Call for Applications: Fully Funded by DAAD-EPOS, Apply Now for the NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027
Closing Date: 12 April 2026
Call for Applications: Fully Funded by DAAD-EPOS, Apply Now for the NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027
NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme Overview
Under the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) EPOS programme, fully funded scholarships (up to 42 months, including a two-month German language course) are available for research within the NEXtra Programme.
Doctoral candidates will be accepted in one of the joint programmes offered by United Nations University and Dresden University of the Technology with supervision from UNU-FLORES, TUD and/or the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development.
Proposals must be rooted in the Resource Nexus framework, align with a 2026 topic, drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and tackle clearly identified, evidence-based challenges in the applicant’s region.
About United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU’s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe.
About United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-FLORES develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and other geo-resources that are of concern to the United Nations and its Member States – particularly in developing and emerging economies. Based in Dresden and Weisswasser, Germany, the Institute engages in research and innovation development, education and capacity development as well as outreach, advocacy and impact to advance the Resource Nexus.
NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme
Under the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) funding programme, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides fully funded scholarships for 42 months (3.5 years), including a two-month German language course, to support doctoral research in the NEXtra Project. Successful candidates will be enrolled in one of the doctoral programmes jointly offered by UNU and TU Dresden, and supervised by experts from UNU-FLORES, Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and/or the Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and its Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS).
Candidates will pursue their doctoral research in Germany, on a topic within the overarching thematic focus of the Resource Nexus for sustainability transformations, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also collaborating with and contributing to the work of the United Nations. Applicants are expected to design their research projects to promote actionable sustainability transformations and address context-specific, evidence-informed needs in their regions.
The NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme offers fully funded scholarships to conduct doctoral studies on one of the topics offered. Applicants may apply for up to two topics by submitting a single application package that includes two separate research proposals, each tailored to one of the topics.
Responsibilities
As a Doctoral Researcher in the NEXtra project, you will be an integral member of the partners’ teams, contributing to the advancement of research on the Resource Nexus for sustainability transformations. Your responsibilities are supporting three core pillars:
1. Research and Innovation Development on the Resource Nexus
- Dedicate approximately 80–90% of your time to high-level research and scientific writing;
- Successfully complete the doctoral curriculum including several modules about the Resource Nexus;
- Develop and implement a robust research approach to advance scientific knowledge within your specific topic, ensuring a clear connection to the Resource Nexus and relevant UN frameworks;
- Produce and publish mandatory peer-reviewed scientific articles in line with the applicable TUD faculty’s doctoral regulations;
- Prepare a cumulative dissertation (framework paper) and successfully conclude your oral defense within the specified timeframe;
- Actively participate in activities of the NEXtra doctoral cohort, provide regular progress reports, and maintain up-to-date project information;
2. Education and Capacity Development
- Allocate 5–10% of your time to educational initiatives;
- Successfully complete the doctoral curriculum as required by UNU-FLORES and its partner institutions;
- Deliver at least one lecture annually for programs such as CIPSEM, guest lectures at TU Dresden, or other partner institutions;
- Contribute to the development of innovative educational materials;
- Support the lecturing and supervision of Master’s students, to enhance knowledge transfer regarding the Resource Nexus.
3. Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact
- Allocate 5–10% of your time to advocacy and outreach activities;
- Identify and engage with key contact persons within the UN system to align research findings with policy needs and facilitate research uptake;
- Translate research findings into actionable insights by publishing policy briefs;
- Present research findings at scientific and implementation-related conferences etc.;
- Promote the Resource Nexus and UNU-FLORES activities through regular social media engagement and/or the creation of communication materials.
Key Performance Indicators
- 1. Research and Innovation Development
- Successful submission and publication of at least three mandatory peer-reviewed scientific articles in line with the applicable TUD faculty’s doctoral regulations;
- A cumulative framework paper completed, and the oral defense successfully concluded;
- Active participation in NEXtra doctoral cohort activities ensured, timely submission of progress reports, and maintenance of up-to-date project information.
- Required doctoral curriculum successfully completed as mandated by UNU-FLORES and partner institutions;
- Mandatory plans and reports are timely submitted;
- At least one lecture or educational session delivered per year (e.g., guest lectures at TU Dresden, CIPSEM, or partner organizations);
- At least one set of educational materials or modules to the KARE platform or similar knowledge-sharing tools delivered;
- Academic development of Master’s students through co-supervision or guest lectures completed.
- Active collaboration with at least one specific UN system contacts person/entity to align research with UN policy needs established and maintained;
- At least one policy brief based on research findings published;
- Represented the institute at a minimum of one major scientific or implementation-related conference;
- A regular advocacy presence maintained with a minimum of 2–3 professional social media posts per cycle promoting the Resource Nexus.
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion,or any other aspect of identity.
- Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour or any other breach of UN standards.
- Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
- Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.
Qualifications
- Mandatory requirements:
- The candidate must hold citizenship in one of the List of eligible countries for DAAD-EPOS scholarship;
- An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree with a grade equivalent to 2.5 or better according to the German system;
- Master’s degree relevant to the selected topic (see list above), preferably not to be older than six (6) years at the time of application deadline;
- At least two years of relevant work experience after the first academic degree (typically, a Bachelor’s degree);
- At the time of the application deadline, the applicant must not have stayed in Germany for longer than fifteen (15) months;
- Fluency in English language is required.
- Desirable:
- Sound scientific knowledge and methodological skills relevant to the selected topic;
- Experience in conducting trans-/interdisciplinary research (e.g., research-oriented master’s thesis, research, or consultancy-related employment);
- Strong interest and previous academic/ work experience related to at least one of the following three fields: (1) sustainability/ sustainable development; (2) development cooperation and/or (3) the Resource Nexus;
- Capacity to structure complex tasks; strong analytical abilities;
- Excellent writing and presentation skills;
- Strong planning, organization and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in different contexts (e.g., academia, UN system);
- Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
- An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Knowledge of German and/or another UN official working language is an asset.
Duration and Remuneration
The DAAD-EPOS scholarship pays a monthly stipend of EUR 1,400 for the duration of Doctoral Research (up to a maximum of 42 months). The stipend is expected to cover all living and education expenses. While the Doctoral programme is tuition-free, semester fees of approximately EUR 300-350 must be paid directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. The DAAD will also provide health insurance and in-person introductory German classes (in February and March 2027). An additional allowance for travel or research is part of the scholarship offered by DAAD. Details will be shared with the nominated candidates. The successful candidate must be based at the institute in Dresden, Germany for the duration of the doctoral studies.
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