Prajal Pradhan

Prajal Pradhan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Integrated Research on Energy, Environment & Society (IREES). He holds a Visiting Scientist position at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). His research focuses on climate change mitigation, sustainable development goals (SDGs), food systems, and urban resilience. He earned a PhD in Geoecology from the University of Potsdam and holds degrees in Environmental Management (University of Kiel) and Agricultural Engineering (Tribhuvan University).

Education:

• PhD in Geoecology, University of Potsdam (2015)
• MSc in Environmental Management, University of Kiel (2008)
• BEng in Agricultural Engineering, Tribhuvan University (2006)

Research Interests:

Pradhan’s work addresses systemic sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Key themes include SDG interactions, climate-resilient food systems, urban transformations, and policy frameworks for long-term sustainability. He emphasizes synergies between environmental protection, social equity, and economic development.

Grants & Projects:

• ERC Starting Grant (€1.5M, 2023–2028): Transformation towards long-term sustainability beyond SDGs
• DAAD-ForHimSDG (€325k, 2022–2025): Himalayan sustainable development education
• BIOCLIMAPATHS (€400k, 2019–2021): EU bioeconomy resilience

Awards:

• ERC Starting Grant 2022
• Best Sustainable Development Article (1st, 2022; 2nd, 2021)
• Mondialogo Engineering Award 2007

Labs & Teams: Leads IREES research group on climate policy and SDG integration. Collaborates with PIK’s Urban Transformations group and international networks like the Global Land Programme.