equivalent grade of 2.5 or better (German system).
– Completed Master’s degree within the last six years.
– At least two years of related work experience post-Bachelor’s degree.
– Not resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
– Strong academic background, research skills, and a keen interest in sustainability.
– Proficiency in English; knowledge of German or another UN official language is an asset.

Related: 

DAAD-EPOS Scholarship for Master of WASTE in Germany 
MA in Development Management with DAAD-EPOS Scholarship in Germany,
DAAD EPOS Scholarship for MSc in Global Urban Health at the University of Freiburg, Germany

How to Apply:

Interested and eligible applicants should apply online

Apply now

Submit a combined PDF including:

–Signed application form