The University of Graz has identified climate change, its consequences and the necessary change as a research focus. The polar regions are of utmost importance with regard to climate change, with the changes having a significant impact not only at the regional level but also at the global level. A main objective of the research projects is to better record and understand these changes, but also to analyze them in connection with the social consequences and in cooperation with the local population (using transdisciplinary approaches).
The University of Graz is building on Alfred Wegener's strong roots in Greenland research and has re-established this research focus in recent years. To this end, a research station has been built on the island of Ammassalik (near Tasiilaq) in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and with the support of private funds. To promote innovative Arctic research at the site, the University of Graz, with the support of a private sponsor, is offering to fund master's theses for young scientists.
The topic of the Master's thesis can be freely chosen from any scientific discipline, but must meet the following criteria: the project must be feasible as a master's thesis, be relevant to the climate research profile of the University of Graz and be of high scientific quality. Bonus points will be awarded for projects that benefit local residents.
Deadlines and facts
The deadline for submission is 1 February 2025. The applicant will be selected by a selection committee after an external review. The decision of the jury is final. The award will be made by 1 March 2025.
The scholarship is awarded for a period of six months and also includes a contribution for field research on site. The budget is 10,000 euros per candidate. The funds cover travel and research costs (approx. 4,000 euros) to and in Greenland, as well as a monthly scholarship of 1,000 euros for a period of six months.
Applicants for the scholarship must meet the following criteria: For the duration of the master's thesis, they must be enrolled as students at the University of Graz and conclude a supervision agreement with the academic staff of the university. The scholarship is linked to the obligation to submit a report on the work at the University of Graz and to present the results at an university event.
The application can be sent informally in PDF format by email to sermilik@uni-graz.at and must include the following information:
- Title of the project
- Scientific justification of the project (max. two A4 pages)
- Objective of the project
- Intended results
- Work plan and time schedule
- Statement of costs
- Declaration for supervision by a member of University of Graz
- CV of the applicant
The application (without CV and declaration of supervision) should not exceed five A4 pages in total.