The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub · Germany
Applications are open for the Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD Scholarship 2027, an international doctoral research opportunity for qualified graduates interested in agricultural sciences and related disciplines. The programme will support 10 PhD candidates to undertake doctoral studies at German universities while contributing to research activities conducted through CGIAR++ centres and partner institutions.
The scholarship is designed to strengthen collaboration between German universities and international agricultural research organisations. It aims to develop researchers whose work contributes to food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and wider development priorities. Successful applicants will combine academic study with research connected to an existing CGIAR++ programme or project.
The Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Hub connects German scientific expertise with the global CGIAR research partnership, the World Vegetable Center and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, known as icipe. Its activities promote interdisciplinary research, scientific training and practical solutions to development challenges.
The Germany CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD Scholarship supports doctoral researchers whose proposed studies can strengthen ongoing research in agricultural sciences and related fields. Rather than funding an entirely separate research project, the programme expects candidates to demonstrate how their doctoral work will complement an existing CGIAR++ research activity and provide additional scientific value.
Each selected candidate must be enrolled in a PhD programme at a German university and jointly supervised by a university professor and a CGIAR++ researcher. Research activities, including fieldwork, will take place within the context of a relevant CGIAR++ programme or project.
This collaborative arrangement connects doctoral training with practical research challenges and international scientific networks. It also encourages candidates to consider how their findings could contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and other international development priorities.
Successful applicants may receive the following support:
• A monthly scholarship of €1,800 for three years.
• A possible 12 month extension where project progress indicates that the PhD can be completed during the additional period.
• An opportunity to request a research grant of up to €25,000 for costs related to the doctoral project.
• Joint academic supervision by a professor at a German university and a CGIAR++ scientist.
• Access to relevant scientific courses, seminars and structured doctoral training.
• Opportunities to participate in international and interdisciplinary research activities.
• Research experience connected to agricultural development and global sustainability priorities.
• Professional development through collaboration with established scientists and research institutions.
The research grant is an additional request and should not be assumed to be automatically awarded to every scholarship recipient.
Applicants may propose doctoral research in agricultural sciences or a related discipline. Relevant academic backgrounds include:
• Agricultural sciences and biology.
• Geography and environmental studies.
• Forestry and marine biology.
• Veterinary medicine.
• Sociology and political sciences.
• Law and economics.
The proposed research must be relevant to an existing CGIAR++ programme or project. Applicants should explain the research problem, identify the scientific gap their work will address and demonstrate how the proposed study can contribute to broader development objectives.
Candidates should review the current research priorities of potential host centres before preparing their proposals.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Hold a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field.
• Have an above average final grade in their Master’s degree.
• Be prepared to enrol in a PhD programme at a German university.
• Identify a suitable professor affiliated with a German university and a senior scientist from a CGIAR++ centre.
• Secure the commitment of both supervisors to guide the proposed research.
• Connect the doctoral project to an ongoing CGIAR++ research programme or project.
• Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or another recognised certificate.
• Present a research proposal that is scientifically credible and relevant to the work of the proposed host programme.
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
• A signed motivation letter of no more than one page.
• A signed and dated curriculum vitae in tabular format, limited to one page.
• A research proposal prepared using the official application template.
• A Master’s degree certificate.
• An academic transcript issued by the relevant examination office.
• A TOEFL, IELTS or other accepted English proficiency certificate.
The proposed supervisors must also provide supporting documents directly. These include:
• A recommendation letter and supervision confirmation from the German university professor.
• A recommendation letter and supervision commitment from the CGIAR++ scientist, confirming that the research is connected to a relevant programme or project.
• A hosting agreement from the relevant CGIAR++ centre.
Applicants should use the official templates and coordinate with both supervisors to ensure that the required documents are completed and submitted correctly.
Applications will be assessed according to the candidate’s academic and professional profile, the strength of the supervisory team and the quality of the proposed research.
The selection process considers:
• Academic performance and the quality of the applicant’s motivation letter.
• Relevant research experience and potential for a research career.
• Experience related to international research, development priorities or the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The qualifications and suitability of the proposed supervisors.
• The strength of the collaboration between the German university and CGIAR++ centre.
• Scientific quality, clarity of research questions and identification of a research gap.
• The suitability of the proposed methods, references and research timeframe.
• Potential scientific and development impact.
• Consideration of gender in the proposed research where relevant.
• The quality and justification of the research budget.
• Opportunities for producing academic publications.
A strong application should demonstrate both academic merit and a clear contribution to the work of the host research programme.
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
Germany
The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub
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