ZEF BIGS-DR Alumni

Since 1999, BIGS-DR has educated hundreds of decision-makers for an international career in a development-oriented context. Many of the nearly 500 BIGS-DR Alumni work in research institutes, universities, government agencies, or NGOs. All of them are doing amazing work all over the world in the field of sustainable development.

Approximately three-quarters of our graduates from the Global South returned to take up positions in the Global South in research, teaching, and governance. About 10% of our Alumni found professional jobs in international organizations such as the World Bank or the United Nations, while the rest found positions in a development-related context in Germany and in other OECD countries. Many of our alumni are still in close touch with ZEF for joint research projects.

BIGS-DR Aumni News

October 09, 2023.

The Falling Walls Foundation and Elsevier Foundation have announced the winners of their first Women Breakthrough of the Year prize.

ZEF-alumna and associated researcher Marwa Shumo, together with co-author and co-entrepreneur Atinuke Chineme of the University of Calgary, were awarded a Prize in the Category of Innovation with their project The Power of Black Soldier Fly for Bioconversion and Feed Production.

The Falling Walls press release informs why the female duo won the Prize:

"Atinuke Chineme of the University of Calgary, and Marwa Shumo, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn & Intensive Track Champion 2022. Atinuke Chineme and Marwa Shumo jointly introduced a pilot project that incorporates black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) into circular economy models for biowaste conversion and animal feed production. The project aims at empowering underprivileged communities and women across Sub-Saharan Africa, while contributing to waste recycling, food security, sustainability and climate change mitigation."

Read more about the Foundations and their new Prize in the press release on the Falling Walls Website here.

In the photo on top: Marwa Shumo in January 2020, after successfully defending her doctoral thesis at ZEF. Find more info about Marwa Shumo's doctoral studies at ZEF on her ZEF profile webpage here.

ZEF Alumnus Dr. Yasobant Sandul has been appointed Assitant Professor with the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar
August 29, 2023.

ZEF Alumnus Dr. Yasobant Sandul has been appointed Assitant Professor with the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar.

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ZEF alumnus Imran Sajid takes on new postion at World Bank
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ZEF alumnus Sofyan Syahnur appointed full professor at Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, in Indonesia
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Sofyan Syahnur was a DAAD-funded doctoral student at ZEF 2005-2009. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Bonn's Faculty of Agriculture.

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