UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 — Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Sustainability

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious fully funded research opportunity offered by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS). Designed for early-career researchers who have recently completed a PhD, this fellowship supports advanced research on sustainability, global development, public policy, and related interdisciplinary fields that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This programme provides a unique platform for emerging scholars to engage in impactful research, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to evidence-based policy solutions for pressing global challenges.

What Is the UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme?

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is a structured research fellowship that enables early-career researchers to conduct independent and collaborative research under the guidance of UNU-IAS senior scholars. Fellows are integrated into a dynamic research environment that encourages critical inquiry, interdisciplinary exchange, and engagement with policy communities.

The programme’s focus areas reflect UNU-IAS’s commitment to sustainability transitions, equitable development, and knowledge co-creation for societal impact.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship:

• Applicants must have completed a PhD (or its equivalent) within the last five years prior to the application period
• Candidates must propose a research project aligned with UNU-IAS’s strategic research themes, such as:
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Sustainable urbanisation and infrastructure
  • Biodiversity conservation and ecosystems governance
  • Sustainable finance and development policy
  • Science-policy interfaces and evidence for decision-making
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential to produce high-impact research
• A commitment to contributing to international debate and collaboration on sustainability issues is essential
• Excellent communication and proficiency in English is expected

This fellowship is especially suited to scholars with strong interdisciplinary interests and motivations to bridge academic research and policy relevance.

What the Fellowship Provides — Financial Support

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is fully funded and typically includes:

• A monthly stipend to support living expenses
• Travel support for relocation and participation in UNU-related events
• Access to library, research tools, and data resources
• Mentorship from senior researchers at UNU-IAS
• Opportunities to attend international conferences, symposiums, and academic workshops
• Institutional affiliation with United Nations University and membership in a global research community

This robust support allows fellows to focus on research and scholarly production without financial burden.

Research Focus Areas & Themes

Fellows are expected to conduct research in domains that resonate with UNU-IAS priorities, such as:

🔹 Sustainability Transitions

Exploring pathways to more equitable and resilient systems in energy, food, cities, and economies.

🔹 Climate Change and Environment

Advancing knowledge on climate impacts, adaptation strategies, and biodiversity governance.

🔹 Global Development Policy

Analyzing governance frameworks, social equity issues, and institutional responses to development challenges.

🔹 Science-Policy Interface

Bridging scientific evidence with policy design, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making processes.

🔹 Human Well-Being and Social Inclusion

Researching approaches to reducing inequalities, enhancing quality of life, and promoting inclusive societies.

These themes illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of UNU-IAS research and offer broad opportunities for fellows to shape evidence-informed solutions.

Fellowship Duration & Structure

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship typically runs for a period of one to two years, depending on the research plan and institutional arrangements. Fellows are expected to:

• Develop and complete a research project or series of publications
• Participate in UNU-IAS research seminars and policy dialogues
• Engage with partner universities, international organisations, and policy networks
• Contribute to UNU-IAS knowledge dissemination efforts, including reports, policy briefs, and academic articles

The structured nature of the fellowship supports scholarly productivity while encouraging engagement with broader sustainability communities.

Application Process & Requirements

Applicants are usually required to submit the following:

• A research proposal demonstrating originality, alignment with UNU-IAS priorities, and feasibility
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with academic achievements and publications
• Academic transcripts and proof of PhD completion
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees
• A personal statement outlining motivations and research contributions

Strong applications clearly articulate the significance of the research, its policy relevance, and the expected outcomes.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is significant because it:

• Supports early-career scholars at a critical stage of professional development
• Encourages research that directly informs global sustainability challenges
• Provides institutional affiliation with the United Nations University network
• Offers access to global policy communities and interdisciplinary research networks
• Enables fellows to build academic independence and visibility

For researchers passionate about sustainability, development policy, and collaborative inquiry, this fellowship offers a powerful platform for impactful scholarship.

The UNU-IAS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to advance innovative research with global relevance. With solid financial support, intellectual engagement, and institutional backing, fellows gain the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to sustainability solutions and policy discourse at the international level.