Solutions for Green and Digital Transition (UTU-GreDiT), led by the University of Turku (UTU), Finland, is a unique COFUND doctoral training programme designed to develop the next generation of experts capable of driving transformative change toward sustainable societies. The programme equips researchers with the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge needed to operate across sectors at regional, national, and international levels.

UTU-GreDiT is co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Through partnerships with associated organizations, the programme offers 4–6 months national or international secondments and a variety of training activities. These opportunities enhance transferable skills such as scientific writing, project management, open science practices, and entrepreneurship—key competencies for broadening career prospects.

DIDAIhub doctoral researchers associated with the UTU-GreDiT program leads ongoing research in geospatial data and digital technologies to address climate and sustainability challenges in the Global South. The group brings together experts in FAIR data, Earth observation (EO), open-source technologies, digital skills development, citizen science, machine learning and AI, climate resilience, disaster management, and nature-based solutions. This transdisciplinary environment fosters innovative approaches for UTU-GreDiT researchers to tackling complex global issues.

Doctoral researchers affiliated with the UTU-GreDiT research group are currently leading the following research projects:

• Frank Cimahimba: Diverse Values of nature in urban green infrastructure planning of Lilongwe City, Malawi: Towards sustainable and just African cities
• Hilary Julius Mvungi: Big Earth data, citizen science, and AI in co-creation and deployment of innovative climate risk data products and tools for African cities
• Monica Timbuka: Open data, digital tools, and youth engagement in public works for green transition and climate resilience in Africa 

Read more about the doctoral researchers here

UTU-GreDiT partners associated with the doctoral research:

• Deutsches Zentrum für Luftund Raumfahrt e.V. (German Aerospace Center, DLR), Germany
• Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), The World Bank Group.