Applications are now open for the FTZ-NK Mentorship Programme in Scientific Writing and Publishing for Sustainable Development, offering Master’s and PhD students an opportunity to strengthen their academic writing, research publication and scientific communication skills. The programme is designed for students interested in sustainable development research and will provide direct academic mentorship, opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and access to an international network of sustainability researchers. Hosted by the Sustainable Development Research and Practice Division (SDRP) within the Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management” (FTZ-NK) at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, the programme will run from October to December 2026. FTZ-NK Mentorship Programme 2026 The mentorship programme is aimed at emerging researchers who want to move their academic research toward publication and gain practical experience with the scientific publishing process. Participants will receive guidance throughout different stages of developing a research paper. This can include refining research questions, strengthening the academic argument, improving the structure of a manuscript and preparing work for submission to a scientific journal. The programme also recognizes that publishing academic research can be challenging for early-career researchers. Participants will therefore have access to experienced mentors who can provide feedback and guidance as they develop their research for publication. For students pursuing careers in academia, research, international development or sustainability, the programme could provide valuable exposure to the expectations and practices of scholarly publishing. What Does the Mentorship Programme Offer? One of the main features of the programme is one-on-one academic mentorship. Participants can receive individualized guidance on their research projects, from the early stages of developing research questions through to paper submission and responding to reviewer comments. The mentorship may help participants better understand how to transform research findings into a coherent scientific manuscript and how to respond constructively to feedback received during the peer-review process. The programme also offers co-authorship opportunities. Selected participants may have the opportunity to work on scientific papers alongside an international team. This can provide valuable experience in collaborative research and introduce participants to international academic research networks. Another important benefit is global networking. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with researchers and professionals working within sustainability research networks. For emerging scholars, these connections can potentially support future research collaborations, academic exchanges and professional development. Key Research Themes The programme focuses on several areas connected to sustainable development. Sustainable Development in the Amazon Region One thematic area focuses on sustainable development in the Amazon region. Research in this area can encompass environmental sustainability, communities, natural resources, development challenges and approaches to balancing environmental protection with socio-economic needs. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Supply Chains The programme also welcomes research related to corporate social responsibility and sustainable supply chains. This area examines how businesses can incorporate social and environmental considerations into their operations and supply-chain practices. Research could explore responsible business practices, sustainable production, ethical sourcing, environmental impacts and the role of companies in advancing sustainable development. Education for Sustainable Development Another thematic area is education for sustainable development. This field considers how education can equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to address environmental, social and economic challenges. Students conducting research related to sustainability education, learning approaches and educational policy may find this thematic area particularly relevant. Leadership for Sustainable Development The programme also covers leadership for sustainable development. This theme can include research into how individuals, organizations and institutions provide leadership in addressing complex sustainability challenges. It may be relevant to students studying governance, organizational leadership, policy, development and institutional approaches to sustainability. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to Master’s and PhD students enrolled at any recognized university worldwide. This broad eligibility makes the opportunity potentially accessible to emerging researchers from different academic backgrounds and geographical regions. Applicants should have an academic or research interest that aligns with one or more of the programme’s thematic areas. Because the programme focuses specifically on scientific writing and publishing, applicants are likely to benefit most if they already have a research topic, project or academic work that they want to develop toward publication. Students from universities outside Germany are also eligible, making the programme particularly relevant to researchers seeking international academic mentorship and collaboration. Programme Duration The FTZ-NK Mentorship Programme will run for approximately three months. Programme period: October 2026 to December 2026. During this period, participants will engage with mentors and work on developing their scientific writing and publishing skills. The relatively focused programme period makes the opportunity suitable for students who want structured academic support while continuing their broader Master’s or PhD studies. Why Scientific Writing and Publishing Skills Matter Publishing research is an important part of an academic and research career. However, producing a strong research paper requires more than conducting good research. Researchers must also be able to clearly communicate their research questions, methodology, findings and contribution to existing knowledge. Understanding how academic journals work is equally important. Early-career researchers may need to learn how to select appropriate journals, prepare manuscripts according to publication requirements, respond to reviewers and revise their work. A structured mentorship programme can help students develop these skills while receiving feedback from experienced researchers. The opportunity to potentially collaborate on scientific papers also introduces participants to the realities of international research teamwork and academic co-authorship. An Opportunity for Emerging Sustainability Researchers The FTZ-NK programme comes at a time when sustainability research is increasingly important across environmental, economic and social policy. Issues such as climate change, responsible business, sustainable supply chains, education and effective leadership require evidence-based research and collaboration across disciplines and countries. By supporting Master’s and PhD students, the mentorship programme can help emerging researchers strengthen their ability to communicate evidence and contribute to international discussions on sustainable development. For students considering academic careers, the programme may also provide a useful opportunity to develop a stronger publication profile and gain experience working with international researchers. How to Prepare for the Programme Prospective applicants should consider identifying a research project or topic that closely matches one of the four thematic areas. It may also be useful to have a clear understanding of the research question, methodology and potential contribution of the proposed work. Applicants should ensure that their academic background and research interests are clearly presented and demonstrate how participation in scientific writing and publishing mentorship would support their development. Key Details Programme: FTZ-NK Mentorship Programme in Scientific Writing and Publishing for Sustainable Development Host: Sustainable Development Research and Practice Division (SDRP), FTZ-NK, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students Eligible locations: Recognised universities worldwide Duration: October–December 2026 Mentorship: One-on-one academic guidance Opportunities: Scientific writing, publishing guidance, potential co-authorship and international networking Research themes: Amazon sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and sustainable supply chains, education for sustainable development, and leadership for sustainable development APPLY HERE Takeaway Notes The FTZ-NK Mentorship Programme in Scientific Writing and Publishing for Sustainable Development offers Master’s and PhD students an opportunity to strengthen their academic writing and publication skills while connecting with an international sustainability research community. With one-on-one mentorship, potential co-authorship opportunities and exposure to global research networks, the programme could be particularly valuable for emerging researchers seeking to turn their academic work into publishable scientific outputs. Students at recognized universities worldwide who are conducting research related to the programme’s thematic areas are encouraged to explore the opportunity and prepare their applications. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this programme. Applicants should independently verify the programme details, eligibility requirements and application procedures with the official organizers before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW