The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) is offering the “Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships” for doctoral students from the Global South. This prestigious, fully-funded program is designed to support research that can be translated into practical solutions for global water and climate challenges.
Two scholarships will be awarded for a nine-month research stay in Germany, from March 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026. The program aims to provide research-oriented training to future environmental leaders and foster innovative projects in water and climate change adaptation.
Host Institutions:
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
- Technische Universität Dresden, Germany.
- UNU-FLORES (UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources), Dresden, Germany.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded scholarship that includes:
- Monthly Stipend: €1,200 for living expenses and accommodation.
- Insurance Allowance: Up to €105 per month.
- Travel Stipend: A one-time payment of up to €1,000.
- Research Support: Up to €1,000 for research materials and equipment, allocated through the host institution.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of a developing country (Global South).
- Be enrolled as a full-time doctoral student at a university in a developing country.
- Have commenced their PhD studies within the last three years.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and English proficiency.
- Be prepared to reside in Germany for the nine-month duration of the scholarship.
Research Focus Areas
The ABCD-Centre’s work is organized into three main research clusters. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects aligned with these themes:
- Cluster I: Water Security, Water Resources Management, Secure Water Supply, and Water Treatment.
- Cluster II: Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-Based Adaptation Measures.
- Cluster III: Transfer Strategies for Climate Adaptation, including Traditional Knowledge, Local Economies, and Societal Acceptance.
Priority will be given to proposals addressing specific topics such as modeling water infrastructure, innovative monitoring for ecosystem resilience, climate-driven urban water extremes, sustainable business models for water resources, and eco-friendly building solutions.
Application Process
Deadline: November 15, 2025
To apply, you must compile all required documents into a single PDF file and email it to abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de.
Required Documents: A detailed list of required documents can be found in the official call for applications. Based on previous calls, these typically include a CV, passport copy, proof of PhD enrollment, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
Application Link: For the official announcement and to find detailed application requirements, please refer to the official ABCD-Centre website at https://abcd-centre.org/fel.html
