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 Resource Nexus 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 with disabilities, to apply and become part of the organisation.
Duration
The successful candidate shall complete and submit the master’s thesis under joint supervision of both institutes, following the regulations of the home university, within an agreed timeline, typically not more than six months.
Certificate
Upon the successful completion and defense of your master’s thesis, you will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the United Nations University. This certificate serves as a formal recognition of your research, conducted in collaboration with the UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU Resource Nexus) and your home university.
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 Resource Nexus 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 Resource Nexus 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 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 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 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.
Data Availability and Transparency in the Global South
Good research depends on good data, yet access to reliable data differs sharply between regions. In many high-income countries, legal disclosure rules and open data policies give researchers easy access to company reports, public statistics, and institutional studies. In much of the Global South, data is scarcer, concentrated in larger economies, or comes from sources that are hard to verify. This thesis investigates how data availability, quality, and transparency differ between the two, and what that means for people making decisions. The student will map and assess data sources for a chosen resource nexus topic across selected countries and test them through a case study. The goal is a documented set of reliable sources, or a clear guide that helps institutions and practitioners in the Global South make informed decisions where the data availability is weak. The topic suits students of data science, international development, and journalism who want their thesis to produce something others can use. Own topic ideas in this field are welcome.
Possible Research Question: Which data sources can decisionmakers in the Global South rely on for a selected topic, and how do differences in data availability, quality and transparency affect their ability to make informed decisions?
Student Profile: This thesis is for master’s students who have genuine interest and passion for the topic and want to find out which data sources in the Global South are credible. We especially welcome students of international development, journalism, data science, and financial information. Students from related fields, such as public policy, economics, or environmental studies, are also welcome. More important than the degree title is a careful and critical approach to sources, strong English and a clear interest in the topic.
In case of interest, please reach out to Era Poudel.
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 Resource Nexus. Please reach out directly to the experts according to the Institute’s research themes and/or analytical perspectives.