Dresden Leibniz Graduate School PhD Programme 2027 – Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations ·Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations

The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) has announced its 2027 International PhD Programme, inviting outstanding graduates from around the world to submit innovative doctoral research proposals focused on sustainable urban mobility transformations.

The programme, titled “Levers for Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations,” aims to support interdisciplinary research addressing major challenges affecting modern urban mobility systems, including climate change, digitalisation, accessibility, equity, safety, and the integration of transport and spatial planning.

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded three-year doctoral scholarship while conducting research linked to the work of the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and Dresden University of Technology (TUD).

The application deadline is 1 September 2026, and the programme is scheduled to begin on 1 March 2027.

About the Dresden Leibniz Graduate School

The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School is a joint interdisciplinary initiative of the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development and Dresden University of Technology in Germany.

The programme promotes excellence in spatial sustainability science and transformative leadership by supporting doctoral researchers working on complex urban and regional development challenges.

DLGS provides an international research environment where scholars from different academic backgrounds collaborate to develop solutions for sustainable and resilient cities.

Research Focus: Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations

Urban mobility systems are currently undergoing significant changes driven by environmental pressures, technological developments, and changing social needs.

Persistent challenges include:

• Dependence on fossil fuels and associated environmental impacts.

• Public health concerns linked to transport systems.

• Inequality in mobility access and opportunities.

• Safety challenges within urban transportation networks.

• Limited integration between transport planning and spatial development.

At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, electrification, and advanced spatial data science are creating new possibilities for analysing and transforming mobility systems.

The DLGS programme seeks research projects that adopt a systemic approach by examining mobility transformations through spatial, technological, institutional, and societal perspectives.

Key Research Gaps and Opportunities

The doctoral programme aims to address several important research gaps, including:

• Improved integration of spatial and mobility systems using innovative data sources and analytical methods.

• Development of models capable of capturing mobility system changes during both normal and disrupted conditions.

• Integration of data-driven approaches with participatory and inclusive planning processes.

• Exploration of future mobility scenarios under uncertainty.

• Understanding the role of governance structures, institutions, and business models in enabling sustainable transformation.

• Incorporating vulnerable communities and inclusion principles into mobility system design.

• Strengthening collaboration between transport research, spatial planning, urban informatics, and spatial data science.

Available PhD Research Themes

Applicants are invited to develop doctoral projects addressing one or more of the following challenge-driven research areas:

Public Policy and Governance

Research may explore:

• Governance structures and institutional arrangements.

• Planning processes and policy instruments.

• Decision-making frameworks for sustainable mobility transformation.

Sustainable Business Models

Projects may investigate:

• Innovative mobility services and business models.

• Sustainable solutions developed by private organisations, civil society groups, and third-sector actors.

• Economic approaches supporting long-term mobility transformation.

Integrative Tools and Data-Driven Approaches

Research opportunities include:

• Data-driven mobility analysis.

• Artificial intelligence applications.

• Modelling approaches and decision-support systems.

• Digital tools and interfaces for urban mobility planning.

Integrated Transformation Perspectives

Projects may examine connections between:

• Public policy.

• Private sector innovation.

• Civil society participation.

• Third-sector approaches.

• Collaborative planning and implementation methods.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme welcomes applications from exceptional graduates with academic backgrounds relevant to spatial and mobility transformations.

Eligible disciplines include:

• Transport studies.

• Urban and regional planning.

• Geography.

• Data science.

• Urban informatics.

• Economics.

• Business studies.

• Sociology.

• Political science.

• Transition and innovation studies.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a first Master’s degree obtained within the last three years.

• Demonstrate above-average academic performance equivalent to German grade “gut” or higher.

• Submit a research proposal aligned with the IOER research profile.

• Identify potential supervisors at Dresden University of Technology or IOER.

• Submit complete application materials before the deadline.

Research Proposal Expectations

Successful applicants are expected to develop original and academically strong doctoral proposals based on their research interests and previous academic experience.

Research methodologies may include:

• Qualitative research approaches.

• Quantitative analysis.

• Empirical investigations.

• Modelling and simulation.

• Conceptual and methodological development.

The programme encourages interdisciplinary research approaches and welcomes transdisciplinary projects where appropriate.

Projects involving local activities in Dresden or Saxony require German language proficiency at C1 level.

Scholarship Funding and Benefits

Selected doctoral researchers will receive a fully funded scholarship for three years.

The funding package includes:

• Monthly scholarship of EUR 1,515.

• Financial support for research activities.

• Travel support for academic purposes.

The scholarship enables researchers to focus on developing impactful doctoral research within an international academic environment.

Application Details

Applicants must submit their applications through the official DLGS online application system.

Key dates:

• Application Deadline: 1 September 2026.

• Programme Start Date: 1 March 2027.

• Duration: Three years.

• Study Level: PhD / Doctoral Research.

• Location: Dresden, Germany.

Conclusion

The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School PhD Programme 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for emerging researchers interested in shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced methodologies, and collaboration with leading sustainability institutions, selected scholars will contribute to innovative solutions for more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible urban systems.

VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.