Call for Applications: TUM SEED Centre Doctoral Scholarship

Published 05 May 2025

The TUM SEED Centre, an Excellence Centre for Exchange and Development, is pleased to announce the opening of the Doctoral Scholarship Programme in the field of Energy-Water-Food (EWF) Nexus. Funded by DAAD and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the TUM SEED Centre is a collaborative initiative between the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and 10 leading technical universities in the Global South, including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

This opportunity aims to advance interdisciplinary research in sustainable energy, water management, and food security, addressing key challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The doctoral research will be supervised by a team of experts from KNUST (led by Prof. Francis Kemausuor) and TUM (Dr. Daphne Keilmann-Gondhalekar), and focuses on optimising resource use and enhancing resilience within socio-ecological systems.

Key Details of the Scholarship:

  • Duration: 4 years, starting from the 2025/26 academic year

  • Research Focus: Energy-Water-Food Nexus, with a focus on sustainable development

  • Location: The candidate will be based at KNUST (Ghana), with potential research stays at TUM (Germany)

  • Benefits:

    • Monthly stipend

    • Participation in research seminars/workshops hosted by TUM and partner universities

    • Opportunity to attend international conferences

    • Possibility of a research stay at TUM in Germany

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct original, interdisciplinary research on the Energy-Water-Food Nexus

  • Actively participate in the activities of the doctoral programme and the research network

  • Engage with stakeholders and partner institutions for data collection and dissemination

  • Present research findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

SEED Doctoral Scholars are Expected to:

  • Demonstrate strong commitment to their doctoral research

  • Participate and contribute to activities within the TUM SEED Center (e.g., annual symposia)

  • Engage in academic exchange and collaboration with partner universities

Application Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Energy Studies, or related fields

  • Excellent academic record and demonstrated research potential

  • Strong motivation to work on interdisciplinary challenges at the nexus of energy, water, and food systems

  • Commitment to contributing to sustainable development in Ghana and the Global South

  • Ability to engage in international collaboration and academic exchange

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

To apply, please upload the following documents through the online form at: https://wkf.ms/4daCfja by 31st May 2025:

  • Updated CV

  • A strong letter of motivation highlighting your fit with the TUM SEED Centre

  • A research proposal (maximum 3 pages) outlining your intended research focus within the Energy-Water-Food Nexus

  • Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates (in English)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Francis Kemausuor and his team. The final decision will be made by the Selection Commission of the TUM SEED Centre in line with DAAD criteria.