The 21st century is full of alarming and exciting challenges, such as climate change, digitalisation, biodiversity loss, globalisation and migration, water scarcity and social inequalities. Most of these are linked to sustainability. New ideas, fresh perspectives and youthful creativity are needed to tackle these problems effectively and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by technological and social innovation!
Our programme offers exciting research opportunities for PhD candidates who are committed to tackling the pressing sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Learn about the economic drivers of individual and corporate behaviour patterns and find innovative solutions to ecological problems!
Focus on the transition to a carbon neutral economy from both a business and consumer perspective.
Improving ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance and making companies more responsible.
Moving towards a circular economy based on durable, high quality and affordable products.
Unique perspectives on business ethics, with a particular focus on the role of spirituality.
Ensuring access to sustainable and good quality food worldwide.
Innovative research in sustainable tourism and AI-enabled tourism.
Our core courses will introduce you to the current challenges of sustainability and discuss the views of influential thinkers.
You will learn quantitative and qualitative research techniques that are essential for transdisciplinary research.
You will be an active participant in research projects as well as teaching and publishing in international journals.
You will also have the opportunity to work with non-academic stakeholders, including NGOs and policy makers, so that the impact of your research will be truly felt.
Our programme offers you a diverse range of topics and supervisers who will provide you with exciting opportunities not only in sustainability, but also in tourism, agribusiness and business ethics.
Director of Doctoral Program
Head of Doctoral School
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Our curriculum equips students with both qualitative and quantitative skills essential for transdisciplinary research. Collaborating with partners beyond academia, such as NGOs, citizens, and policymakers, PhD students engage in impactful research initiatives. They actively participate in research projects and teaching activities, and they are encouraged to publish in high-quality international journals.
The program stands out for its diverse group of supervisors, offering research opportunities not only in sustainability-related fields but also in areas like tourism, agribusiness, and business ethics.
The application criteria as well as the general rules of the admission procedure are listed in Section 15 of the University Doctoral Regulations, which is available here.
The list of documents to be submitted is available here!
In the application for admission, applicants must specify which programme they are applying for.
Applicants must consult the Programme Director in advance (before submitting the application file) and must include a written recommendation from the Programme Director supporting the fact of the grant.
Applicants must submit their research proposal in English. The oral interview will be held in English.
The expected length of the research plan to be submitted in the application is 5 pages, excluding references. The proposed structure of the research plan is set out in Annex 2 to the Regulations of the Doctoral School.
The oral exam serves to assess the applicant’s motivation, professional commitment and aptitude to perform educational and research tasks.
The admission decision is based on a preliminary review of the submitted application materials and the outcome of the oral interview.
The evaluation system for the admission examination is set out in Annex 1 to the Regulations of the Doctoral School.
Preferred areas of research interest include:
For more information, please visit the Facebook page of the Institute for Sustainable Development.
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Director of Doctoral Program
PhD procedures expert - study affairs and thesis draft defence
Head of Doctoral School
PhD procedures expert - final dissertation submission and defence