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Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
Start Date: 18 January 2027
End Date: 22 January 2027
Location: º£½ÇÉçÇø-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands) and º£½ÇÉçÇø-EHS (Bonn, Germany)
Application and payment:  

For any questions please contact: cdo@merit.unu.edu 

The AI Research for Better Policy program is a unique 1-week intensive training that builds on a collaboration between º£½ÇÉçÇø-MACAU (Macau), º£½ÇÉçÇø-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands) and º£½ÇÉçÇø-EHS (Bonn, Germany). The program is designed for PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals.

We offer a programme with similar content designed for bachelor's and master's students. You can find more information here.

About the program

Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the program cultivates participants¡¯ strategic vision and leadership potential while developing their research skills and knowledge in using AI in their jobs, especially applying it to improve policy-oriented research for sustainable development. The program represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective, building on the digitalisation and AI expertise of º£½ÇÉçÇø-MACAU, the public policy, innovation and development focus of º£½ÇÉçÇø-MERIT and the knowledge on AI and climate change of º£½ÇÉçÇø-EHS. The three perspectives, brought to the participants by professors and researchers from all three º£½ÇÉçÇø institutions, are provided to the participants through a series of lectures and interactive sessions with practical exercises. In addition, the visits to º£½ÇÉçÇø-MERIT in the Netherlands and º£½ÇÉçÇø-EHS in Germany offer participants a firsthand experience of the º£½ÇÉçÇø to learn how our institutes use AI in research projects.

The program includes a number of (optional) social events that allow the cohort of participants to network and engage outside of class.

Structure of the programme

The programme starts on Monday 18 January 2027 at º£½ÇÉçÇø-MERIT (Maastricht, the Netherlands), with sessions focusing on the foundations of the use of AI for research and the use of AI for public policy.

On Wednesday 20 January in the evening, participants travel by bus (included in the tuition fee) to Bonn, Germany. The sessions at º£½ÇÉçÇø-EHS focus on the use of AI to study climate change, including elements such as climate adaptation and disaster risk management.

The programme concludes on Friday 22 January with a group activity that encompasses all learnings that were gained during the week. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate validated by the three º£½ÇÉçÇø institutes. 

Tentative timetable

Please find the tentative timetable here. 

*Note that the timetable is based on the 2026 edition, and the specific content of the lectures is subject to change.

Learning objectives

At the end of the programme, participants will:

• Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
• Understand the basics of AI and are able to use it
• Have the ability to link the concepts of AI and Digitalisation to Public Policy and Development
• Understand the relationship between AI and Climate Change
• Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues,
• Complete group work with the guidance of the º£½ÇÉçÇø researchers and experts, and present that to the cohort and experts.

Admission 

Requirements

The program is open for enrolment. We welcome PhD students, early-career researchers and working professionals from around the globe. 

Specific interest in AI, Digitalisation, Sustainability, Research and Public Policy is beneficial.

In order to be eligible for admission, applicants have to submit:

• the completed enrolment application form.
• a copy of a valid passport or ID-card
• a CV
• a passport picture
• proof of enrolment at or proof of having obtained a master's or bachelor's degree
• proof of meeting the English language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)

Application

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2026. 

Please note that you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands and Germany. Obtaining the visa is the responsibility of the participant and not getting one in time is not a valid reason to get a refund (please read the full refund policies in the section below). After full payment of the tuition fee and if the eligibility criteria are met, participants will receive a confirmation letter that can be used in the process to obtain a visa.

Payment

Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the º£½ÇÉçÇø-DTSD Program is 1,250 euros per participant. 

An early bird discount is provided, with a reduced tuition rate of 1,100 euros if the application takes place before 1 August 2026.

Please note that the joint º£½ÇÉçÇø institutions are unfortunately not able to provide scholarships for this programme.

The tuition includes:

• Registration to the programme
• Access to the learning environment, including readings, software and other relevant information.
• Training in Maastricht and Bonn
• Bus transfer from Maastricht to Bonn and Bonn to Maastricht
• Certificate of completion

The tuition does not include

• Visa expenses (including health and travel insurance)
• Travel from/to Maastricht (plane and train)
• Accommodation expenses in Maastricht and Bonn. The organisation will provide alternative accommodation recommendations (budget and middle class options).
• Meals

For payment, please use the following link:  

Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal

Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline (1 October) are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs. Participants that signed up and paid before 1 October and were rejected for their visa will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro in administration costs.

Partial Refund: If a participant withdraws after the registration deadline of 1 October, but before 15 December, they are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of the tuition. An exception is made for participants that signed up and paid before 1 October and are rejected for their visa. They will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro administration costs.

No Refund: No refunds will be issued in case of withdrawal after 15 December. An exception is made for participants that signed up and paid before 17 November and are rejected for their visa. They will still be able to cancel, minus 100 euro administration costs.