🌍 PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change – 2025–2026 | Fully Funded in Italy | Apply by August 22, 2025

Are you passionate about sustainability, climate action, and data-driven research? The PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDC), Cycle 41 is now open for applications for the 2025–2026 academic year. A standout research opportunity within this program is the project on Use of Satellite Data for Territorial Sustainability Analysis, hosted by the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy.

This fully funded PhD offers the chance to explore cutting-edge methodologies in Earth observation, urban mobility, and environmental data integration—critical areas for achieving sustainable land and infrastructure management in the face of climate change.

🧭 Program Overview: PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change

The PhD SDC program is one of the most interdisciplinary and globally relevant doctoral pathways in Europe, organized by a consortium of leading Italian universities and institutions. This particular research topic is part of the CU-Beta curriculum (Human society: socio-economic impacts, institutions, and theories) and offers an excellent academic foundation for students focused on data, policy, and planetary sustainability.

📚 Research Topic:
Use of Satellite Data for Territorial Sustainability Analysis
🔢 Scholarship Code: CU41.CU-Beta.02

🏛️ Host Institution

📍 University:

University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy

🏢 Department:

Department of Economics, Management and Business Law

👩‍🏫 Supervisor:

Prof. Angela Stefania Bergantino
📧 Email: angelastefania.bergantino@uniba.it

Bari, located in southern Italy, offers a vibrant academic and cultural experience on the Mediterranean coast—perfect for international students seeking high-impact, globally relevant research.

🔬 Research Focus: Satellite Data for Territorial Sustainability

This PhD project aims to develop integrated methodologies using satellite data to analyze territorial sustainability, particularly in the context of:

• 🛰️ Earth Observation Technologies
• 🚉 Mobility & Transport Infrastructure Monitoring
• 🏙️ Network and Nodal Urban Structures
• 🌱 Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts

You will contribute to advancing territorial diagnostics and land-use policies by modeling key sustainability indicators. The research has practical applications in climate-resilient urban planning, green infrastructure, and resource optimization.

🎁 Scholarship and Financial Details

This PhD opportunity is fully funded and includes both a scholarship and a dedicated research budget.

✅ Scholarship Coverage:

• 💰 Annual Scholarship: EUR 19,021.02
• 💼 Research Budget: EUR 12,000 (total)
• 🕒 Duration: 3 years (standard doctoral duration in Italy)
• 🏫 No tuition fees (fully covered by the program)

This makes it one of the most financially accessible and academically rigorous opportunities for students passionate about climate change mitigation, satellite data analytics, and sustainability science.

🎯 Ideal Candidate Profile

This PhD is ideal for highly motivated candidates with academic backgrounds and interests in:

• 📊 Sustainability science, climate studies, or environmental policy
• 🌍 Urban planning, transport economics, or geospatial analysis
• 🛰️ Remote sensing, GIS, Earth observation technologies
• 📈 Big data, network analysis, or policy evaluation

✅ Minimum Requirements:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Urban Studies
  • Engineering
  • Geography
  • Public Policy
  • Data Science or related fields
• English language proficiency (minimum B2 recommended)
• Demonstrated ability in research writing, data interpretation, and analytical modeling

📥 How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online via the official PhD SDC application portal.

🗓️ Deadline:

August 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM (CEST)

🔗 Application Portal:

👉 https://www.phd-sdc.it/how-to-apply

If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com

📄 Documents Required:

• ✅ Academic transcripts and certificates
• ✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• ✅ Research Statement or Letter of Motivation
• ✅ Passport copy (for international applicants)
• ✅ Any supporting documents related to research, awards, or publications

📌 Ensure that your application references the correct scholarship code: CU41.CU-Beta.02

🌱 Why Choose This PhD?

This position offers much more than a scholarship—it provides a multidisciplinary, international PhD training experience with direct relevance to climate change response and spatial sustainability planning.

🔍 What You’ll Gain:

• 🌐 Hands-on experience with satellite data & territorial modeling
• 🧠 Supervision from an expert in transport economics and sustainability
• 🌍 Access to a network of partner universities and researchers across Italy and the EU
• 📈 Opportunity to influence urban development policy and climate adaptation strategies
• 🎓 Be part of the internationally recognized PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDC)

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is this PhD fully funded?

✅ Yes. It includes a full scholarship (EUR 19,021.02 annually) + EUR 12,000 research budget.

❓ Can international students apply?

🌍 Yes! The program welcomes applications from all countries.

❓ Do I need prior experience with satellite data?

Not mandatory, but familiarity with GIS or remote sensing will be highly advantageous.

❓ What is the language of instruction?

🗣️ English is the official language of the PhD SDC program.

❓ When does the program start?

📅 Academic year begins in late 2025. Selection is based on merit and supervisor alignment.

📌 Final Thoughts

If you’re passionate about applying space-based technologies to improve climate adaptation and sustainability policy, then the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change at the University of Bari Aldo Moro is your ideal next step.

Through the use of satellite data, transport diagnostics, and urban network analysis, you’ll play a direct role in shaping resilient, sustainable futures for territories around the world.

🕒 Apply before August 22, 2025, 1:00 PM (CEST)
🔗 Submit your application here

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen is a scholarship strategist and climate-focused academic content writer helping students worldwide find fully funded PhD and postdoctoral opportunities aligned with global sustainability goals.

Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.

📢 Support Us on Social Media

If you find this helpful, support our work:

Website: scholarshipswithaakash.site

🔴 YouTube
📘 Facebook
📸 Instagram
🎵 TikTok
🧵 Threads
📲 WhatsApp Channel

If you want further information regarding more scholarships of your choice, you can visit scholarshipswithaakash.site/scholarships/