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Center for Development Research
The Center for Development Research (ZEF) is an institute of the University of Bonn, Germany. It started its research activities in 1997. ZEF researchers aim to find science-based solutions to promote sustainable development and planetary health. ZEF’s research divisions and groups conduct inter- and trans-disciplinary research in, for and with emerging economies and on global issues with its collaborating research partners around the world. ZEF educates and trains international doctoral students in its Doctoral Studies Program. ZEF is guided by an International Advisory Board.
Latest News
Call for Applications: Ten PhD positions in the new DFG Research Training Group "Blue Cities"
There are 10 PhD positions to be filled in the new DFG Research Training Group „Urban Future – managing transformations for a better health in blue cities“ (RTG 3204/1).
ZEF researchers at Tropentag 2026
At the annual Tropentag, which took place in Göttingen, Germany, September 16-18, 2026, around 15 ZEF researchers presented their work, moderated panels or gave talks.
Obituary: In Remembrance of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Oded Stark, Distinguished Fellow at ZEF, University of Bonn
It is with deep regret that we have learned of the passing of Professor Oded Stark, an outstanding economist who was a Distinguished Fellow at ZEF for many years.
ZEF's International Advisory Board held its annual meeting at ZEF
ZEF held its annual International Advisory Board at ZEF on September 8-10, 2026. ZEF wants to express its gratitude to our highly esteemed Board members for their valuable inputs, insights, impulses, inspiration and interest in ZEF's research activities and researchers!
Latest BIGS-DR News
Fatima Ali obtains her doctoral degree for thesis on Participatory Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services in Sudan
Fatima Salaheldin Mohamad Ali was granted her doctoral degree by the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences, University of Bonn, Germany. She successfully defended her doctoral thesis on "Participatory Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services: A Synthesis of Sub-Saharan Africa and a Case Study from Sudan".
The supervisors of her doctoral research were Prof. Dr. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger and Prof. Dr. Christian Borgemeister. Her work was tutored by Dr. Jan Henning Sommer.
ZEF alumna Rohini Mitra receives Best Dissertation Prize by American Political Science Association
ZEF alumna Rohini Mitra was awarded the "Best Dissertation Prize" by the American Political Science Association (APSA) under their Migration and Citizenship Section. The award ceremony will take place during the Annual APSA meeting in Boston, USA, September 2026.
Jackson Elias Nzira successfully defends his doctoral thesis on Economic Essays on Rural Labor Markets
Jackson Elias Nzira successfully defended his doctoral thesis on "Economic Essays on Rural Labor Markets, Agricultural Policy, and Poverty Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa". His doctoral degree was granted by the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences of the University of Bonn.
His supervisor was Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim (ZEF/University of Bonn), his tutor Dr. Martin Parlasca (ZEF/University of Bonn).
Maureen Nabatanzi successfully defends her doctoral thesis on Modeling arbovirus emergence in Africa
Maureen Nabatanzi successfully defended her doctoral thesis on "Modeling arbovirus emergence: Integrating evolution, ecology, distribution and One Health policy performance in Africa". Her doctoral degree was granted by the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences of the University of Bonn-
Her supervisors were Prof. Dr. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger (ZEF/University of Bonn) and Prof. Dr. Sandra Junglen (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin).
ZEF Research Projects
ZEF is running interdisciplinary research projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.