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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
Christopher Tobe Okolo graduated about the potential of using indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes
Christopher Tobe Okolo defended his doctoral thesis on Identification, Virulence and Ecological Characterization of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Biological Control Agents Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Nigeria.
His doctoral degree was granted by the Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Engineering Sciences, University of Bonn
His First Supervisor was Prof. Dr Christian Borgemeister, his Second Supervisor was Prof. Dr Florian Grundler (support with lab facilities at Molecular Phytomedicine MPM- INRES), whereas Prof. Dr. Joachim von Braun chaired his examination committee and Prof. Dr. Lisa Biber-Freudenberger was an Expert member of the Examination committee.
Apply now!
Are you enthusiastic about analyzing and promoting sustainable development? And do you have a creative research idea related to sustainable food systems, agriculture, nutrition, health, climate change, biodiversity, migration, governance, and conflict?
The Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn is the best place for you to do such research.
Mayra Espinosa graduated on "Online communication and mobilization throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia"
Mayra Alejandra Martin Espinosa defended her thesis on “Online communication and mobilization throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of the Colombian non-governmental sector and their target populations in shaping transformative action”.
Her doctoral degree was granted by the Faculty of Arts at the University of Bonn.
Her Supervisor and First Reviewer was Prof. Dr. Eva Youkhana. Members of the Examination Committee were: Prof. Dr. Kristina Großmann (Head), Prof. Dr. Anna Katharina-Hornidge (Second Reviewer) and Prof. Dr. Gesa Birnkraut (External Member).
Counting the True Cost of Food: ZEF-workshop with stakeholders and policymakers in Entebbe, Uganda
Researchers, policymakers, and representatives from agricultural export companies and farmer associations gathered in Entebbe, Uganda on February 25-26 2026, for a workshop on “The True Cost of Food: Policies for Sustainable Production of Coffee and Other Export-Oriented Crops in East Africa.”
ZEF Research Projects
ZEF is running interdisciplinary research projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.