The University shall devote its work to research into the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations and its agencies.
People — topics on improving lives of people everywhere
Planet — topics on preserving and improving our environment and natural resources
Prosperity — topics on building a sustainable and fulfilling future
Peace and partnerships — topics on fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
Person
Thomas Biersteker
Dr. Thomas Biersteker is Senior Fellow at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research.
Article
Honouring a Legacy of Social Justice: The Michael Cichon Graduate Award in Social Protection
UNU-MERIT is proud to announce the launch of the Michael Cichon Graduate Award, a new initiative to honour the legacy of Professor Michael Cichon.
Article
Championing Global Solidarity: MPP Student Eva Bemelmans Joins The ONE Campaign
Passionate young leaders fighting for a more just world
Article
Spring Meetings 2025: Keep Calm, but Can We Carry On?
The IMF and World Bank in a period of global uncertainty
Seminar
Open Source Software as Digital Platforms to Innovate
MAASTRICHT & ONLINE: Our UNU-MERIT Seminar Series team is pleased to announce our upcoming research seminar featuring Dr. Sergio Gabiel Petralia, an Assistant Professor, Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
Side Event
Insights from Landscape Approaches to Foster Sustainable Practices across Actors and Priorities to Enhance Socio-Ecological Resilience in the Ocean
ONLINE: This side event of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference will discuss how landscape approaches can achieve sustainability goals in seascapes.
Degree Defense
PhD Defence: Trapped in Poverty: Persistent Poverty in the Context of Global Crises
PhD defence Teresa Janz
News
Tackling Social Bias against the Poor: A Dataset and Taxonomy on Aporophobia
New Study Explores How Social Media Reflects Bias Against People Living in Poverty.
Collection
Policy Brief | Health Online Services in Portugal
Health Online Services in Portugal policy brief analyzes 2019-2023 HOSPI data, finding strong tech but weak online patient services.
Conversation Series
Art and Science: Towards a New Framework
On 22 May 2025, UNU will host a conversation with Dr. Nobuhiro Hayashi, Vice President for International Strategy and Engagement at the Institute of Science Tokyo.