The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) is pleased to announce the Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026, a prestigious fully funded PhD opportunity for outstanding researchers from the Global South. This doctoral fellowship aims to empower early-career scholars to address urgent global challenges in climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and environmental resilience.
Jointly hosted by RWTH Aachen University, the United Nations University – Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), and Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), the program fosters excellence in research, academic exchange, and global collaboration.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2025
About the ABCD-Centre
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) is a transcontinental research consortium dedicated to integrating education, innovation, and policy-oriented science.
Its mission is to advance sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges, focusing on climate change adaptation and water resource management.
The Centre’s initiatives are closely aligned with major international frameworks, including:
The Paris Agreement
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Through its interdisciplinary approach, the ABCD-Centre promotes knowledge exchange among leading universities and research institutions across Europe and Asia.
Scholarship Objectives
The Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 aim to:
Strengthen research capacity among doctoral scholars from the Global South.
Build international partnerships between institutions in Europe and Asia.
Encourage policy-relevant and applied research supporting sustainable development.
Promote academic mobility and cross-cultural scientific collaboration.
Scholarship Details
Selected candidates will pursue nine months of advanced doctoral research and training at one of the Centre’s partner institutions in Germany — RWTH Aachen University, UNU-FLORES, or TU Dresden.
The fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research addressing the interconnections between climate adaptation, sustainable water systems, and natural resource management.
Participants will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to implement evidence-based, sustainable environmental initiatives in their home regions.
Research Themes
Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with one or more of the following ABCD-Centre thematic areas:
Integrated Water Resource Management and Transboundary Governance
Climate Adaptation Strategies for Urban and Rural Ecosystems
Sustainable Land Use and Ecosystem Restoration
Circular Economy in Water and Waste Systems
Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction
Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Sustainable Resource Interactions
These themes reflect the Centre’s holistic approach to linking environmental science, policy, and technological innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to doctoral students from the Global South who are currently enrolled in or affiliated with accredited research institutions.
Applicants must demonstrate:
A strong academic background in environmental sciences, engineering, resource management, or related fields.
A well-structured research proposal aligned with the objectives of the ABCD-Centre.
A commitment to advancing sustainable development in their home country or region.
Proficiency in English, which is the program’s working language.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their complete application package electronically by 15 November 2025.
Required documents include:
A completed application form (available on the official ABCD-Centre website)
A detailed research proposal (maximum five pages)
A motivation letter outlining academic goals and relevance to the program
Academic transcripts and proof of PhD enrollment
Two academic reference letters
Proof of English language proficiency
Academic Environment and Benefits
Successful candidates will become part of an international research community through the ABCD-Centre Doctoral Research Program in Germany.
The scholarship provides a comprehensive academic experience, including:
Expert supervision and mentorship by distinguished scholars
Access to advanced research facilities and laboratories
Networking and capacity-building workshops
Participation in international conferences and academic exchanges
Opportunities for collaborative research and joint publications
Beyond academic excellence, this fellowship enables participants to translate scientific insights into real-world policy and community action, contributing directly to sustainable development.
Partner Institutions
RWTH Aachen University (Germany): A leading institution in engineering, technology, and environmental innovation.
UNU-FLORES (Dresden): A United Nations research institute specializing in integrated environmental resource management.
Technische Universität Dresden: One of Germany’s most research-intensive universities, renowned for sustainability-focused, interdisciplinary studies.
Together, these institutions form the academic foundation of the Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026, promoting global cooperation for climate adaptation and sustainable resource management.
Application Deadline
15 November 2025
For more information, application forms, and detailed eligibility criteria, visit the official ABCD-Centre website.
FAQs – Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026
Q1: Who is eligible to apply?A: Doctoral students from countries in the Global South conducting research on climate adaptation, water management, or environmental sustainability.
Q2: What does the scholarship cover?A: A fully funded nine-month research fellowship in Germany, including supervision, training, and opportunities for international collaboration.
Q3: What is the application deadline?A: Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2025.
Q4: Is prior research experience required?A: Yes. Applicants must have a solid research foundation in environmental sciences or related disciplines.
Q5: Where can I apply?A: Applications should be submitted via the official ABCD-Centre website under the Scholarship Section.
