PhD Programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance and Sustainable Development

Introduction

The PhD programme on Innovation, Economics, Governance and Sustainable Development (IEGSD) at UNU-MERIT offers a world-class education, comprehensive training, and expert supervision to PhD candidates eager to explore the transformative effects of innovative technologies, public policies, and governance on global development outcomes. Situated within UNU-MERIT, the programme benefits from the vast resources, knowledge, and extensive networks of the United Nations University and its affiliated UN organisations. Its integration into Maastricht University (UM) ensures that the research conducted maintains the highest standards of academic rigor while directly addressing real-world policy challenges.

Our unique blend of academic excellence and policy relevance equips PhD candidates with the critical skills and knowledge to conduct their doctoral research.  The programme's research agenda focuses on key technological trends and policy initiatives that influence sustainable development outcomes such as reduced poverty and inequality, decent work and economic growth, clean water and energy, health, education and climate action. The overarching aim is to contribute to the achievement of a broad range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by deepening our understanding of these crucial intersections.

Diverse PhD Tracks

Both the Dual Career PhD Programme (DC) and the Full-time PhD Programme (FT) offer a unique opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in Innovation, Economics, Governance, and Sustainable Development. Our programme currently hosts over 100 PhD fellows working on their doctoral dissertations in one of the two tracks:

•    The Full-Time PhD track is a rigorous four-year programme based in Maastricht and is designed for students who are deeply committed to advancing research in our key areas.  Candidates in this track typically secure funding through grants or scholarships, allowing them to focus fully on their doctoral research.

•    The Dual Career PhD track has a flexible format which enables professionals with a strong research ambition to develop and execute a high-quality research project that culminates in a PhD, while balancing their existing career responsibilities.  This flexible track accommodates the unique needs of professionals, allowing for limited but regular on-site presence, self-paced work, and online support.  It offers the same rigorous academic standards, staff support, and doctoral degree.  

By offering both tracks, UNU-MERIT ensures that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances can contribute to the ongoing academic research and policy debates that shape our understanding of innovation, governance, and sustainable development.

Supervisory Excellence

UNU-MERIT’s PhD programme boasts a distinguished international faculty, drawing from experts and renowned scholars within UNU, UM, and beyond. This wealth of knowledge and experience provides exceptional supervisory capacity, ensuring that PhD candidates receive first-rate guidance throughout their academic journey, culminating in a doctoral degree from Maastricht University.

How to apply?

Applications to our PhD programme are open now, with a deadline for applications on 15 February 2025. (Both programme tracks start in September and so the next cohort will begin in September 2025.) Applications are invited from highly motivated and talented fellows, especially from the Global South.

Application forms and information about selection criteria and procedures can be found on the webpages of the respective programmes.

Consultation hours

In case you have questions about the respective programme tracks, you can attend our online consultation hours on:
•    December 9, 2024  
•    January 23, 2025 

at 15.00-16.00h (GMT+1 Amsterdam time) for information related to the full time track and at 16.00-17.00h (GMT+1 Amsterdam time) for information about the dual career track. 

Please send an email to phdprogramme@merit.unu.edu to register and receive the meeting details.

Point of contact

For more information about our PhD programme, please contact: phdprogramme@merit.unu.edu