lab
Thesis Labs

Enable your students to push past the boundaries of their academic discipline and give their career a kickstart. 


In a Thesis Lab, students work on a sustainability challenge defined by an external organization or company. The students delve into real questions 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 follow workshops. 

Many 'challenge holders' - companies or organizations that participate in the Lab - are closely involved. They meet other professionals, researchers and students, share knowledge and experiences, and attend lectures or workshops. For students the Lab is a very enriching experience.  Not only do they develop a broad view over the complex issue they are working on, they also develop the skills, they will need to tackle complex future problems, such as 'systems thinking', 'critical thinking', 'careful listening' and the ability to deal with uncertainty.  Students of the Lab also appreciate the fact that the Lab helps them connecting to professionals, thus helping their young careers fast forward.

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 a researcher 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)
  • Around 10 students in each Lab.

Watch Lab Program

 

polderlab

Find previous Thesis Labs