The University of Bonn’s FoodDiverse CRC 1780 initiative is offering a significant opportunity for researchers passionate about sustainable food systems. This program, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), aims to address pressing global challenges related to food security, environmental health, and human nutrition. With 32 fully funded positions available for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, the CRC 1780 represents a major international research effort. The program focuses on food system diversification as a key strategy for achieving sustainability and better health outcomes.
About the CRC 1780 FoodDiverse Program
The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1780, titled “Food System Diversification for Sustainable Nutrition (FoodDiverse),” is a large-scale research project coordinated by the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. This initiative brings together experts to tackle complex issues where current food systems fall short. Many countries face rising rates of unhealthy diets and nutrition-related diseases, while agricultural practices often contribute to environmental damage. Furthermore, climate change increasingly threatens food security and equitable development.
The CRC 1780 proposes food system diversification as a primary solution. This approach involves increasing variety across various aspects of the food system.
What Is Food System Diversification?
Food system diversification means promoting variety in several key areas. This includes diversifying agricultural fields, farms, and farming landscapes. It also extends to increasing the variety of crop systems, markets, trade systems, diets, and food supply sources.
Researchers believe that this diversification can lead to numerous benefits. These potential advantages include improved environmental sustainability, better nutrition, and the prevention of diseases. Diversification can also boost agricultural productivity, enhance resilience against economic and climate shocks, and support greater ecosystem biodiversity. However, the CRC acknowledges that diversification may also have associated costs, depending on the specific context, scale, and how it is put into practice.
Main Research Questions of the CRC
The FoodDiverse CRC is structured around two central research questions designed to guide its investigations into sustainable food systems.
How do different forms of food system diversification affect planetary health?
This overarching question explores the broad impacts of diversification. It examines how these changes influence human health and well-being, nutritional outcomes, and overall environmental sustainability. Researchers will also assess effects on ecosystem health and agricultural resilience.
What levels of diversification are most beneficial, and how can they be achieved?
The second question focuses on identifying optimal diversification strategies. It seeks to understand the most effective levels of diversity and the practical methods for achieving them. This involves studying policy frameworks, behavioral changes, agricultural systems, market and trade structures, and dietary patterns.
Research Locations and Methodology
The CRC 1780 FoodDiverse initiative will conduct its research activities primarily in two key locations: Germany and Ghana. This dual-country focus allows for the examination of diversification strategies in different socio-economic and environmental contexts. The program employs a diverse range of scientific methods and data sources to gather comprehensive insights.
These methods include collecting farm-level data, conducting household surveys, and performing individual nutrition studies. Remote sensing technologies, regional and global modeling, and biodiversity analysis will also be utilized. Additionally, economic modeling and public health and nutrition research will contribute to the interdisciplinary approach. This combination of methods makes the CRC particularly valuable for researchers interested in agriculture, economics, environmental science, nutrition, public health, and sustainability.
Available Research Projects Under CRC 1780
The CRC 1780 program offers a wide array of research projects, categorized into distinct areas. Applicants can express interest in up to three projects, listed in order of preference.
Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability Projects
These projects focus on the ecological and agricultural aspects of diversification. They investigate how different farming and land-use practices contribute to sustainability.
- Project A01: Soil health, biodiversity, and human health
- Project A02: Diversification scales for resilient cropping systems
- Project A03: Agricultural diversification impacts on biodiversity
- Project A04: Agroforestry as a diversification strategy
- Project A05: Farm production diversity and efficiency
- Project A06: Socioeconomic and environmental impacts of crop diversification
Food Systems, Markets, and Policy Projects
This group of projects examines the economic, trade, and policy dimensions of food systems. They explore how diversification affects markets, resilience to shocks, and global sustainability goals.
