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Technical University of Munich

Theses and Research Projects

Please make sure that you have read our guidelines before applying for a topic.

Requirements for Writing a…

Bachelor's thesis with us:

Attendance and successful completion of the class "Introduction to Value Chain Economics (WI00108)" is required. This class is offered in both summer and winter semesters.

Master's thesis with us:

Attendance and successful completion of one of our advanced seminars before or during the thesis is required.

Specifically consider:

Advanced Seminar Economics, Policy and Econometrics / Life Sciences, Management and Policy (MGT001344, English): Food Governance, Fairness and Sustainability Literature Review and Presentation Skills
and/or
Advanced Seminar Economics, Policy and Econometrics / Life Sciences, Management and Policy (MGT001345, English): Food Governance, Fairness and Sustainability Scientific Writing and Exploratory Research Methods.

Additionally, for topics related to the economics and governance of food, food labelling, food preferences and health, or food value chains, we advise attending and successfully completing at least one of our classes. Food Economics or Value Chain Economics is recommended.

For topics related to agricultural and environmental policy, it is advisable to attend at least one of the following courses: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Agrar und Agrarumweltpolitik, or International Commodity Markets and Trade Policy.

Research project with us: 

(Including Project Studies (TUM-BWL) and Interdisciplinary Project (IDP))

We are open to supervise discipline-specific and interdisciplinary projects and welcome students from all backgrounds (e.g., food technology, ecology, medicine, nutrition, IT, engineering; agriculture; sustainable resource management etc.). Attendance and successful completion of one of the classes "Food Economics", "Value Chain Economics" or one of the "Advanced seminars" offered by the chair is recommended. Alternatively, students need to provide evidence of having acquired some knowledge in the research project's topic through other coursework, internships etc. For Project Studies (TUM-BWL) and Interdisciplinary Project (IDP), see also: https://www.ep.mgt.tum.de/en/ep/teaching/idp-project-studies-theses/

Application

We supervise theses related to our current projects and research areas. These include: Food labels; Certifications; Private Governance Initiatives in the Agro-Food Sector; Origin-based labels and regional food; Geographical Indications; Consumer food behavior; Food information and education; Nutritional value of food; Unfair trading practices; Transparency in agro-food supply chains; Regional and global agro-food value chains; Alternative and sustainable agro-food value chains; Sustainable technology adoption by SMEs; Smallholder access to high-quality food markets; Agricultural policy; Environmental policy related to agriculture; International trade in agriculture.

To apply for a research project, bachelor or master thesis, please email Prof. Menapace at luisa.menapace@tum.de briefly explaining your interests. Please also attach, your CV and the transcript of records. For topics related to agricultural and environmental policy, please contact Dr. Thilo Glebe at thilo.glebe@tum.de.

Currently available topics

If you are interested in addressing one of the following topics in your Master's or Bachelor's thesis, please contact Shinuna Gärtner directly: 

  • Governance of Informal Food Outlets in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
    A structured review of current literature examining governance structures and mechanisms that shape informal food outlets in LMICs. The thesis will explore how these governance arrangements can serve as entry points for improving urban nutrition security.
  • Value Chains of Ultra-Processed Foods in LMICs
    An in-depth desk-based analysis of the value chain of ultra-processed foods, with a specific focus on the role and influence of informal food outlets. Depending on interest and feasibility, the project may include complementary qualitative data collection.
  • Nutrition Awareness and Opportunities among Informal Food Vendors in LMICs
    An empirical study assessing informal food vendors’ awareness of nutrition-related issues, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in contributing to healthier urban food environments. This topic requires existing contacts or the ability to establish connections within an LMIC context.
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