SDG Alumni Training Seminar 2027
Climate Resilient Alumni and Digital Learning for Floating Rice Enhancement in the Mekong Delta (CRADLE-Mekong)

Organized by the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), Germany, in collaboration with the Vietnamese-German University (VGU), the Climate Change Institute (CCI), and the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research (SIWRR), Vietnam.

Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Project Overview

Are you passionate about advancing climate-smart agriculture, digital technology, and nature-based solutions to enhance food security and climate resilience in the Global South?

The CRADLE-Mekong project offers Germany Alumni a unique professional development opportunity focusing on floating rice systems as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. The seminar addresses pressing agricultural and hydrological challenges in the Mekong Delta (such as irregular flooding, drought, and salinity intrusion) by leveraging agricultural big data (remote sensing, IoT, sensors, GIS, hydrological modeling, and predictive analytics).

The training is delivered in a blended format, combining interactive online preparation, alumni research presentations, on-site training at VGU, Vietnam and site visitation to floating rice fields in the Mekong Delta, and participation in the AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2027 trade fair in Ho Chi Minh City.

Programme Structure & Key Dates

1. Part 1: Online Seminars & Capacity Building (15 January – 12 February 2027)

   • Topics: Introduction to floating rice agro-ecology, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) principles, agricultural big data sources (remote sensing, IoT, drones, GIS), spatial predictive analytics, smallholder adoption barriers, and public-private partnerships.

   • Delivery: Interactive live WebEx lectures, flipped-classroom case studies, and digital software demonstrations.

2. Part 2: Virtual Alumni Research Seminars & Networking (19 & 26 February 2027)

   • Alumni group presentations focused on climate policy, agricultural finance, flood-based farming systems, and big data monitoring.

   • Direct academic networking with department heads and professors from BTU, VGU, and CCI.

3. Part 3: Onsite Training in Vietnam & Mekong Delta Field Excursions (8 – 14 March 2027)

   • VGU Campus Training: Hands-on GIS and remote sensing data analysis workshops, laboratory visits, and policy adaptation group work.

   • Mekong Delta Excursions: Guided field visits to traditional and modern floating rice farms in Tri Ton and a historical/cultural excursion to the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum.

4. Part 4: AGRITECHNICA ASIA & HORTEX 2027 Trade Fairs (15 – 19 March 2027)

   • Attendance at international trade fairs in Ho Chi Minh City, including guided tours to German technology exhibitors, panel discussions, and high-level networking with private/public stakeholders.

5. Part 5: Digital Follow-up & Network Consolidation (Q2 2027 Onward)

   • Establishment of joint research initiatives, alumni exchange networks, and collaborative grant applications.

6. Application deadline: 18 October 2026 (23:59 CET)

Eligibility Criteria

This seminar is open to Germany Alumni who:

• Are citizens of DAC-list countries in South and Southeast Asia.

• Hold professional or academic experience in climate-smart agriculture, water resources management, environmental policy/law, GIS/remote sensing, agricultural big data, or rural development.

• Demonstrate strong potential to act as multipliers, sharing acquired knowledge with local institutions, smallholder farming communities, and policy bodies.

Participant Benefits

• Financial Support: Travel, accommodation, participation costs, and trade fair access costs are largely funded under the DAAD SDG Alumni program.

• Hands-on Skills: Practical training in agricultural big data tools, IoT monitoring, and satellite/open-dataset spatial analysis.

• High-Level Networking: Connect with international academic leadership (BTU, VGU, SIWRR), industry experts at AGRITECHNICA ASIA, and German development partners.

Application Instructions

Interested alumni should submit an application packet in English (by 18 October 2026, 23:59 CET) containing:

1. Completed Application Form (see link).

2. A two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. A short abstract detailing relevant research, professional background, or project ideas related to climate-smart agriculture and big data.

4. All applications should be emailed to:

anayoazubuike.ezeamama(at)b-tu.de and 
binh.dv(at)vgu.edu.vn and 
chuckchuan(at)gmail.com and 
hoai.nt(at)vgu.edu.vn 
with subject line: CRADLE-Mekong 2027 application.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your expertise and practical knowledge in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture! For further inquiries, contact Dr. Anayo Azubuike Ezeamama (project coordinator) at anayoazubuike.ezeamama(at)b-tu.de 

Dear students,

The chair of Public Law, with Focus on Environmental and Planning Law is currently looking for interested students to join a workshop on „Climate Adaptation and Resilience Building in Hyperarid Regions” at the German University in Oman (GUtech) in Muscat, Oman in the period from 28.11.2026 until the 04.12.2026 (dates are subject to change).

