The University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences are inviting applications for 10 doctoral research positions under the DFG Research Training Group (RTG) “Urban Future – Managing Transformations for Better Health in Blue Cities.”

The interdisciplinary doctoral programme focuses on the relationship between urbanisation, water, public health, ecological sustainability and social justice, with particular attention to cities located along rivers and coastlines.

Starting in April 2027, successful candidates will join a structured four-year doctoral programme that combines individual PhD research with interdisciplinary training, seminars, systems-thinking approaches, transdisciplinary research methods and professional development.

The programme is particularly relevant to graduates interested in urban health, public health, climate change, water-health systems, governance, environmental sustainability, infectious diseases, urban planning, ecological systems, development studies and social sciences.

Successful doctoral researchers will receive a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 (65%), according to the German public-sector salary scale. Employment will be at either the University of Bonn or Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences.

The application deadline is 19 October 2026.

About the Urban Future Research Training Group

The DFG Research Training Group “Urban Future” examines how cities can manage urban transformations in ways that improve public health, ecological sustainability and social equity.

The programme uses the concept of the “Blue City” to describe urban areas situated along rivers or coastlines where water is considered more than simply a resource or a potential hazard. Instead, water becomes an integral part of:

• Urban planning
• Infrastructure development
• Environmental management
• Public health
• Social systems
• Urban identity
• Climate adaptation
• Ecological sustainability

The research programme recognises that cities are complex systems in which environmental, social, economic, political and health-related factors interact.

Researchers will therefore investigate the connections between urban transformation, water-related challenges and health outcomes, particularly in rapidly changing urban environments.

A major emphasis is placed on cities in the Global South, which serve as important living laboratories for understanding urban transformation and developing solutions that can contribute to healthier and more sustainable cities.

However, applicants are not restricted to research sites in the Global South. Candidates are free to propose research sites in any Blue City worldwide, provided that the proposed research aligns with the objectives of the programme.

Universities and International Research Network

The Research Training Group is jointly operated by:

• University of Bonn
• Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

It works in cooperation with the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and a network of international partner universities.

The international partnership includes institutions in:

• Ghana
• Togo
• Cameroon
• Brazil
• Japan

The listed partner institutions include:

• KNUST – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
• University of Ghana, Ghana
• University of Cape Coast, Ghana
• University of Lomé, Togo
• University of Buea, Cameroon
• University of São Paulo, Brazil
• The University of Tokyo, Japan

This international structure gives doctoral researchers an opportunity to work within a research environment that connects European and Global South perspectives on urban health, sustainability and transformation.

Four Research Themes of the Urban Future PhD Programme

The doctoral programme is organised around four major interdisciplinary research themes.

Research Theme A: Urban Health Resilience

The Urban Health Resilience theme examines how urban communities respond to and recover from health pressures associated with water and environmental change.

Research may focus on issues such as:

• Flooding
• Drought
• Urban heat islands
• Air pollution
• Unequal access to clean water
• Food systems
• Environmental exposures
• Mental health
• Social inequalities
• Climate adaptation
• Green and blue infrastructure

The research theme combines perspectives from areas such as epidemiology, sociology, environmental science, urban planning and public health.

Researchers will examine how communities can develop greater resilience while ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

Example PhD research topics

Potential research areas include:

Urban Food Systems

Possible methods include:

• Nutritional analysis
• Dietary surveys
• Health outcome measurements
• Intervention studies

Soil Health and Soil Functions

Potential methods include:

• Soil surveys
• Soil health indicator measurement
• Ecosystem measurements
• Functional measurements

One Health and Planetary Health Resilience

Potential methods include:

• Human and mental health assessments
• Environmental exposure measurements
• Longitudinal studies
• Spatial analysis
• Socio-ecological analysis
• Intervention and transformative studies

Urban Blue and Green Infrastructure

Potential methods include:

• Health impact assessments
• Human and mental health assessments
• Environmental exposure measurements
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) surveys
• Perception surveys
• Spatial analysis
• Ecosystem services accounting

Potential supervisors

Research Theme A includes supervision from:

• Prof. Dr. Ina Danquah
• PD Dr. Timo Falkenberg
• Prof. Dr. Martin Hamer
• Prof. Wiltrud Terlau
• Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers

Research Theme B: Urban Disease Ecology

The Urban Disease Ecology theme explores how environmental and ecological conditions in urban water landscapes affect disease transmission and human health.

