Exciting 1-week Training Opportunity at United Nations University: Apply now for the AI Research for Better Policy Program

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Closing Date: 1 October 2026

Exciting 1-week Training Opportunity at United Nations University: Apply now for the AI Research for Better Policy Program

AI Research for Better Policy

This unique 1-week training opportunity, designed for PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals, introduces the use of AI for research

The AI Research for Better Policy program is a unique 1-week intensive training that builds on a collaboration between UNU-MACAU (Macau), UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands) and UNU-EHS (Bonn, Germany). The program is designed for PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals.

About the program

Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the program cultivates participants’ strategic vision and leadership potential while developing their research skills and knowledge in using AI in their jobs, especially applying it to improve policy-oriented research for sustainable development. The program represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective, building on the digitalisation and AI expertise of UNU-MACAU, the public policy, innovation and development focus of UNU-MERIT and the knowledge on AI and climate change of UNU-EHS.

The three perspectives, brought to the participants by professors and researchers from all three UNU institutions, are provided to the participants through a series of lectures and interactive sessions with practical exercises. In addition, the visits to UNU-MERIT in the Netherlands and UNU-EHS in Germany offer participants a firsthand experience of the United Nations University to learn how our institutes use AI in research projects.

The AI Research for Better Policy program includes a number of (optional) social events that allow the cohort of participants to network and engage outside of class.

Structure of the programme

The programme starts on Monday 18 January 2027 at UNU-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands), with sessions focusing on the foundations of the use of AI for research and the use of AI for public policy.

On Wednesday 20 January in the evening, participants travel by bus (included in the tuition fee) to Bonn, Germany. The sessions at UNU-EHS focus on the use of AI to study climate change, including elements such as climate adaptation and disaster risk management.

The programme concludes on Friday 22 January with a group activity that encompasses all learnings that were gained during the week. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate validated by the three UNU institutes.

Learning objectives

At the end of the programme, participants will:

Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
Understand the basics of AI and are able to use it
Have the ability to link the concepts of AI and Digitalisation to Public Policy and Development
Understand the relationship between AI and Climate Change
Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues,
Complete group work with the guidance of the UNU researchers and experts, and present that to the cohort and experts.

Admission Requirements

The program is open for enrolment. UNU welcome PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals from around the globe. Specific interest in AI, Digitalisation, Sustainability, Research and Public Policy is beneficial.

In order to be eligible for admission, applicants have to submit:

the completed enrolment application form.
a copy of a valid passport or ID-card
a CV
a passport picture
proof of enrolment at or proof of having obtained a master’s or bachelor’s degree
proof of meeting the English language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)

Application

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2026.

Please note that you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands and Germany. Obtaining the visa is the responsibility of the participant and not getting one in time is not a valid reason to get a refund (please read the full refund policies in the section below). After full payment of the tuition fee and if the eligibility criteria are met, participants will receive a confirmation letter that can be used in the process to obtain a visa.