ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027

Applications are now open for the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027, an international research opportunity for doctoral students from developing countries working on water, climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and related challenges.

The scholarships are offered through the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre, known as the ABCD Centre, which connects research, education and knowledge transfer across partner institutions in Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai and Dresden. The programme is designed to strengthen academic exchange between the Global South and Global North while supporting research that can be translated into practical solutions.

Two scholarships will be awarded for research stays lasting nine months. Successful applicants will undertake their research between March 1 and November 30, 2027, at one of three participating host institutions in Germany. Applicants must indicate their preferred host university when applying.

The programme is particularly relevant to PhD researchers whose work contributes to water security, climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable infrastructure and innovative approaches to environmental challenges. The current call gives priority to several thematic areas while remaining open to a broader range of research topics connected to the ABCD Centre clusters.

About the Scholarship

The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships support doctoral researchers from developing countries by providing an opportunity to conduct part of their research at a leading European research institution.

The nine month research stay allows selected scholars to work with researchers and academic experts, strengthen their doctoral research and develop research outputs with practical relevance. The programme also encourages collaboration between the scholar, their home institution and the German host institution.

Applicants can select one of the following host institutions:

• RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany

• Technische Universität Dresden in Dresden, Germany

• UNU Resource Nexus at the UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources in Dresden, Germany

Scholarship Benefits

• Nine month research stay in Germany

• €1,200 per month for accommodation and living expenses

• Insurance allowance of up to €105 per month

• One time travel expense stipend of up to €1,000

• Up to €1,000 for research project materials and equipment through the host institution

• Research collaboration with an ABCD Centre partner institution

• Opportunity to strengthen and advance doctoral research

• Academic and professional exposure within an international research environment

• Opportunity to contribute to ABCD Centre outreach activities

Thematic Priority Areas

Applicants are encouraged to develop research projects connected to the thematic areas of ABCD Centre Clusters I, II and III. Priority will be given to research addressing areas such as:

• Modelling water infrastructure, digitalisation and habitat modelling: Research involving innovative approaches to water infrastructure, digital twins and habitat modelling.

• Ecosystem resilience and nature based adaptation: Innovative monitoring approaches and adaptation measures that strengthen ecosystem resilience.

• Climate driven water extremes in urban areas: Research examining urban water challenges resulting from climate change and extreme weather events.

• Sustainable business models for unconventional water resources: Research focused on sustainable economic and business approaches for unconventional sources of water.

• Eco friendly materials and sustainable building solutions: Research developing environmentally responsible materials and construction solutions for climate adaptation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a doctoral student

• Have commenced their PhD studies within the last three years

• Be registered as a full time PhD student

• Be enrolled at a university in a developing country

• Propose research that is relevant to the ABCD Centre thematic areas

• Be able to develop a clear research project for the proposed research stay

• Have the support of their home institution for the research stay

• Be prepared to collaborate with the selected German host institution

Required Application Materials

Applicants should combine their application documents into a single PDF file containing:

• Personal motivation for the research stay of two to three pages

• A sample of a written scientific paper

• Recent curriculum vitae

• Preferred host university

• Support letter from the home institution

• Invitation letter from a host scientist, preferably

• Statement confirming the ability to work online if remote work is required

• Enrollment certificate from the home institution

• Current transcript of records issued within the previous six months

• Passport copy

Applicants should also work with their supervisor and home university to agree on key elements of the proposed research before submitting the application.

Research Planning Requirements

At the application stage, the applicant's supervisor and home university must agree on:

• A research topic aligned with the relevant ABCD Centre clusters

• A detailed timeline covering the entire doctoral project

• A description of the research to be conducted in Germany

• A timetable for the proposed research stay

• Plans for future third party funded research projects

• Planned contributions to ABCD Centre outreach activities

These requirements are intended to ensure that the research stay forms an integrated part of the applicant's wider doctoral project rather than functioning as an independent research visit.

How to Apply

1. Review the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027 requirements and thematic priorities.
2. Confirm that you are a full time doctoral student at a university in a developing country and that your PhD began within the last three years.
3. Develop a research proposal that connects your doctoral work with the ABCD Centre's water and climate adaptation priorities.
4. Discuss the proposed research stay with your PhD supervisor and home university.
5. Identify your preferred host institution from RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden or UNU Resource Nexus.
6. Contact a potential host scientist where possible and seek an invitation letter.
7. Prepare your motivation statement, scientific writing sample, CV, institutional support letter, enrollment certificate, recent transcript, passport copy and other required documents.
8. Ensure that your home supervisor and university have agreed on the research timeline, Germany based research activities and planned contributions to ABCD Centre outreach.
9. Combine the required documents into a single PDF file.
10. Submit the complete application by October 31, 2026 using the application email address provided in the official call.