Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026 offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to explore how businesses can drive meaningful solutions to global sustainability challenges. Hosted by the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University, this fellowship is ideal for motivated individuals who want to build a strong academic career in sustainability-focused organizational research.
To qualify for the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026, applicants should hold—or be close to completing—a master’s degree in business, management, economics, sociology, psychology, or a related discipline. Candidates must also demonstrate a genuine passion for sustainability, strong quantitative or qualitative research skills, and the creativity and determination needed to pursue advanced scientific inquiry.
Benefits of Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026
- Fully funded position: Employment as a salaried PhD researcher under the Dutch Universities’ Collective Labour Agreement (CAO).
- Research visit funding: Financial support for a 3–6 month visit to a leading international university (e.g., University of Cambridge, Oxford, HEC Paris).
- Professional development: Training in research methods, seminars, and workshops.
- Inclusive environment: A diverse, equitable, and supportive research community at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Publication opportunities: Guidance to publish in top-tier journals and complete a high-impact PhD dissertation.
Eligibility Criteria for the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries.
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for a PhD in Sustainability and Management within the Business-Society Management Department at RSM.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a master’s degree in business, management, economics, sociology, psychology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate research interest and experience in topics related to sustainability, management, or organizational studies.
- Show methodological aptitude in statistical, experimental, or qualitative research approaches.Exhibit creativity, independence, and a strong motivation for scientific inquiry.
- Submit a clear research proposal or topic idea, including preferred methodology and potential supervisors, in the cover letter.
How to Apply for the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026?
- Visit the official application page on the Rotterdam School of Management website.
- Review the full program details, eligibility requirements, and research expectations.
- Prepare all required documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, motivation letter, and research proposal.
- Submit your application through the online portal provided on the RSM website.
- Double-check that all documents are uploaded correctly before final submission.
- Wait for confirmation from the admissions team and follow any additional instructions they provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded doctoral role focused on independent sustainability research. You choose your topic, work with supervisors, join a supportive academic community, and aim to publish in top journals while addressing real societal and organizational challenges.
What is the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026?
Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026 is a full-time doctoral position where you pursue original research on sustainability and management challenges. You pick a research topic related to societal or environmental issues and explore organizational responses with academic rigour.
Who can apply for the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026?
Applicants should hold or be close to completing a relevant master’s degree in business, management, sociology, economics, psychology, or a related discipline. Successful candidates are curious about sustainability, capable of rigorous research, and eager to contribute to academic knowledge in management and sustainability.
What research topics are encouraged in the Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026?
Research topics include, but are not limited to, sustainability in global value chains, systems and resilience thinking, corporate communication, business ethics, social innovation, stakeholder management, alternative organizational forms like social enterprises, and how organizations address grand societal challenges.
What type of research experience is expected?
Candidates are expected to demonstrate methodological skills or strong potential to develop them. Your project can involve qualitative or quantitative work, including statistical analysis, interviews, or other methods that help you rigorously explore how organizations can contribute to sustainability and societal change.
What support do PhD fellows receive during the program?
You work with a supervisory team and faculty colleagues, attend research seminars and courses, and receive coaching. Funding includes support for a three to six month research visit at a top international university to expand your network and strengthen your research agenda.
What are the employment conditions for this PhD position?
Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded position where accepted candidates become salaried employees under Dutch university employment conditions. You receive a salary and benefits according to university agreements and are supported to focus fully on your research and academic development.
How does this PhD program address societal relevance?
Sustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026 emphasizes research that goes beyond efficiency to tackle major societal and environmental issues. You question assumptions, explore innovative organizational forms, and produce research that helps organizations meaningfully engage with issues like climate change and social inequality.
Which department hosts the Sustainability and Management PhD position?
The Business-Society Management department hosts this PhD. Its focus is on how organizations interact with society and the natural environment, with a collegial academic community that publishes in leading journals and supports doctoral research with high societal impact.
What is required in the application materials?
Applications should include a proposal outlining your preferred research topic, methods, and potential supervisory team. You must show a clear sense of what you want to study, your research approach, and your motivation for pursuing academic work in sustainability and management.
What outcomes are expected from thisSustainability and Management PhD Fellowship 2026?
You are expected to produce high-quality research publishable in top peer-reviewed journals and a doctoral dissertation. Your work should advance academic understanding of sustainability and management, and equip you with the skills and credentials for an academic career.
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