Introduction
Key terms: quantitative research, research skills, remote sensing, sustainable development, geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery, introductory course, relevant for students in any PhD phase.
ECTS: 3
Number of sessions:
2 online sessions + 5-day course week in Sweden
Hours per session:
2 (online) + 8 (course week)
Course fee: no fee
How can satellite data help you investigate sustainability challenges across places and over time? This course introduces PhD candidates to the use of space applications for global sustainable development, with a particular focus on remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS).
Remote sensing means collecting information about the Earth from a distance, for example through satellites. GIS refers to digital tools used to store, analyse and visualise spatial data. Together, these methods allow researchers to study sustainability issues such as land-use change, carbon emissions, sea-level rise, urban green space, deforestation, and socio-economic development in visually powerful way.
The course combines conceptual introduction with practical training. Participants work with open-access data and learn how space-based methods can support interdisciplinary sustainability research.
This course is organised within the UNIC framework in collaboration with three partner universities: Malmö University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Łódź.
Guest contributions are provided by experts from international organisations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).
It is important the applicant can attend the fieldwork course in Sweden in-person between June 7-12, 2026.
The course aims to help participants understand how spatial methods can be used in sustainability research across local, regional and global contexts. It combines conceptual input, practical laboratory sessions, seminars and excursions. Participants will work with open-access data and software, and explore applications such as sea-level rise, deforestation, night-time light data, and 3D photogrammetry.
The course is designed for PhD candidates who want an accessible introduction to spatial analysis in sustainability research. It does not provide advanced technical training for experienced GIS specialists. Active participation is important.
Practical information
- Duration
- 1.5 months
- Price
- Free of charge
- Teaching mode
- Hybrid
Who is this for?
This is an introductory course. No prior experience with GIS, remote sensing or spatial analysis is required. Participants do not need a background in geography or data science. The course is intended to be accessible to PhD candidates from different disciplines.
The course is relevant for students in any PhD phase, especially those who want to explore new methodological tools in their research. It may be particularly useful for PhD candidates who are looking for new innovative data sources.
Sessions and preparations
The course includes both an online and on-site component.
- The online preparation: (25 May–17 June 2026)
- The on-site week (7–12 June) in Malmö.
Participants are expected to participate in all sessions.
Start date
The online preparation: 25 May–17 June 2026
The on-site week: 7–12 June (in Malmö, Sweden)
Participants are expected to participate in all sessions.
Please apply by emailing krul@rsm.nl. You can send a brief motivation (around 300 words) on why this course would be relevant for your practice and relevant information about your background.
Application deadline: 24 April 2026.
Instructor
This course is organised within the UNIC framework in collaboration with three partner universities: Malmö University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and the University of Łódź. The course will be offered by a team of lecturers.
Dr. Kees KrulThe person of contact for EUR is Dr. Kees Krul, krul@rsm.nl. Kees is a postdoctoral researcher at Rotterdam School of Management. His main research interest is in broad prosperity (brede welvaart) and he is the PI for the Brede Welkaart project (www.bredewelkaart.nl), a project that analysed over 100.000 Dutch council motions to arrive at a thematic understanding of broad prosperity.Email address
Contact
EUR students can contact Kees Krul (krul@rsm.nl) for more information.
Facts & Figures
- Duration
- 1.5 months
- Price
- Free of charge
Free for PhD candidates of all UNIC universities (excluding travel and accommodation)
- Tax
- Not applicable
- Instruction language
- English
- Teaching mode
- Hybrid
Registration
For Erasmus University PhD students:
Please apply by emailing krul@rsm.nl. You can send a brief motivation (around 300 words) on why this course would be relevant for your practice and relevant information about your background.
Application deadline: 24 April 2026.