The theme is particularly concerned with:

• Water-borne diseases
• Vector-borne diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Climate-related health risks
• Water quality
• Urban morphology
• Land-use changes
• Urban density
• Pathogen transmission
• Antimicrobial resistance

The research takes a One Health approach, recognising the interconnected relationship between human health, animals and the environment.

Researchers may investigate how changes in urban development, water management and environmental conditions affect the spread of infectious diseases.

Example PhD research topics

Antimicrobial Resistance

Possible methods include:

• Microbiological sampling
• Cultural analysis
• Molecular analysis
• Resistance profiling
• Surveys
• Water quality analysis
• Transmission modelling
• Impact modelling

Helminth Infections and Non-Communicable Diseases

Potential methods include:

• Parasitological analysis
• Microbiological analysis
• Immunological analysis
• Clinical examinations
• Biomarker analysis
• Mouse models for mechanistic research

Urban Microbiome and Dietary Ecology

Potential methods include:

• Microbiome sequencing
• Dietary pattern analysis
• Metagenomic analysis
• Computational analysis

Vector-Borne Disease

Potential methods include:

• Climate monitoring
• Entomological surveys
• Temperature mapping
• Vector modelling
• Pathogen detection

Potential supervisors

Research Theme B includes:

• Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister
• Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf
• Prof. Dr. Marc Hübner
• Dr. Indulekha Karunakaran
• Prof. Dr. Nico Mutters
• PD Dr. Marijo Parcina
• Dr. Manuel Ritter
• Prof. Dr. Marie-Christine Simon
• Dr. Nicole Zacharias

Research Theme C: Governance and Institutional Change

The Governance and Institutional Change theme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in policy, governance, economics, development studies, political science, institutional systems and public-sector transformation.

This research theme examines how political, institutional and societal structures influence urban transformation and the ability of cities to respond to health and environmental challenges.

Areas of interest include:

• Urban governance
• Water-health governance
• Public policy
• Institutional design
• Policy instruments
• Inter-sectoral collaboration
• Financing mechanisms
• Participatory decision-making
• Climate adaptation
• Population growth
• Unequal resource distribution
• Political economy
• Technological change
• Healthcare policy
• Institutional transformation

The research seeks to generate evidence that can support more inclusive, transparent and adaptive approaches to urban development.

Example PhD research topics

Biodiversity-Based Bio-Economies

Possible methods include:

• Economic impact assessment
• Policy analysis
• Value-chain analysis

Cross-Sectoral Governance

Potential methods include:

• Stakeholder mapping
• Policy analysis
• Governance framework development
• Case studies

Urban Transformation and Pharmaceutical Innovation

Potential methods include:

• Case study analysis
• Technology assessment
• Policy evaluation
• Innovation studies

Political Economy of Health Equity and Technological Change

Potential methods include:

• Political economy analysis
• Institutional economics
• Policy process tracing
• Case studies
• Impact analysis

Urban Healthcare Policy Implementation

Potential methods include:

• Institutional economics
• Case studies
• Impact analysis
• Microeconometric evaluation

Climate-Responsive Health Policy

Potential methods include:

• Policy mapping
• Infrastructure mapping
• Spatial analysis
• Policy evaluation
• Implementation research
• Economic impact assessment

Potential supervisors

Research Theme C includes:

• Prof. Dr. Katja Bender
• Prof. Dr. Jan Börner
• Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge
• Prof. Dr. Simona Helmsmüller
• Dr. Christoph Strupat

Research Theme D: Adaptive Urban Ecosystems

The Adaptive Urban Ecosystems theme focuses on how cities can plan and manage ecological and blue-green infrastructure in response to climate change and socio-economic transformation.

Research areas include:

• Urban land-use systems
• Water infrastructure
• Nature-based solutions
• Ecosystem resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Circular economy
• Integrated water-resource management
• Biodiversity
• Urban soil management
• Ecosystem services
• Sustainable urban development

This theme brings together engineering, ecological and planning perspectives to investigate how urban environments can be designed to provide multiple benefits for both people and ecosystems.

Example PhD research topics

Coupling Mechanisms of Urbanization

Potential methods include:

• Hydrological modelling
• System-dynamics modelling
• Ecosystem-services analysis

Biodiversity and Human Wellbeing

Potential methods include:

• Biodiversity surveys
• Spatial data analysis
• Socioeconomic surveys

Urban Soil Management

Potential methods include:

• Soil sampling
• Soil biodiversity surveys
• Morphological identification
• Molecular identification
• Soil health indicators
• Spatial analysis

Urban Decision Environments

Potential methods include:

• Coupled ecological-economic systems modelling
• Collective learning dynamics

One Planetary Health

Potential methods include:

• Integrated modelling
• Framework development
• Systems thinking
• Commons governance studies

Potential supervisors

Research Theme D includes:

• Prof. Dr. Wolfram Barfuss
• Dr. Bibiana Betancur
• Prof. Dr. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger
• Prof. Dr. Mariele Evers

What Does the PhD Programme Offer?

