Deadline: November 15, 2025
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) is inviting applications for the 2026 cohort of the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships. This competitive program supports doctoral students from developing countries to conduct advanced climate adaptation and water research at leading institutions in Germany.
About the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre)
The ABCD-Centre is a strategic consortium established to address global challenges in water security and climate adaptation across multiple regions. It brings together:
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RWTH Aachen University
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Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
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Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
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United Nations University – Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU-FLORES)
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Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)
Research at the ABCD-Centre is organized into three thematic clusters:
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Water Security and Water Resources Management
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Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-Based Adaptation
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Transfer Strategies for Climate Adaptation and Local Knowledge Integration
The Centre trains future environmental leaders by supporting research that translates scientific findings into implementation and policy.
Scholarship Overview
Two fully funded scholarships are available for the 2026 cycle. Each scholarship lasts nine months, with the research stay taking place in Germany from March 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026.
Host Institutions in Germany
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RWTH Aachen University
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Technische Universität Dresden
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UNU-FLORES in Dresden
Priority Research Topics
Applicants must propose a research project aligned with the ABCD-Centre’s clusters. Priority will be given to proposals addressing:
A) Modelling Water Infrastructure and Digital Solutions
B) Innovative Monitoring for Ecosystem Resilience
C) Climate-Driven Water Extremes in Urban Areas
D) Sustainable Business Models for Unconventional Water Resources
E) Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Building for Climate Adaptation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be citizens of a developing country
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Be currently enrolled as full-time doctoral students
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Have started their PhD no more than three years ago
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Demonstrate English proficiency and a strong academic track record
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Show readiness to reside in Germany for up to nine months
Scholarship Benefits
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship includes:
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Monthly living and accommodation allowance: €1,200
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Monthly health insurance allowance: up to €105
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Travel stipend (one-time): up to €1,000
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Research support funds: up to €1,000 for materials and equipment
How to Apply
Applicants must compile all documents into a single PDF and send it to
abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de by November 15, 2025.
Required Application Documents
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Personal motivation letter (2–3 pages)
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Sample of a written scientific paper
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Curriculum Vitae
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Two recommendation letters from the home institution
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Statement confirming ability to work online if needed
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Enrollment certificate and transcript of records (issued within the last six months)
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Passport copy
Additionally, supervisors and the home university must confirm:
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Alignment of the research topic with ABCD clusters
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A timeline for the full doctoral research project
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A draft research plan for the stay in Germany
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Willingness to support outreach and dissemination activities
Selection Process
Selection is carried out by the ABCD-Centre Steering Committee. Evaluation criteria include:
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Academic excellence
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Relevance and feasibility of the research proposal
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Motivation and leadership potential
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Contribution to climate adaptation solutions
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Willingness to complete the full nine-month residency
Preference is given to candidates who intend to produce policy-relevant outputs and research with practical application.
Additional Conditions
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A scholarship and experience report must be submitted three months before the end of the stay
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DAAD and German Federal Foreign Office regulations apply
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Contract signing with the host institution is mandatory upon acceptance
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Applicants may consult DAAD or their International Office for logistical guidance
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY
Contact
For inquiries and further clarification:
Email: abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de