The University of Vechta in Germany is inviting applications for up to three fully funded PhD scholarships under its doctoral college “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas (PK 060).” Supported by the Hans Böckler Foundation, the programme offers outstanding researchers the opportunity to investigate the social justice dimensions of sustainability transitions while pursuing doctoral studies in an interdisciplinary research environment. The scholarships are expected to begin between June and September 2027 and provide funding for up to three years, with the possibility of extension in justified cases. The doctoral college is hosted by the Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas (VISTRA) and brings together experts in sustainability science, geography, ethics, economics and the social sciences. About the Doctoral College Sustainability-oriented transformation has become one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. While transitions toward climate neutrality, renewable energy, digitalisation and environmental protection are widely promoted, they also generate unequal social impacts, often described as “transformation pains.” The doctoral college seeks to better understand how these transformation processes affect different communities, particularly in rural areas, where questions of equity, resilience and social inclusion remain underexplored. Through comparative case studies, doctoral researchers will examine how justice is perceived, negotiated and implemented across diverse sustainability transitions. The programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports both qualitative and quantitative research, with particular interest in mixed-methods approaches that combine empirical and analytical perspectives. Scholarship Benefits Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial and academic support throughout their doctoral studies. The scholarship includes: €1,650 monthly stipend, consisting of a €1,550 basic scholarship and a €100 research allowance. Up to €100 per month as a health insurance contribution. A possible family allowance, where applicable. Funding for up to three years, with extension opportunities in justified circumstances. Access to thematic and methodological workshops organised by the doctoral college. Academic supervision from leading sustainability and justice scholars. Opportunities to collaborate with national and international research partners. The programme also provides an inspiring interdisciplinary research community dedicated to producing impactful scholarship on sustainable transformation. Research Topics Applicants may propose original dissertation projects aligned with the doctoral college’s research agenda. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to: Energy transition and affordability in urban and rural contexts. Spatial justice, resilient communities and equitable livelihoods. Ethical uncertainty in designing just sustainability transitions. Risk, uncertainty and perceptions of justice during transformation processes. Justice dimensions of socio-technical innovation, including digitalisation and the bioeconomy. Climate and nature protection policies and their impacts across rural–urban and Global North–South relationships. Gender justice in sustainability transitions. The role of trade unions in promoting socially just environmental transformation. Innovative proposals addressing related justice issues within rural sustainability transformations are strongly encouraged. Eligibility Criteria The doctoral college welcomes applications from candidates with backgrounds relevant to sustainability and justice research. Eligible academic disciplines include: Human Geography Social Sciences Sustainability Science Applied Ethics Economics Psychology Related interdisciplinary fields Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and a research proposal that clearly aligns with the objectives of the doctoral programme. Language Requirements Candidates must possess strong language skills suitable for doctoral-level research. Minimum requirements include: German: At least B2 level. English: At least C1 level. Although applicants need proficiency in both languages, the doctoral dissertation may be written entirely in English. International Research Network The doctoral college is led by Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler and Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler, with additional supervision from Prof. Dr. Paula Bögel and Prof. Dr. Karl Martin Born. Researchers will benefit from collaboration with an extensive international network, including: Leuphana University Lüneburg Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research Basque Centre for Climate Change Lund University Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University University of Vermont These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for academic exchange, methodological development and international collaboration. Application Process Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their research ideas with the academic directors before submitting an application. Promising candidates may receive guidance in refining their doctoral exposé to better align with the research programme. Applications must include the required supporting documents together with a research exposé of up to 10 pages outlining the proposed doctoral project and its relevance to the doctoral college’s thematic focus. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online application portal. Important Dates MilestoneDateScholarship application deadline2 November 2026Scholarship results announcedMay 2027Fellowship start periodJune–September 2027Funding durationUp to 3 years Why Apply? The University of Vechta’s doctoral college offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers interested in the intersection of social justice, sustainability and rural transformation. With generous funding, interdisciplinary supervision and strong international partnerships, the programme provides an ideal environment for producing innovative doctoral research with real-world relevance. Researchers seeking to contribute to debates on equitable climate action, rural resilience, energy justice and sustainable development will find this scholarship particularly valuable. Key Scholarship Details University: University of Vechta, Germany Doctoral College: Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas (PK 060) Funding Organization: Hans Böckler Foundation Number of Scholarships: Up to 3 Monthly Stipend: €1,650 Additional Support: Health insurance contribution and possible family allowance Duration: Up to 3 years Eligible Fields: Sustainability Science, Geography, Social Sciences, Ethics, Economics, Psychology and related disciplines Application Deadline: 2 November 2026 Start Date: June–September 2027 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.