Apply for ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027 – Fully Funded 9-Month Research Stay in Germany for PhD Students from Developing Countries

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

About the Scholarship

The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD Centre) has opened applications for the 2027 ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships, designed to support doctoral researchers from developing countries whose work addresses pressing challenges related to water security, climate change adaptation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable development, and environmental management. The 2027 scholarships will fund two doctoral students for a nine-month research visit to Germany. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to conduct research at one of three participating host institutions: RWTH Aachen University (Aachen), Technische Universität Dresden, or UNU Resource Nexus (Dresden). The research visits are scheduled to take place between March 1, 2027, and November 30, 2027. The programme is particularly valuable for doctoral researchers seeking to strengthen their academic and research experience in an international environment while conducting research that can ultimately translate into practical solutions, policy recommendations, and real-world approaches to water and climate adaptation challenges.

About the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre

The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD Centre) is an international collaboration bringing together leading academic and research institutions from Europe and Asia.

The consortium members include:

• RWTH Aachen University
• Asian Institute of Technology
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras
• United Nations University – Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU-FLORES)
• Technische Universität Dresden

The Centre is dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most pressing and interconnected environmental challenges, particularly those involving water security and climate adaptation. Its work combines research, education, international cooperation, and knowledge transfer, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that scientific findings contribute to practical solutions beyond academic publications. The ABCD Centre’s primary goal is to cultivate the next generation of future environmental leaders’ researchers who not only produce high-quality scientific output but also help translate research into applications that benefit communities, institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

About the 2027 ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship

For 2027, the ABCD Centre is offering two scholarships, each funding a nine-month research visit to Germany. These scholarships are intended to support doctoral students from developing countries who are currently pursuing their PhDs at universities in developing countries. The programme provides selected researchers with the opportunity to conduct part of their doctoral research at internationally renowned German research institutions.

Applicants must indicate their preferred host institution at the time of application.

Available host institutions:

• RWTH Aachen University – Aachen, Germany
• Technische Universität Dresden – Dresden, Germany
• UNU Resource Nexus – United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources, Dresden, Germany

Research visit period: March 1, 2027 – November 30, 2027

During the selection process, preference will be given to applicants who are able and willing to spend the entire nine months in Germany.

Research Areas and Thematic Clusters

Applicants are encouraged to develop research proposals aligned with the ABCD Centre’s three interconnected research clusters.

Cluster I: Water Security and Water Resources Management

This cluster focuses on water security and the challenges of sustainably managing and supplying water resources.

Research areas include:

• Water security
• Water resources management
• Secure water supply
• Water treatment
• Innovative approaches to water management
• Technologies and approaches for improving access to and sustainability of water resources

This cluster may be particularly relevant to researchers investigating how societies can improve water availability, water quality, infrastructure, and resource management in the context of growing environmental pressures.

Cluster II: Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-Based Adaptation

This cluster focuses on strengthening ecosystems and exploring nature-based approaches to climate adaptation.

Potential areas include:

• Ecosystem resilience
• Nature-based solutions
• Climate adaptation
• Environmental restoration
• Sustainable ecosystem management
• Innovative monitoring systems
• Adaptation measures that work with natural processes

Researchers working on environmental systems and solutions that use or strengthen natural ecosystems to address climate risks are encouraged to consider this research cluster.

Cluster III: Transfer Strategies for Climate Adaptation

This cluster focuses on how climate adaptation research can be transferred into society and translated into practical action.

It includes areas such as:

• Traditional knowledge
• Local economies
• Societal acceptance
• Climate adaptation strategies
• Knowledge transfer
• Policy development
• Community-based approaches
• Translating scientific findings into practical solutions

This cluster recognizes that effective climate adaptation requires more than scientific innovation. Solutions must also be socially acceptable, economically realistic, culturally appropriate, and capable of being implemented by communities and institutions.

Priority Research Topics for the 2027 Scholarship

Although the scholarship is open to a broad range of research topics connected to the ABCD Centre’s thematic clusters, priority will be given to proposals addressing five specific areas.

Topic A: Modelling Water Infrastructure, Digitalization and Habitat Modelling

This area includes research into:

• Water infrastructure modelling
• Innovative digitalization methods
• Digital twins
• Habitat modelling

Applicants working on the use of digital technologies, modelling systems, simulations, or related tools to improve water infrastructure or environmental management may find this theme particularly relevant.

Topic B: Innovative Monitoring for Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-Based Adaptation

This topic focuses on improved methods for monitoring ecosystems and understanding their resilience to environmental change.

Research could address:

• Innovative environmental monitoring
• Ecosystem resilience
• Nature-based adaptation measures
• Monitoring tools and technologies
• Assessment of environmental adaptation strategies

Topic C: Climate-Driven Water Extremes in Urban Areas

This theme addresses the increasing risks that climate change creates for urban water systems.

