Eligibility
This programme is for master’s students enrolled at the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). Master’s students enrolled at other universities are invited to visit the section Master’s Thesis Opportunity.
Objective
This initiative provides graduate students with the opportunity to write a master’s thesis under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and TU Dresden. Upon completion of the master’s thesis, successful candidates are expected to have developed deeper knowledge, understanding, and capabilities in the context of the study area and will disseminate the research results in a way that is beneficial for the research area and for their career.
The master’s thesis topics are developed together with professors at TU Dresden.
Eligibility
This programme is for master’s students enrolled at the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden). Master’s students enrolled at other universities are invited to visit the section Master’s Thesis Opportunity.
Objective
This initiative provides graduate students with the opportunity to write a master’s thesis under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and TU Dresden. Upon completion of the master’s thesis, successful candidates are expected to have developed deeper knowledge, understanding, and capabilities in the context of the study area and will disseminate the research results in a way that is beneficial for the research area and for their career.
The master’s thesis topics are developed together with professors at TU Dresden.
Criteria
The qualifications which will be considered in the application process include, but are not limited to, the following. The ideal candidate:
- is currently pursuing a master’s degree at TU Dresden
- has proven proficiency in oral and written English
- is able to work within agreed timelines and to communicate clearly and effectively
- is a good team player with strong interpersonal skills
- demonstrates the ability to work in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
- works on a thesis topic that is related to the Resource Nexus
- connects their work to ongoing projects
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation.
Duration
The successful candidate shall complete and submit the master’s thesis for evaluation within an agreed timeline of not more than six months with both supervisors.
Important Information
Please note that this opportunity will not be financially remunerated. The purpose of the master’s thesis opportunity is not to lead to further employment at UNU-FLORES but to complement an applicant’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment after completion of the master’s thesis. Also, please note that the medium of instruction at UNU-FLORES is English.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Topics
Climate and Context: The Role of Location in the Environmental Sustainability of Vertical Farming
This thesis investigates how the environmental performance of vertical farming systems varies across different climate zones. Since vertical farms operate with many controlled factors, the need for heating, cooling, and humidity regulation may significantly differ by location, affecting energy use and overall environmental impact. The study aims to explore these differences through a literature analysis comparing different environmental assessments and the context of the vertical farm, such as location and resource availability. The study should identify the conditions under which vertical farming can be considered environmentally favorable.
Research Question: How does the environmental performance of vertical farming systems vary across different locations, and what are the main factors influencing these differences?
In case of the interest, please reach out to Ms Juliane Dziumla.
Assessing Grassland Ecosystem Vulnerability Under Climate Change Scenarios
This study employs an integrated nexus approach to analyze the interrelationships between climate variables, vegetation dynamics (NDVI, NPP, EVI). Through regression modeling and scenario projections (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), it identifies vulnerable areas and provides insights for sustainable land use planning.
Research Question: How do projected changes in climate variables affect vegetation productivity, and what regions are most at risk?
In case of the interest, please reach out to Dr Azin Zarei .
Modeling the Spatio-Temporal Response of Grassland Vegetation to Climate Change
Focusing on long-term trends (2001–2050), this study models the impact of temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration on Net Primary Productivity (NPP). Using statistical regression and remote sensing data, it identifies patterns of vegetation response and implications for ecological sustainability.
Research Question: What are the projected spatio-temporal patterns of grassland vegetation change under different climate scenarios, and how can these patterns inform conservation strategies?
In case of the interest, please reach out to Dr Azin Zarei .
Sustainable finance of funding mechanisms in development and sustainability projects
The thesis will examine how financial institutions such as multilateral development banks (e.g. the World Bank, Asian Development Bank), bilateral donors, funds (e.g. Green Climate Fund) and national development banks provide financial means—through grants, concessional loans, or blended finance, etc. —and what criteria they apply in the allocation process (due diligence, risk and solvency assessments, etc.) . Based on a systematic review of the current literature, the student will develop a conceptual framework to classify and compare these criteria, and use it to analyze current funding practices for development and ESG-projects across selected institutions and case examples.
For more information regarding the topic, please reach out to Dr. Matthias Walz.
Spatial-based analysis of a sustainability Composite Indicator for the Assessment of Resilient Urban Agriculture and Urban Development
This opportunity aligns with our ongoing efforts to develop a general framework for understanding how vulnerability, whether spatial, socioecological, or institutional, affects the integration of UPA into urban planning systems. Our work examines spatial inequality and governance in cities like Bogotá, aiming to understand how urban structures influence access to food, green infrastructure, and opportunities for resilience. Through this research, we address critical questions such as: What factors most strongly influence vulnerability in UPA planning? How do governance mechanisms in cities like Bogotá affect equitable access to agricultural spaces? And how can multilayered, data-driven research be applied to enhance urban interventions? Students will have the opportunity to contribute to applied case studies, spatial analysis, policy evaluation, and field-based assessments, while helping to co-design strategies for reducing urban vulnerability through participatory and evidence-based planning.
For the development of this master's thesis, it is necessary to analyze a database containing over 3,000 entries from surveys collected in Bogotá, and a geographical information system (GIS)- based analysis is required.
For more information regarding the topic, please reach out to Jairo Guzman, Serena Caucci.
Challenges in natural resource management for biodiversity conservation in Agri-food systems in Colombia
We are seeking engaged and passionate master’s students to join our research project on the challenges of natural resource management for biodiversity conservation within Colombia's agri-food systems. The project aims to develop an index to measure the efficacy of biodiversity conservation policies, with a strong spatial component. Candidates will contribute to identifying key biodiversity threats, analyzing open-source environmental and land-use datasets, and exploring how urban planning decisions intersect with ecological outcomes in agricultural landscapes. The research will integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial policy analysis, and sustainability metrics to enhance understanding and monitoring of conservation efforts in multifunctional landscapes. Prior knowledge in GIS and an interest in urban-rural linkages, agri-environmental governance, and open-source data collection are essential. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to evidence-based policy tools for biodiversity protection in one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries.
For more information regarding the topic, please reach out to Jairo Guzman, Serena Caucci.
For additional research topics and potential supervisors, please visit our Experts page. If you find an area of interest, feel free to reach out to the respective colleagues directly.
Application Procedure
- All applications should include:
- Completed and signed application form
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of academic records related to master’s courses
- Proof of English proficiency
- Proof of the topic registration
- Completed and signed application form
Interested applicants should send their application material in one single PDF file to the respective thesis topic supervisor.
Alternatively, students are also welcomed to propose their own thesis topic to a potential supervisor at UNU-FLORES. Please reach out directly to the experts according to the Institute’s research themes and/or analytical perspectives.