Successful candidates will receive a structured doctoral research experience rather than simply conducting an independent PhD project.

The programme provides several forms of academic and professional support.

1. Four-Year Doctoral Support Contract

The Research Training Group will begin on 1 April 2027.

Successful applicants will receive a four-year doctoral support contract, with remuneration dependent on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65%, in accordance with the German public salary scale.

Employment will be at either:

• University of Bonn; or
• Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences.

2. Funded Research Expenses

The programme states that fieldwork, travel and related research expenses are fully funded.

This is particularly important for doctoral projects involving international fieldwork or research in different urban environments.

3. Structured Doctoral Training

Doctoral researchers will participate in an interdisciplinary training programme covering areas such as:

• Systems thinking
• Transdisciplinary research
• Academic communication
• Interdisciplinary research
• Research methods
• Soft skills
• Professional development

4. Interdisciplinary Research Environment

The programme brings together researchers from different academic disciplines.

This allows doctoral candidates to examine urban health challenges from multiple perspectives rather than approaching them from a single discipline.

5. International Research Network

Researchers will have access to a strong national and international network involving universities and research institutions in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

6. Career Development Support

The programme also provides dedicated career development support, structured supervision and clear progression criteria.

Responsibilities of Selected Doctoral Researchers

Successful candidates will be expected to actively participate in the Research Training Group and contribute to its interdisciplinary research environment.

Their responsibilities will include:

1. Participating actively in the RTG training programme.
2. Taking part in interdisciplinary seminars.
3. Conducting independent doctoral research aligned with one of the four research themes.
4. Developing appropriate research methodologies.
5. Collecting and analysing research data.
6. Publishing research findings.
7. Contributing to the development of Blue City concepts.
8. Participating in transdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
9. Developing systems-thinking and interdisciplinary research capabilities.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is seeking applicants who have already completed a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

The call specifically identifies a broad range of eligible academic backgrounds.

These include:

• Agricultural and Food Systems
• Climate and Earth Sciences
• Development Studies
• Ecology and Life Sciences
• Economics and Management
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Computer Science
• Environmental Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Geography
• Infectious Diseases
• Hygiene and Infection Control
• Medical Microbiology
• Public Health
• Urban and Regional Studies
• Social Sciences

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• A strong interdisciplinary mindset
• A clear interest in urban transformation
• Interest in the water-health nexus and/or urban health
• Excellent written English
• Excellent spoken English

English Language Requirement

Applicants are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency at B2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an equivalent qualification such as TOEFL.

Is the Opportunity Open to International Applicants?

Yes. The programme has an explicitly international research orientation and involves partner institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.

The call identifies partner institutions in Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Brazil and Japan, while applicants are permitted to propose research sites in any Blue City worldwide.

Therefore, the programme is not presented as being restricted to German or European applicants.

Applicants should, however, ensure that they satisfy the academic, language and application requirements specified in the official call.

Application Documents Required

The application process consists of two stages.

Applications will first be assessed by the RTG Selection Committee. Candidates considered among the most qualified will then be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae

A tabular-format CV should be provided, presenting the applicant’s academic background, professional experience, research experience, skills and other relevant information.

2. Degree Certificates and Transcripts

Applicants must provide:

• Higher education degree certificate(s)
• Full transcript(s) of records
• An explanation of the grading system used for previous studies

3. Motivation Letter

A motivation letter of no more than 500 words is required.

The letter should explain the applicant’s motivation for joining the programme and demonstrate their interest in the relevant research area.

4. Research Exposé

Applicants must submit a research exposé of no more than 1,500 words.

This is an important part of the application because candidates are expected to propose doctoral research aligned with one of the programme’s four research themes.

5. Interdisciplinary Research Statement

Applicants must provide an interdisciplinary research statement of no more than 500 words.

This should demonstrate their ability to think across disciplinary boundaries and connect their proposed research with the wider objectives of the Research Training Group.

6. Letter of Recommendation

Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation.

7. English Language Certificate

Applicants must provide evidence of B2-level English proficiency, such as CEFR, TOEFL or an equivalent qualification.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit a complete application is:

19 October 2026

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared and submitted through the online application portal before the deadline.