Potential research may focus on climate-driven:

• Flooding
• Water scarcity
• Extreme rainfall
• Urban water challenges
• Other water-related climate extremes

Researchers investigating how cities can prepare for, manage, and adapt to increasingly severe water-related climate events are encouraged to consider this topic.

Topic D: Sustainable Business Models for Unconventional Water Resources

This research area focuses on developing sustainable approaches for the use and management of unconventional water resources.

Applicants may explore:

• Sustainable water business models
• Alternative water resources
• Economic approaches to water management
• Resource efficiency
• Innovative approaches to water supply

The theme highlights the importance of developing solutions that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable.

Topic E: Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Building Solutions for Climate Adaptation

This topic focuses on sustainable materials and construction approaches that can contribute to climate adaptation.

Research may involve:

• Eco-friendly materials
• Sustainable building solutions
• Climate-resilient construction
• Environmentally sustainable infrastructure
• Materials that support climate adaptation

Who Can Apply

The scholarship is specifically designed for doctoral students from developing countries. Applicants must satisfy the programme’s stated eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be doctoral or PhD students
• Have commenced their PhD studies within the last three years
• Be registered as full-time PhD students
• Be enrolled at a university in a developing country
• Have a research topic that can be aligned with the thematic areas of the ABCD Centre
• Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
• Be prepared to undertake the proposed research stay at the selected German host institution
• Have the necessary support and agreement from their home institution and doctoral supervisor

The call does not specify eligibility according to race or ethnicity. Rather, its geographic eligibility is framed around doctoral students from developing countries or Global South countries who are studying at universities in developing countries.

Applicants should therefore carefully establish that their home country and institution meet the programme’s definition or requirements for developing-country eligibility before submitting an application.

Why This Scholarship Is a Valuable Opportunity

The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship offers more than financial assistance. For a doctoral researcher from a developing country, a nine-month research stay at a leading German academic or research institution can provide exposure to international research networks, specialized expertise, new methodologies, research infrastructure, and potential future collaborations. The programme is also strongly focused on translating research into practical solutions. This makes it particularly suitable for researchers who want their work to influence environmental policy, planning, technology, community-level solutions, or sustainable development practices. The opportunity can also help scholars develop research outputs, international connections, and experience that may support future academic collaborations and third-party research funding.

What the Scholarship Covers

The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship provides financial support intended to cover key expenses associated with the research stay in Germany.

The scholarship typically includes support for mobility, accommodation and living expenses, insurance, and travel.

• Monthly accommodation and living expenses: Selected scholars will receive €1,200 per month. This allowance is intended to contribute towards accommodation and living costs during the research stay.
• Insurance allowance: The scholarship provides an insurance allowance of up to €105 per month. The exact amount is subject to the programme’s stated maximum.
• Travel allowance: A one-time travel expense stipend of up to €1,000 is available to support travel expenses associated with the research stay.
• Research materials and equipment: In addition to the personal allowances, up to €1,000 may be allocated for research project materials and equipment through the host institution. This additional funding can provide valuable support for researchers who require specific materials, equipment, or other research-related resources to conduct the approved project.

Duration of the Research Stay

Each scholarship lasts for nine months. The research stay is scheduled to run from March 1, 2027, to November 30, 2027. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their willingness to spend the complete nine-month period in Germany. Preference is given to candidates who are willing to undertake the full research stay rather than only a shorter period.

Available Host Institutions

Applicants must identify their preferred host institution as part of the application.

• RWTH Aachen University: The first option is RWTH Aachen University, located in Aachen, Germany. Applicants interested in undertaking their proposed research at RWTH Aachen should identify a suitable host scientist and, preferably, obtain an invitation letter from the prospective host.
• Technische Universität Dresden: The second option is Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). Researchers whose projects align with the university’s relevant expertise may select TU Dresden as their preferred host institution.
• UNU Resource Nexus: The third option is the UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU Resource Nexus), located in Dresden. This option may be particularly relevant for applicants working on integrated approaches to resources, environmental management, water, sustainability, and related areas.

Application Documents

Applicants are required to compile their application materials into one single PDF file. The application should contain the following documents:

1. Personal motivation for the research stay: Applicants must provide a 2–3 page motivation statement explaining their motivation for undertaking the research stay. The statement should clearly communicate why the applicant wants to participate, how the research stay fits into their doctoral project, and how the proposed experience will contribute to their academic and professional development.

2. Sample of a scientific paper: Applicants must provide a sample of a written scientific paper. This gives the selection committee an opportunity to assess the applicant’s academic writing and research capabilities.

3. Recent Curriculum Vitae: A current CV should be included, highlighting relevant academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional experience, awards, projects, skills, and other achievements relevant to the proposed research.

4. Preferred host university: Applicants must clearly indicate which of the three participating institutions they prefer: RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden, or UNU Resource Nexus.

5. Support letter from the home institution: A support letter from the applicant’s home institution is required. This is important because the research stay forms part of the applicant’s ongoing doctoral work and requires institutional support.

