Join NBS4Drought: Research internships
Would you like to collect experience in an international research environment? Within NBS4Drought, we offer research internships with different thematic focuses at various institutions in Europe.
As climate change intensifies droughts across Europe, wetlands are emerging as powerful natural solutions for storing water, protecting ecosystems, and supporting communities. Through NBS4Drought, we are working across seven showcase sites to better understand and demonstrate how these systems can be used effectively and at scale.
What to expect
Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Work with European researchers in an international consortium
- Gain hands-on experience in different research areas
- Explore topics such as drought risk modelling, biodiversity monitoring, participatory governance, and climate adaptation
- Contribute to real-world case studies across diverse European landscapes
Internships will typically last between 4 and 12 weeks, combining practical research experience with dedicated learning modules. Some placements may extend beyond this period depending on the host institution and topic. Note that the internships are not paid.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from students in fields such as:
- Environmental science
- Ecology
- Hydrology and water management
- Climate science
- Geography and related disciplines
How to apply?
Send your CV and cover letter to the contacts listed below. Please indicate:
- Your preferred start date
- Your desired internship duration
- Whether the internship is part of your study programme or voluntary
Current internship opportunities
Aarhus University
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Available topics: Carbon sequestration assessment, Biodiversity monitoring
Applications: Please send your application to Diana Vigah Adetsu: dianavigah.adetsu@agro.au.dk
Politecnico di Milano
Location: Milan, Italy
Available topic:Multi-sector drought risk modelling across Europe
Applications: Please send your application to Carmelo Cammalleri at carmelo.cammalleri@polimi.it and cc internationalwelcome-dica@polimi.it
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Available topic: Nature-based solutions for drought resilience, with a focus on stakeholder perspectives, drought risk perception, governance aspects, and participatory system dynamics modelling. The internship may include work with Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) and Participatory System Dynamics Modelling (PSDM).
Applications: Please send your application to Isabel Meza: Isabel.Meza@hereon.de
Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, University of Graz
Location: Graz, Austria
Period: October 2026 – June 2027
Available topics: Systematic literature review on the economic benefits and costs of wetland-based Nature-Based Solutions across Europe, analysis of financing structures and innovative financing mechanisms for NBS. The internship may contribute to the co-authorship of a scientific publication. Workspace will be provided; however, no salary or scholarship is available to cover expenses.
Applications: Please send your application to Nadja Leschka: nadja.leschka@uni-graz.at
