About the opportunity
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) is a collaborative initiative involving RWTH Aachen University, the Asian Institute of Technology, IIT Madras, UNU Resource Nexus, and TU Dresden. The centre focuses on water security, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation strategies. The Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships aim to provide research-focused training to doctoral students from developing countries, enabling them to spend nine months in Germany to translate research findings into practical applications. The program supports research projects aligned with the centre’s three core clusters, with specific priority given to topics such as digital water infrastructure, ecosystem monitoring, urban water extremes, sustainable business models, and eco-friendly building solutions.
Funding and benefits
- Monthly stipend of 1,200 EUR for accommodation and living expenses
- Monthly insurance allowance of up to 105 EUR
- One-time travel expense stipend of up to 1,000 EUR
- Up to 1,000 EUR for research project materials and equipment
Who can apply?
- Must be a doctoral student registered at a university in a developing country
- Must have commenced PhD studies within the last three years
- Must be proficient in English
- Must have the support of their home institution supervisor
Required documents
- Personal motivation for the research stay (2-3 pages)
- Sample of a written scientific paper
- Recent Curriculum Vitae
- Indication of preferred host university
- Support letter from the home institution
- Invitation letter by a host scientist (preferred)
- Statement of ability to work online if remote work is required
- Enrollment certificate and current transcript of records (not older than six months)
- Passport copy
When to apply
- Application deadline: October 31, 2026
- Research stay duration: March 1, 2027, to November 30, 2027
How to apply
- Compile all required documents into a single PDF file
- Ensure the research proposal includes a detailed timeline and plans for future third-party funded research
- Submit the application via email to abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de by the deadline
Additional information
- Recipients must submit a scholarship and experience report three months before the end of the stay
- A scientific draft paper based on the research must be submitted before the end of the stay
- Recipients sign a contract with the host institution upon selection
- Rules and regulations of the DAAD, German Federal Foreign Office, and host institutions apply
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Doctoral students whose research directly addresses water security or climate adaptation and who are looking for international exposure in Germany.
- Candidates who have a clear plan for how their research can be translated into policy or practical applications.
- Applicants who have already secured an invitation letter from a host scientist at one of the participating German institutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- The scholarship is for a fixed nine-month period; applicants must ensure this fits within their current PhD timeline and home university requirements.
- The funding is structured as a stipend; while it covers essential costs, recipients should verify if it meets their specific financial needs for living in Germany.
- The application requires significant coordination with a home supervisor, including a detailed research plan and future funding strategy.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for doctoral students seeking to bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation. It provides a structured environment to gain international research experience, access specialized facilities in Germany, and contribute to global climate adaptation efforts, which can significantly enhance a candidate's profile for future academic or policy-oriented roles.
Our take
This is a highly targeted opportunity for doctoral students from developing countries. It is best suited for those with a well-defined research project that aligns with the ABCD-Centre's thematic clusters and who are prepared to commit to a full nine-month stay in Germany.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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