Natural resources in Africa are being depleted at alarming rates due to unsustainable human activities, climate change, and population growth. Sustainable development requires keeping pressures within environmental limits and ensuring resource demand does not exceed nature’s capacity. Addressing these challenges calls for transformative and systems-thinking approaches, yet Africa’s efforts are hindered by limited data and monitoring.

Investing in young scientists is vital for advancing sustainable resource management and achieving the SDGs. To build this capacity, SNRM summer schools were held in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025 with support from the Volkswagen Foundation, training and mentoring a critical mass of young African scientists. Session 5 (2026) will engage MSc and PhD students from Africa and Germany, focusing on systems thinking, advanced data collection and analysis, and emerging digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and IoT. An ideation workshop will also enable students to design practical solutions for sustainable resource use.

Programme Focus: Transformative natural resource management

 Module 5.1:  Data Collection and Data Management (databases, SQL)

Module 5.2: Data Analysis (QGIS, PAST, R)

Module 5.3: Data Modelling (agent-based modelling, systems analysis, life cycle assessment)

Module 5.4: Transformation to Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystem Management

Module 5.5: Machine Learning for Natural Resource Management

Module 5.6: AI for Article Writing: A Soft Toolbox

Language

The course will be delivered in English.

 Eligibility

  • MSc or PhD students, early in their programme
  • Under 35 years 
  • Enrolled in a university or research institution in sub-Saharan Africa or Germany
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken).

 Scholarships

The summer school is fully funded for:

  • 20 participants from Africa
  • 5 participants from Germany

Funding covers: airfare, accommodation, meals, visa fees, and local transport.
Participants must cover travel health insurance.

 How to Apply

Submit through: https://snrmafrica.com/

  1. Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
  2. Motivation letter (max 1 page)
  3. Proof of university enrolment
  4. Reference letter from academic supervisor
  5. One‑page summary of MSc/PhD project (objectives, methods, key findings/expected outcomes) 

Important Dates

  • Application deadline: 15 May 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 1 August 2026
  • Confirmation by selected applicants: 10 August 2026
  • Programme dates: 5th – 16th October 2026

 Contacts

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Stützel: stuetzel@gem.uni-hannover.de