Resource Nexus for Sustainability Transformations - NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027
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. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
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. For more information, please visit https://flores.unu.edu/.
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 the opportunity to conduct doctoral studies on one of the topics listed here -
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;
Adhere to the highest standards of research integrity and good academic practices.
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.
4. Perform other duties assigned by the supervision team.
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.
2. Education and Capacity Development
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.
3. Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact
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, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin 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.
Behaviours:
Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