- Project B01: Agricultural diversity, markets, and dietary diversity
- Project B02: Food policy and agri-environmental effects
- Project B03: Trade diversity and resilience to shocks
- Project B04: Diversified food systems and global sustainability
- Project B05: Cross-level effects of food system diversification
Nutrition and Human Health Projects
These projects concentrate on the direct impacts of food system diversification on human health and nutrition. They explore dietary patterns, metabolic health, and strategies for promoting healthier eating habits.
- Project C01: Behavioral strategies for food diversification
- Project C02: Dietary diversity and nutrition
- Project C03: Metabolic health in early life stages
- Project C04: Adult dietary diversity and metabolic health
- Project C05: Personalized dietary diversification
- Project C06: Sustainability of diversified diets
Infrastructure and Coordination Projects
These projects provide essential support for the CRC’s overall operations. They include central coordination, data management, and training programs.
- Project Z01: Central CRC coordination
- Project Z02: Survey and cohort studies
- Project INF: Data infrastructure and services
- Project IRTG: Integrated Research Training Group
Number of Positions Available
The CRC 1780 FoodDiverse program is offering a total of 32 fully funded research positions. This includes 24 positions for doctoral researchers and 8 positions for postdoctoral researchers. These roles are designed for individuals who are highly motivated and eager to contribute to international research on sustainability and food systems.
Contract Duration and Funding Details
All successful candidates will be offered fixed-term contracts. These contracts are typically for a duration of three years, with a possibility for extension into a fourth year. Postdoctoral researchers may also be eligible for additional extensions, contingent upon the approval of second-phase funding by the DFG.
The employment start date is set for October 1, 2026, though an earlier start may be possible in some cases. The salary structure follows Germany’s public-sector pay scale, TV-L. Doctoral researchers will be compensated at the TV-L 13 (65%) rate, while postdoctoral researchers will receive TV-L 13 (100%). This pay structure includes social benefits and employment protections common in Germany.
Required Application Documents
Prospective applicants must prepare a set of documents for their application. These should be compiled into PDF format.
Mandatory Documents
- Motivation Letter: This letter should clearly articulate your interest in the CRC, your academic background, why you are drawn to the specific projects you have selected, and your research aspirations.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): For postdoctoral applicants, the CV should include a comprehensive publication list, details of research achievements, and academic experience.
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts: Applicants must submit documents for their Master’s degree. Doctoral degree documents are required for postdoctoral applicants.
- Writing Sample: Doctoral candidates should provide their Master’s thesis, while postdoctoral candidates should submit a recent research article.
- Academic References: Applicants need to provide the names and contact details of two academic referees who can attest to their qualifications.
Why This Opportunity Is Important
The CRC 1780 FoodDiverse program offers significant advantages for early-career researchers. It provides fully funded research employment within an international and collaborative environment. Participants gain access to interdisciplinary expertise and valuable research experience in both Germany and Ghana.
This program offers the chance to work on globally relevant sustainability issues, fostering strong academic networking opportunities. It can also pave the way for long-term academic career development. Researchers involved will contribute to cutting-edge food systems research, making it an ideal opportunity for those aiming for careers in sustainability science, agricultural economics, nutrition, public health, environmental policy, climate resilience, development studies, and global food systems.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The organizers of the CRC 1780 FoodDiverse initiative are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, without regard to origin, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is June 14, 2026. Interested candidates are strongly advised to prepare their application materials well in advance and to carefully align their submissions with the specific CRC projects they wish to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the FoodDiverse CRC 1780 initiative?
The main goal is to explore how diversifying food systems can lead to more sustainable nutrition, better environmental health, and improved human well-being.
How many research positions are available, and what are they for?
There are 32 fully funded positions available: 24 for doctoral researchers and 8 for postdoctoral researchers.
Where will the research for CRC 1780 be conducted?
The research activities will primarily take place in Germany and Ghana, allowing for the study of diversification in different contexts.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a motivation letter, CV, academic certificates, a writing sample (Master’s thesis or research article), and contact details for two academic referees.
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