This workshop will cover several topics, with a focus on Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainability, and International Environmental Law. You will attend lectures on a variety of interdisciplinary topics, given by lecturers of diverse expertise and research backgrounds.

Additionally, students are expected to participate in groupwork on topics related to the workshop. You will analyze and evaluate practical adaptation measures, such as water harvesting, agroforestry, Agri-PV systems and the sustainable use of traditional Falaj irrigation. The focus of those activities is mostly on the issue of climate resilience in rural areas, based on case studies in Oman. We are currently also trying to organize an excursion, as part of the activities. The workshop is open for both Bachelors and Masters students.

The selected students will receive a lump-sum from the DAAD, covering costs for accommodation and mobility. However, please note that there is a possibility, that the lump-sum may not be paid until after the trip and you might need to cover the expenses of your trip by yourself until then!! We will however do our best, to avoid this.

Please also check the entry regulations to Oman for your country of origin and make sure that it would be possible for you to receive a visa on relatively short notice!

If you are interested in participating, please send a short expression of interest (including your name and study course) as well as your CV to Steven Kramm (steven.kramm(at)b-tu.de), until latest 07.10.2026.

International Germany Alumni Training Seminar – Solar Energy Capacity Programme (SECAP) organized by the Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus-Senftenberg, in collaboration with the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) and in partnership with the German Solar Academy Network (GSAN)

Join the SDG Alumni Training Seminar 2026: Solar Energy Capacity Programme (SECAP)

Are you passionate about advancing your technical skills and know how on business practice in the solar-PV field (Photovoltaics, Solar Electricity), as well as leveraging networking opportunities? This comprehensive training seminar, supported by DAAD and funded by BMZ, offers an exceptional opportunity for Germany alumni from the Latin American region (including Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean) to enhance their expertise, network with professionals, and engage in hands-on learning. 

Programme Highlights

Online Phase (24 April – 14 August 2026) 

• Interactive online sessions every Friday covering topics such as global best practices to support the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies, technical knowledge of solar PV systems, solar PV related financial and business skills, AI applications in solar PV, solar PV project development and communication in the global south notably Latin America region, and more.
• Preparatory sessions for the in-person training in Puebla, Mexico. 

In-Person Training in Puebla, Mexico (24 – 29 August 2026) 

• Expert-led workshops on solar PV practical installation and safety, common installation challenges and solutions, hands-on installation workshop, etc.
• Networking sessions with experts, industry leaders, and alumni presentations.
• Excursion to Industrial PV installation site in Puebla, Mexico, and the great pyramid of Cholula
• Intersolar Mexico trade fair 2026, The Green Expo, Aquatec Mexico (31 August – 03 September 2026)
• Participate in Latin America’s leading International Exhibition and Conference for the Solar Industry

Eligibility 

This seminar is open to Germany alumni who: 

• Are citizens of Latin American countries on the OECD DAC list (including Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean).
• Have professional experience in renewable energy systems, decarbonization of industry processes, environmental and resource management,sustainability and digitalization, and other intersectoral related fields.
• Demonstrate the potential to act as multipliers for sustainable practices in their communities and home countries. 

Benefits

• Travel, accommodation, and participation costs are largely covered.
• Gain insights from global and regional case studies.
• Build lasting networks with peers and experts. 

How to Apply

Submit your application (in English) by 22 March 2026 (23.59 CEST) including: 

• A completed application form (see link in the "Downloads"-section).
• A two-page CV, abstract, and overview of relevant experience. 

Email your application to:

anayoazubuike.ezeamama(at)b-tu.de and josel.vazquez(at)udlap.mx and raab(at)pv-pa.com 

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your expertise and practical knowledge in solar PV systems! For further inquiries, contact Dr. Anayo Azubuike Ezeamama (project coordinator) at anayoazubuike.ezeamama(at)b-tu.de. 

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Extended to 30. April 2026
• Online Phase: 24 April – 14 August 2026
• Puebla Training Seminar: 24 – 29 August 2026
• Participation in the Intersolar Mexico trade fair 2026, The Green Expo, Aquatec Mexico: 31 August – 03 September July 2026 

Take the first step toward a more sustainable future - apply today!

For more information read the full call for applications