About the program
The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-DTSD Program is a unique program that builds on an intensive collaboration between ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MACAU (Macau), ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MERIT (Maastricht, The Netherlands) and ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-EHS (Bonn, Germany). The program is designed for scholars currently enrolled in higher education institutions or in early career research positions.
Inspired by the global digital and green transition, the program cultivates our participants¡¯ strategic vision and leadership potential, to develop their research skills and knowledge to utilize digital technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program represents a truly multidisciplinary perspective¨C building on the Digitalisation and AI expertise of ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MACAU, the Public Policy, Innovation and Development focus of ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MERIT and the Sustainability knowledge of ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-EHS. The combination of the three perspectives, brought to the participants via professors and researchers from all three ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ institutions during their visit of to the three universities in three countries, provides direct interaction and experience within the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ.
Our participants will receive support on professional career development, expand global competencies, and prepare for working within international organizations. In addition the programme includes several visits to UN and EU institutions, and 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 with a class day at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MACAU in Macau. This session is hybrid, allowing Asian participants can join in person, and participants from other continents can join this session online. During this session, the UN system as well as the foundations of AI are explained.
During the weekend, participants travel to The Netherlands. This can be done in company of our coordinators, but participants can also choose to travel independent and use their weekend time in Amsterdam or another city in the Netherlands to their liking.
In Maastricht, at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-MERIT we zoom in on the use of AI for Public Policy ¨C e.g labour market policy and the use of Monitoring and Evaluation to understand best practices and learn from implemented policies. Through lectures the basic knowledge is shared, and through interactive sessions we build skills of cooperation, communication, software use, data use and presentation. During our sessions in Bonn at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-EHS the focus is on the use of AI to better handle Disaster Risk Management and Climate adaptation.
During the weekend in Bonn, participants are free to spend their time as they see fit. Bonn is in the centre of Europe, and train connections bring participants in an hour to Cologne and a few hours to Berlin or Paris.
Monday the program will join the organised visit to Brussels, with as highlights the visit to the European District in Brussels. Participants will also benefit from a few hours leisure time to explore the capital of Belgium. At the end of the programme, participants Understand the importance of AI and associated risks and opportunities of AI.
On Tuesday 10 February, the last day of the program, participants will present their group work and submit the final paper. Upon completion, results will be shared during the Certificate Ceremony.
Learning objectives
At the end of the programme, participants:
- Know the structure of the UN and its entitites
- Understand how Digitalisation and AI change societies
- Understand the basics of AI and are able to use it
- Have the ability to link the concept of Public Policy to Digitalisation and Sustainability reach development
- Experience working in a team and co-create solutions for global pressing issues,
- Complete a group work with the guidance of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ researchers and experts, and present that to the cohort and experts.
Admission requirements
The programme is open enrollment. The participant profile includes a global audience of students, with an interest in international topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students should be interested in research, or further study or work in international organizations. While we prefer students with a master¡¯s degree student PhD students, we also welcome undergraduate students with good understanding of research will be welcomed.
Specific interest in Digitalisation, Sustainability 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 motivation letter
- a passport picture
- proof of enrollment at or proof of having obtained a degree a University of Applied Sciences / Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Scientific
- proof of meeting language requirement (minimum level equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score)
The application deadline is 1 October for participants that require a visum, and 1 November for participants without visa requirement. Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants are provided an eligibility letter, with request to pay the tuition fee.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ-DTSD Program is 1,200 euros per participant.
Upon payment, an invitation letter for the visum application will be provided. The visum application should be handled by the participant.
The tuition includes:
- Registration to the programme
- Access to the learning environment, including readings, software and other relevant information.
- Training in MACAU, Maastricht and Bonn
- Bus transfer from Maastricht to Bonn and Bonn-Brussels-Maastricht
- Certificate of completion
The tuition does not include
- Visa expenses (including health and travel insurance)
- Travel from/to Macau
- Travel from/to Maastricht (plane and train)
- Accommodation expenses in Macau, Maastricht and Bonn. The organisation will provide alternative accommodation recommendations (budget and middle class options) and will facilitate the booking.
- Meals
Refund Policy for Course Withdrawal
- Full Refund Before Registration Deadline: Participants who withdraw before the registration deadline (1 October for Visa applicants and 1 November for non-visa applicants) are eligible for a full refund of fees paid, minus 100 euro administration costs.
- Partial Refund : If participant withdraw after the registration deadline of 1 October/1 November, but before 15 January, they are eligible for a partial refund of 50% of the tuition.
- No Refund: No refunds will be issued in case of withdrawal after 15 January.
