International Research Experiences in Sustainability Science

International Research Experiences in Sustainability Science (IRESS) is a collaborative pilot program between the University of Freiburg and Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation

Purpose

To create opportunities for (master and) doctoral students to: 

• examine sustainability in a different cultural context
• participate in a sustainability science research project, team and institution in the USA
• enhance sustainability research skills, global perspectives and international network

This is a collaborative program that builds on the existing sustainability research undertaken at both universities, opening these research groups up for doctoral students to partake for a short duration. Here is how it works:

• Professors / research group leaders are invited to offer opportunities for students to visit. A brief project description template can be downloaded here, then emailed to their respective university designees at either University of Freiburg or Arizona State University.
• Prospective applicants email university designee to express interest.
• The university designee facilitates contact between students and research projects.
• Accepted applicants self-organize and fund stay as visiting scholars (with advice from own university).

Sustainability Science Research Projects

This opportunity is offered in collaboration with the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation (GIOSI) at Arizona State University (ASU), located in Tempe, Arizona, USA.

Applying a sustainability science approach, these projects focus on topics ranging from urban agriculture, true cost accounting, climate change adaptation, natural resource conservation and pest management.

How to apply?

This opportunity is open to doctoral candidates and highly qualified masters students currently matriculated at the University of Freiburg or Arizona State University.

If you are an eligible masters student or doctoral candidate, please contact the university designee at University of Freiburg for more information or send your applications materials by 31 Dec 2024.

Application materials include a 1-page CV and brief motivation letter (1 page maximum) explaining your interest in participating in the selected project(s), saved in one PDF with your last name as the file name. Demonstrating interest in specific projects increases chances of creating a good fit.

Expectations for your department

As a reminder, this collaborative program is intended to open opportunities for researchers at both ASU and University of Freiburg. Please get in touch with your professor, research group leader or department head inviting them to consider writing a project description to host an ASU student in their group. Hosting just means creating a welcoming environment and does not entail advising or mentoring expectations.

Additional logistics in a nutshell

• Research community: accepted applicants will work with a project leader at the host university
• Funding: applicants are responsible for all costs, including travel and accommodation (home university can advise on funding through e.g., DAAD, Erasmus, and other)
• Program dates: suggested dates to visit ASU are March-April 2025, suggested dates for ASU students to visit the University of Freiburg are June-August
• Language: English proficiency is expected

Contact / University Designees