6. Invitation letter from a host scientist: An invitation letter from a prospective host scientist is preferably included. While the wording indicates that this is preferred rather than listed as an absolute mandatory document, applicants should make every reasonable effort to establish contact with an appropriate host researcher before applying.

7. Statement regarding online work: Applicants must provide a statement demonstrating their ability to work online if remote work is required. This requirement is relevant to the practical organization of the research stay and any circumstances in which some research activities may need to be undertaken remotely.

8. Enrollment certificate and transcript: Applicants must submit an enrollment certificate from their home institution and a current transcript of records. These documents must be no older than six months.

9. Passport copy: A copy of the applicant’s passport must also be included in the application.

Note: Interested doctoral candidates should prepare their application materials carefully and submit the complete PDF application to abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de before the deadline.

Agreements Required Before Applying

Before submitting the application, the applicant’s doctoral supervisor and home university must agree on several important aspects of the proposed research stay.

• Research topic: The applicant, supervisor, and home institution should agree on a research topic aligned with the ABCD Centre’s research clusters and priorities.
• Doctoral project timeline: A detailed timeline of the entire doctoral project must be established. This should show how the proposed nine-month research stay fits into the applicant’s broader PhD programme.
• Research project in Germany: Applicants must describe the specific research project they intend to conduct in Germany. This description should include the research objectives, activities to be undertaken, a timetable, how the research contributes to the overall PhD, and plans for future third-party funded research projects.
• Outreach contributions: Applicants should also describe their planned contributions to the ABCD Centre’s outreach activities. This highlights the programme’s emphasis on knowledge sharing and communication beyond the immediate research project.

How Will Applicants Be Selected?

Selection is based on several factors. The ABCD Centre’s Steering Committee is responsible for carrying out the selection process.

Key selection considerations include:

• Academic merit: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.
• Motivation: The committee will consider the applicant’s motivation to contribute meaningfully to the relevant environmental field. A strong application should explain not only why the applicant wants to travel to Germany but also why the proposed research matters and what impact it could have.
• Quality of the research proposal: The quality and relevance of the proposed research project are central to the selection process. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research problem, well-defined objectives, a logical methodology, relevance to the ABCD Centre, potential practical applications, a realistic timeline, and potential contribution to policy or practice.
• Commitment to the full research stay: Preference is given to candidates who are willing to spend the full nine months in Germany.
• Policy relevance: Applicants who are interested in translating research findings into policy papers are also given preference. This reinforces the programme’s objective of connecting academic research with practical environmental and policy solutions.
• English proficiency and communication: Proficiency in English is considered important. Applicants should also demonstrate effective communication skills because the programme involves international academic collaboration, research exchange, and outreach activities.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to conducting research in Germany is another important consideration. Successful applicants should be prepared to work within an international research environment and collaborate with researchers from different academic and cultural backgrounds.

Reporting Requirements

Successful scholarship recipients will have responsibilities beyond simply completing their research stay.

• Scholarship and experience report: A mandatory scholarship and experience report must be submitted three months before the scholarship ends. Recipients should therefore keep records throughout the research stay that can help them prepare the required report.
• Scientific draft paper: Before the end of the research stay, scholars must submit a scientific draft paper based on the research conducted during the fellowship. The paper should demonstrate the scientific outcomes of the research stay. The draft may subsequently be developed further into a publication. This requirement means that applicants should approach the nine-month stay with a clear plan for generating tangible research outputs.

Rules and Regulations

The scholarship operates under the applicable rules and regulations of:

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• The German Federal Foreign Office
• The relevant host institutions

Upon selection, scholarship recipients will be required to sign a contract with their host institution. The contract will outline the terms of the scholarship and expected conduct during the research stay.

Advice for Prospective Applicants

Applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline because the application requires multiple documents and institutional coordination.

A strong applicant should consider the following steps:

• Confirm your eligibility by checking that you are a full-time PhD student at a university in a developing country and that your PhD began within the last three years
• Review the ABCD Centre research clusters and identify where your doctoral research fits
• Consider the five priority topics and determine whether your project can directly address one of them
• Identify your preferred German host institution based on research fit rather than simply selecting an institution because of its reputation
• Identify potential host scientists whose research interests align with your proposed project
• Seek a host invitation letter early, since the call preferably requests one
• Discuss the proposed research stay with your PhD supervisor and home university and obtain the required institutional support
• Develop a strong research plan showing what you will accomplish during the nine months
• Prepare your motivation statement carefully, explaining the academic, research, practical, and policy value of the proposed stay
• Update your CV and select a strong scientific paper that demonstrates your research and writing ability
• Obtain recent academic documents, making sure the enrollment certificate and transcript are not more than six months old
• Prepare the required statement about online work if remote work becomes necessary
• Ensure all documents are combined into one PDF file before submission
• Submit the application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day

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