Open Theses Topics
Welcome. Being here, you might be interested in doing Bachelor or Master Thesis at the Climate Policy Lab. Here is what you should know before you take a look around.
We sometimes have thesis topics available, which you will find here and/or on the respective DUSYS Moodle. If the idea matches our research agenda, we are also happy to support you in developing your own topic.
Note, the topics we provide are not necessarily fully developed proposals, but still require you to figure out an appropriate research question, and methods set to be applied. We firmly believe that this is the most challenging part in doing research and we do not want to take that away from you.
This also means that there will be an intense phase of communication and work when developing your thesis proposal at the beginning of the process which starts ahead of the official starting date. Rest assured this usually pays off for the actual thesis process and helps both you and your supervisor to be certain that the topic and you are a match.
Making aviation's climate claims credible
Setting the rules for a trustworthy neutralization of aviation’s climate impacts
Can we keep flying while still meeting climate goals? This Master thesis dives into a bold idea: balancing fossil jet fuel emissions by locking away an equivalent amount of CO₂ underground. But how can we be sure it actually works — and that the public trusts it?With this work, you will explore the rules, standards, and safeguards needed to make this vision credible. You’ll help shape the future of climate accountability in aviation as part of a broader project on geologically-balanced fuels. The thesis will be supervised by researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Oxford, with the possibility to conduct the research at either locations. 👉 Curious? Find out more in the full project description in the Download leaflet (PDF, 142 KB) and shoot an email to nicoletta.brazzola@usys.ethz.ch.
(2025-04-23)
What does just mean in climate mitigation?
A mixed-methods project on distributive preferences
One of the biggest hurdles to climate policy action is low public acceptance. Justice is a key driver of policy acceptance, but it remains unclear why and how people make judgments on this. We are developing a tool to measure justice perceptions using distributive justice principles, and are looking for a Master's student to do a project using a mix of qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of multi-country survey data.
For more information please download the Download leaflet (PDF, 127 KB).
(2025-04-09)
How to Electrify Long-Distance Public Transport in Africa?
Feasibility Study on Namibia
In the fight against climate change and the push for decarbonization, road transport stands out as both a significant source of emissions and a sector ripe with opportunities for electrification. Africa, with its abundant sunshine, offers immense potential for renewable energy solutions but also presents unique challenges.
This thesis is part of a larger project on the future of mobility in Africa. It focuses on investigating innovative e-mobility concepts—specifically, the feasibility of implementing an electrified long-distance public transport solution in Namibia. Working in collaboration with local experts, the study will examine technical, economic, and social dimensions. Conducting a survey may also be an integral part of the research.
This thesis represents a pivotal step in transforming a visionary idea into a practical and impactful solution. We are seeking a motivated student with intercultural communication skills and a background or keen interest in e-mobility, sustainable business models, renewable energy, and the African context.
If you are interested, feel free to reach out with any questions: inga.nienkerke@usys.ethz.ch
(2024-12-31)