Founded in 2021 as one of four Global Climate and Environment Centers funded by the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD, TRAJECTS (Transnational Center for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability) has successfully completed its first operational phase (2021-2025). This initiative fostered a robust model of South-South-North collaboration between Colombia, South Africa and Germany, focused on supporting transcontinental exchange and research for a sustainable future.
During this first period, the Center achieved milestones in academic and professional capacity building. Through its fellowship program at partner institutions in Colombia and South Africa, TRAJECTS supported 46 scholars, including 13 PhD candidates and 33 Master’s students. Additionally, to strengthen international cooperation and provide practical skills relevant to climate and sustainability careers, the Center funded 100 international research stays, facilitating a deep exchange of expertise across borders.
These mobility programs were complemented by collective learning and knowledge exchange formats. Through Mobile Schools, TRAJECTS created spaces for interdisciplinary dialogue grounded in specific territorial contexts. Research conducted by network members also yielded concrete knowledge outputs, including academic articles, books, policy briefs, and other publications aimed at advancing debates on just transitions among diverse audiences.
A fundamental pillar of TRAJECTS is the integration of academic research with practical application, which is why the Center organized more than 60 high-level dialogues and events aimed at connecting the various stakeholders.
Following five years of successful implementation and a very positive external evaluation, TRAJECTS will begin its second phase (2026-2030). This next phase will build on the foundations laid to further advance the research, education and institutional dialogues necessary for a just and sustainable global transition. In this context, a call for eight master’s and nine doctoral scholarships will soon be announced. Potential new research topics will be examined:
i) Mitigating climate change by phasing-out fossil fuels,
ii) Sustainable integration of renewable energy systems, and
iii) Socio-ecological transitions in critical areas, with emphasis on regions highly dependent on fossil fuels
Learn more about TRAJECTS and upcoming activities by visiting the website: https://trajects.org/.