DLGS Scholarship 2027 in Germany: Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations

Overview

Are you passionate about sustainable cities, transportation innovation, data science, urban planning, or climate-friendly solutions? The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) Scholarship 2027 offers an exciting opportunity for outstanding graduates to pursue a funded doctoral research project focused on transforming the future of urban mobility.

The 2027 annual topic, “Levers for Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations,” explores how cities can redesign transportation systems to become more sustainable, inclusive, accessible, and resilient.

The programme welcomes interdisciplinary researchers interested in solving real-world urban challenges through approaches combining transport research, spatial planning, technology, governance, business models, and social innovation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, including:
  • Transport studies.
  • Urban and regional planning.
  • Geography.
  • Data science.
  • Urban informatics.
  • Economics.
  • Business.
  • Sociology.
  • Political science.
  • Transition and innovation studies.
• Have obtained their first Master’s degree within the last three years.
• Demonstrate above-average academic performance (equivalent to German “good” or higher).
• Submit a strong research proposal aligned with the research profile of the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER).
• Identify potential supervisors at Technische Universität Dresden or IOER.
• Submit a complete application through the official online application system.

Applicants should propose an original doctoral research idea that connects their academic background with sustainable urban mobility challenges.

Research Areas

The DLGS Scholarship supports PhD projects addressing one or more of these areas:

1. Public Policy and Governance

Research may explore:

• Urban mobility governance structures.
• Planning processes and policy instruments.
• Institutional designs that support sustainable transport transformation.

2. Sustainable Business Models

Projects may examine:

• New mobility services.
• Private, public, and community-based solutions.
• Economically viable models for sustainable transportation.

3. Data-Driven Tools and Innovation

Research may focus on:

• AI-based approaches.
• Spatial data science.
• Mobility modelling.
• Decision-support systems.
• Digital tools for urban planning.

4. Integrated Transformation Approaches

Projects can investigate connections between:

• Government policies.
• Private sector innovation.
• Civil society participation.
• Community-driven mobility solutions.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• A full-time doctoral scholarship for 3 years.
• Monthly funding of €1,515.
• Additional support for:
  • Research activities.
  • Academic travel.
  • Professional development.

This funding allows doctoral researchers to focus on developing innovative solutions for sustainable urban futures.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Cities worldwide are facing growing challenges: climate change, traffic congestion, unequal access to transportation, and rapid technological disruption.

This PhD opportunity allows researchers to contribute to solutions that can influence how future cities are designed and managed.

For students from Nigeria, Africa, and other developing regions, expertise in sustainable mobility, urban technology, and data-driven planning can create opportunities in:

• Smart city development.
• Urban policy research.
• Climate and sustainability projects.
• International development organisations.
• Transport and infrastructure planning.

The skills developed through this programme can support careers tackling some of the world’s most important urban challenges.

How to Apply

Applicants must:

1. Develop an original research proposal connected to sustainable urban mobility transformations.
2. Identify suitable supervisors at TU Dresden/IOER.
3. Prepare required application documents.
4. Submit the complete application through the online application portal.

Research proposals may use:

• Qualitative methods.
• Quantitative analysis.
• Modelling approaches.
• Conceptual or methodological development.

Interdisciplinary research is strongly encouraged, and transdisciplinary projects involving communities and stakeholders are welcomed where possible.

Important Deadline Information

• Programme: DLGS Scholarship Annual Topic 2027
• Research focus: Levers for Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformations
• Funding duration: 3 years
• Scholarship value: €1,515 per month + research and travel support

Applicants should ensure all materials are submitted before the official deadline through the online system. Incomplete applications or applications submitted by email/post will not be considered.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the DLGS Scholarship 2027 in Germany