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.
Multi-level model to estimate energy system preferences
Predicting preferences across Europe
Knowledge of public preferences about the energy transition in Europe is crucial, but costly and time-consuming to acquire. This is why data is typically collected only in a few countries, although preferences are known to vary across countries. Here, we want to assess how well preferences can be predicted by complementing experimental survey data from nine European countries with data collected by the European Social Survey to reduce the uncertainty of predicting energy system preferences across all of Europe. For more information, see the Download leaflet (PDF, 194 KB).
If you are interested, please contact:
(2025-12-10)
The unpopularity of demand reduction: Why do many demand-management policy proposals fail?
A discourse analysis of real policy proposals in agriculture and aviation
To address emissions reductions in hard-to-abate sectors, particularly in the short run, demand reduction (e.g., flying less and eating less meat) could be a viable option. Demand management is generally established as an unpopular policy direction, though some recent empirical evidence suggests it might not be as unpopular as previously thought. Here, we want to systematically review the drivers of the failure of past demand-management policy proposals to uncover the reasons behind their unpopularity. For more information, see the Download leaflet (PDF, 103 KB).
If you are interested, please contact:
(2025-10-30)
Open topics
- The Potential Impact of Electric Vehicle Adoption on Urban Air Pollution and Public Health in Africa (Master)
- E-mobility and Justice in Africa and Beyond (Master)
- Strategies of the Fossil Fuel Industry to Delay Decarbonization (Bachelor or Master, proficiency in German required)
If you are interested, please contact:
(2025-08-27)
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:
(2024-12-31)