University of Bonn Launches Major Research Recruitment under CRC 1780: Food System Diversification for Sustainable Nutrition The University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research (ZEF), in collaboration with the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1780 “FoodDiverse,” has announced a large-scale recruitment call for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers focused on sustainable food systems and nutrition. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the programme aims to advance interdisciplinary research on food system diversification as a pathway toward planetary health, improved nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Applications are open until 14 June 2026, with positions scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026 or earlier. Overview of the CRC 1780 FoodDiverse Programme The CRC 1780 initiative addresses one of the most pressing global challenges: the sustainability of current food systems. The programme highlights the interconnected problems of unhealthy diets, rising nutrition-related diseases, environmental degradation, and declining biodiversity. Researchers involved in the CRC examine how food system diversification can contribute to: Improved human health and nutrition Enhanced environmental sustainability Greater resilience in agricultural systems Reduced ecological degradation More equitable food systems globally The programme is jointly coordinated by leading experts including Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim (agricultural economics) and Prof. Dr. Ute Nöthlings (nutrition epidemiology), and is implemented in close collaboration with the University of Ghana. The CRC integrates micro-level data from farms, households, and individuals with advanced modelling techniques, including remote sensing and global system analysis. Research Focus and Key Questions The CRC 1780 programme is structured around two central research questions: How do different forms of food system diversification affect planetary health, including both human wellbeing and environmental systems? What levels and types of diversification are optimal, and how can they be achieved across different spatial and food system scales? These questions are investigated through interdisciplinary approaches combining agricultural economics, nutrition science, environmental studies, and data science. Research activities are conducted across Germany and Ghana, enabling comparative analysis of food systems in both Global North and Global South contexts. Available Positions and Research Projects The CRC offers a total of 32 positions, including: 24 doctoral researcher positions 8 postdoctoral researcher positions All positions are embedded within thematic research clusters focusing on sustainable food systems and nutrition. Project Clusters The programme is organised into multiple interdisciplinary project groups: A Projects: Agricultural Systems and Environment Soil health, biodiversity, and human health Crop diversification and resilient farming systems Agroforestry and ecological farming strategies Socioeconomic impacts of agricultural diversification B Projects: Markets, Policy, and Global Systems Agricultural production diversity and dietary outcomes Food policy impacts on food system diversity Trade, resilience, and global supply chains Cross-level interactions in diversified food systems C Projects: Nutrition and Human Health Dietary diversity and behavioural change Nutritional status and metabolic health across life stages Personalized nutrition in transitioning populations Sustainability of healthy diets Central and Infrastructure Projects Coordination and central research tasks Survey design and cohort studies Data infrastructure and research services Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) for doctoral training These projects collectively aim to generate evidence on how diversified food systems can improve both human and ecological health outcomes. Contract Terms and Employment Conditions All positions are offered as fixed-term research contracts under German public service salary guidelines (TV-L E13). Key employment conditions include: Doctoral researchers: 65% TV-L E13 salary grade Postdoctoral researchers: 100% TV-L E13 salary grade Initial contract duration: 3 years Possible extension: Up to 4 years (doctoral), longer for postdoctoral roles depending on funding Start date: 1 October 2026 or earlier where possible The programme emphasizes long-term academic development, with structured training opportunities integrated into the CRC framework. Eligibility Criteria and Required Application Materials Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic backgrounds in fields such as agricultural sciences, economics, nutrition, environmental sciences, data science, or related disciplines. For doctoral positions, applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent qualification. For postdoctoral roles, a completed PhD is required, along with a publication record appropriate to career stage. Applicants are required to prepare the following documents: Motivation letter (up to three pages) specifying interest in CRC and selected projects Curriculum vitae including publication list (mandatory for postdoctoral applicants) Academic certificates and transcripts Writing sample (Master’s thesis for doctoral applicants or recent research article for postdocs) Contact details of two academic referees Applicants must also indicate up to three preferred research projects in order of priority. Application Process Applications must be submitted through the official University of Bonn online application portal. Candidates are advised to prepare all required documents in advance before beginning the submission process. The application portal can be accessed via the CRC recruitment page. All submissions must be completed before the deadline of 14 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Institutional Vision and Research Impact The CRC 1780 FoodDiverse programme is part of a broader global effort to rethink food systems in the context of sustainability and public health. Current global food production systems face significant challenges, including environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising diet-related health issues. By focusing on food system diversification, the programme aims to identify strategies that can simultaneously improve agricultural productivity, environmental resilience, and nutritional outcomes. The inclusion of field research in both Germany and Ghana strengthens the programme’s comparative and global perspective, ensuring that findings are applicable across diverse socioeconomic and ecological contexts. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The University of Bonn and ZEF emphasize a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, including differences in gender, nationality, age, disability status, religion, and cultural identity. The institution aims to foster an inclusive research environment that supports academic excellence and international collaboration. Conclusion The CRC 1780 FoodDiverse recruitment initiative represents a significant opportunity for early-career and experienced researchers to contribute to cutting-edge work on sustainable food systems and global nutrition challenges. With 32 funded positions across multiple disciplines, the programme offers a unique platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research. Researchers interested in agriculture, nutrition, environmental science, and global development are strongly encouraged to apply before the 14 June 2026 deadline. 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