Apply Now: Fully Funded Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub PhD and Junior Scientist Programme 2026

The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub is an initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA). This innovative platform serves as a bridge connecting Germany’s scientific excellence with the international CGIAR++ system—a global leader in agricultural research for sustainable development.

Hosted at the CIFOR–ICRAF office in Bonn, the Hub operates through a strong partnership with the Council for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research (ATSAF). Together, these institutions leverage decades of collaboration and shared expertise to advance impactful research, capacity development, and policy innovation aimed at creating sustainable solutions for global food, land, and water systems.

Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership

Germany and the CGIAR++ system share a long tradition of cooperation in development-oriented agricultural research. Building on this legacy, the Hub’s primary goal is to enhance and institutionalize this collaboration, fostering stronger linkages between German scientific institutions and the global CGIAR++ network.

The Hub is embedded within the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator, providing mechanisms for deeper engagement of German science—particularly early-career researchers—in CGIAR++ activities. By facilitating joint research projects, shared training programs, and collaborative innovation, the Hub amplifies existing partnerships and helps align research efforts with global sustainability goals.

Mission and Vision

The Hub’s mission is to connect German universities, research institutes, and CGIAR++ centers worldwide to create a shared platform for advancing science that directly contributes to global development objectives.

Through initiatives such as the Joint PhD Academy and the Junior Scientist Programme, the Hub empowers the next generation of researchers to engage in impact-oriented, interdisciplinary research. These programs provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and capacity development that align with major international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Key Features of the Hub

The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub offers a comprehensive set of programs and activities designed to enhance collaboration, build capacity, and accelerate research-to-impact pathways:

• Jointly Supervised PhD and Junior Scientist Programmes:
  Enabling doctoral and early-career researchers to gain international field experience while receiving mentorship from both German and CGIAR++ experts.
• Capacity Building and Lecture Series:
  Offering modules and workshops focused on inclusive, impact-oriented, and interdisciplinary research methodologies.
• Networking and Alumni Engagement:
  Developing a vibrant alumni community through annual conferences, networking events, and consortium-building activities that promote continued collaboration.
• Integration and Coordination:
  Facilitating the alignment of German agricultural research priorities with international CGIAR++ operations to ensure coherence and complementarity in addressing global challenges.

These initiatives create a dynamic ecosystem where academic excellence, practical fieldwork, and policy relevance converge to produce research that matters—both for people and the planet.

Driving Sustainable Impact

The Hub’s approach centers on fostering innovation that contributes directly to sustainable and resilient food systems, climate adaptation, and equitable resource management. By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application, the Hub ensures that research outcomes translate into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local communities.

Through its training and mentorship components, the Hub also contributes to capacity development in the Global South, promoting equitable partnerships and mutual learning between German institutions and CGIAR++ centers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Call for Applications: PhD and Junior Scientist Programme

The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub is now inviting applications for its PhD and Junior Scientist Scholarships. These opportunities are designed for aspiring researchers who aim to contribute to sustainable transformation across agriculture, land use, and natural resource management.

Funding and Implementation:
The scholarships are funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ GmbH through the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA). The initiative supports emerging researchers who are committed to advancing global science and innovation in alignment with international development goals.

Program Benefits:

• Joint supervision by experts from German universities and CGIAR++ centers.
• Opportunities for international fieldwork within CGIAR++ projects.
• Access to mentorship, professional training, and an international research community.
• Involvement in interdisciplinary and impact-oriented research addressing food, land, and water systems.

Application Process:
Applicants are encouraged to download the application documents and begin preparing their submissions. View the online application portal here, and details on, eligibility, and submission requirements will be made available through the official Hub communication channels.

Applications for junior scientist close on 15 November 2025

Applications for phd program close on 15 January 2026

To see other Agriculture related opportunities, visit Kochavagromart