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Thesis Labs

Are you ready to work with the most talented and ambitious students and gain new insights into sustainability? The Thesis Lab offers you a unique opportunity.


In a Thesis Lab, students work on a sustainability challenge defined by your organization or company. The students delve into your question and write their master’s thesis on the topic, under the supervision of their own academic program. The Lab Program challenges them to look beyond the boundaries of their own discipline. They learn from each other, attend lectures, participate in discussions and workshops, all of which enrich the quality of their thesis.

As a “challenge holder,” you will also be learning. You’ll have the opportunity to meet other professionals and researchers, share knowledge and experiences, and attend lectures or workshops. You decide how actively you want to participate. Every challenge holder takes part in at least two events: an expert meeting (in the spring) and a networking event at the end (late June or early July).

New Labs 2025-2026

In the academic year 2025-2026 the Centre for Sustainability will organise five new thesis labs. We are currently recruiting students. You can find more information on the topics on the student recruitment pages below.

Planning & Program

  • Deadline for application for students is 12 October (23:59) 2025.
  • There will be a second round of promotion to fill empty spots left and for students that start their thesis later, with deadline 23 November (23:59) 2025.
  • The program has 11 bi-weekly sessions and runs from 4 February till July 2026 (five months).

Are you an organisation and want to be involved in a Lab? Please let us know! Email lde_cfs@cml.leidenuniv.nl

In Short

  • Tailor made program for organizations, coordinated and organized by our Centre. 
  • Students of all scientific disciplines involved, such as: natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, design, law, health, economics, management, humanities and philosophy.
  • Deadline for applications caseholders: June
  • Deadline for application students: November
  • Lab runs February till July (five months)
  • Costs involved, learn more during a meeting
  • Around 10 students in each Lab.

    Watch Lab Program

 

polderlab

Find previous Thesis Labs