Candidates should also indicate the specific research theme they are applying for.

Important Information About Gender Equality

The call states that, in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (LGG) NRW, women will be given preference in cases where candidates have equal suitability, qualifications and professional performance, unless reasons relating to another candidate prevail.

The programme also states that it is committed to diversity and equal opportunity and is certified as a family-friendly university.

Why the Blue City Concept Matters

The Blue City concept is central to the programme.

Rather than treating water solely as something that cities need to control, remove or supply, the programme examines water as an important component of the urban environment.

This approach can involve examining:

• Rivers
• Coastlines
• Flood management
• Water infrastructure
• Public health
• Urban ecosystems
• Climate resilience
• Green-blue infrastructure
• Water quality
• Urban planning
• Social equity
• Disease ecology
• Governance

The programme therefore recognises that water-related challenges cannot always be addressed through engineering solutions alone.

They may also require changes in governance, public policy, community participation, health systems, environmental management and urban planning.

Potential Research Opportunities for Social Science Graduates

One notable aspect of this doctoral programme is its interdisciplinary structure.

Applicants from social-science backgrounds can potentially find relevant research opportunities, particularly within Research Cluster C: Governance and Institutional Change.

Relevant areas include:

• Cross-sectoral governance
• Political economy
• Health policy
• Institutional economics
• Policy implementation
• Climate-responsive health policy
• Urban transformation
• Technological change
• Stakeholder participation
• Institutional design

This means that candidates do not necessarily need a medical or laboratory-science background to be relevant to the programme, provided their academic background and proposed research align with one of the eligible areas.

Research Sites Can Be Located Worldwide

Although the Research Training Group places particular emphasis on cities in the Global South, applicants are free to propose research sites in any Blue City worldwide.

This provides considerable flexibility when developing a doctoral research proposal.

Applicants could therefore potentially develop projects examining urban health and water-related challenges in different geographical contexts, provided the proposed research fits the programme’s objectives and one of its four research themes.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Select a Research Theme

Review the four research themes:

1. Urban Health Resilience
2. Urban Disease Ecology
3. Governance and Institutional Change
4. Adaptive Urban Ecosystems

Choose the theme that most closely corresponds to your academic background and proposed doctoral research.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Idea

Prepare a research proposal that addresses a relevant urban-health challenge and demonstrates a clear connection to the selected research theme.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare:

• CV
• Degree certificate(s)
• Full transcript(s)
• Grading-system explanation
• Motivation letter
• Research exposé
• Interdisciplinary research statement
• Recommendation letter
• English-language certificate

Step 4: Submit the Online Application

Submit the complete application through the official University of Bonn application portal.

Step 5: Selection and Interview

The Selection Committee will evaluate applications.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview.

Key Facts at a Glance

Information	Details
Programme	DFG Research Training Group “Urban Future”
Main focus	Urban health and transformations in Blue Cities
Institution	University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Opportunity	Doctoral research positions
Number of positions	10
Duration	4 years
Start date	1 April 2027
Remuneration	TV-L pay grade 13 (65%)
Research expenses	Fieldwork, travel and related research expenses funded
Degree areas	Multiple disciplinary faculties/Promotionskolleg NRW
English requirement	B2 CEFR, TOEFL or equivalent
Application format	Two-stage selection
Interview	Virtual interview for selected candidates
Application deadline	19 October 2026
Research locations	Any Blue City worldwide
International focus	Strong focus on Global South and international partnerships

Conclusion

The Urban Future DFG Research Training Group offers an interdisciplinary doctoral research opportunity for graduates interested in understanding how cities can respond to interconnected challenges involving water, public health, climate change, environmental sustainability and social equity.

With 10 doctoral positions, a four-year support contract, funding for fieldwork and travel, structured doctoral training, interdisciplinary supervision and an international research network, the programme provides a research environment that brings together natural sciences, health sciences, economics, governance, social sciences, environmental research and urban studies.

The four research themes—Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance and Institutional Change, and Adaptive Urban Ecosystems—provide applicants with several pathways for developing a doctoral research project.

Candidates interested in applying should carefully select the research theme that matches their academic background and research interests, prepare the required documents and submit their complete application by 19 October 2026.

Application Link:

https://masterapplication.uni-bonn.de/movein/hosted/online/move/movein/portal/zefb_portal.php

Official Website

https://www.ukbonn.de/ihph/bereiche/urban-future/

For more PHD programs,  visit the OFY Website HERE