The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) is a transcontinental partnership that integrates research, education, and knowledge transfer to address the urgent global challenges of climate change and sustainable water management.

By connecting leading academic and research institutions across Europe and Asia, the ABCD-Centre fosters scientific collaboration and policy-relevant research that promotes resilience in the face of accelerating environmental change. The Centre’s work aligns with global sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—with a strong focus on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Objectives

The scholarships aim to:

• • Support capacity development for doctoral candidates from the Global South in climate adaptation and water-related research.
  • Strengthen international cooperation between partner institutions in Europe and Asia.
  • Advance applied research that contributes to policy, planning, and sustainable resource management.
  • Foster academic mobility and long-term collaboration among emerging scholars and global experts.

Research Themes

Applicants are encouraged to align their proposed research with the ABCD-Centre’s thematic priorities, which include:

• • Integrated water resource management and transboundary water governance
  • Climate adaptation strategies for urban and rural ecosystems
  • Sustainable land use and ecosystem restoration
  • Circular economy approaches in water and waste systems
  • Nature-based solutions for resilience and disaster risk reduction

• Water–energy–food nexus and sustainable resource interactions

The Centre strongly values interdisciplinary approaches that combine scientific innovation with social, economic, and policy perspectives.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The scholarships are open to doctoral students from countries in the Global South who are currently enrolled in or affiliated with recognized research institutions. Applicants must demonstrate:

• A strong academic background in environmental sciences, engineering, natural resource management, or a related field.
• A clear research proposal that aligns with the ABCD-Centre’s thematic focus.
• Commitment to advancing sustainable development and applying knowledge in their home countries.
• Proficiency in English, as it is the working language across all participating institutions.

Applicants are expected to submit:

• A completed application form (available on the ABCD-Centre website)
• A detailed research proposal (maximum five pages)
• A letter of motivation
• Academic transcripts and proof of enrollment in a PhD program
• Two academic reference letters
• Proof of English language proficiency