SEI Agroecology Internship 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Sustainable Food Systems

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is offering an exciting internship opportunity for students passionate about sustainable food systems, agroecology, and innovative economic models. This six-month internship, running from September 2026 to January 2027, is part of the groundbreaking AgroPolis project—an initiative focused on transforming European food systems toward sustainability, equity, and resilience.

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, or conducted remotely, this internship gives aspiring researchers and practitioners the chance to work at the intersection of science, policy, and real-world implementation. It is particularly suited for master’s students eager to contribute to meaningful change in agriculture and food systems.

About the AgroPolis Project

The AgroPolis project—short for “Promoting AGROecology through co-creating value chain innovations and improved multilevel POLIcieS in a beyond-growth Europe”—addresses one of the most urgent global challenges: transforming food systems from unsustainable, industrialized models into locally rooted, equitable, and ecologically sound systems.

This ambitious EU-funded initiative brings together multiple countries, including Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Slovenia, through a two-tiered multi-actor living lab approach. These living labs serve as experimental spaces where stakeholders collaborate to design, test, and refine innovative solutions across agroecological value chains.

At the same time, a cross-country policy hub facilitates knowledge exchange, identifies structural and policy barriers, and supports the development of actionable recommendations. The ultimate goal is to enable a transition toward food systems that prioritize environmental health, social equity, and long-term sustainability over short-term economic growth.

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Internship Overview

As an intern, you will join SEI’s Agriculture, Land and Bioeconomy Team and contribute to research on alternative market models for agroecological products. Your work will focus primarily on the Swedish living lab based in Malmö, where you will collaborate with local stakeholders to explore innovative ways of connecting producers and consumers.

The internship offers a unique blend of academic research and practical engagement. You will participate in co-creative processes, helping to design and assess new market models that support agroecological transitions. This includes exploring concepts such as community-supported agriculture, cooperative distribution systems, and other localized market approaches.

Importantly, the internship is not just about observation—it is about active participation. You will be involved in shaping real-world solutions and generating evidence that can inform policy and practice across Europe.

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Key Responsibilities

During the internship, you will take on a range of tasks that combine research, collaboration, and practical implementation. One of your primary responsibilities will be to synthesize existing literature and stakeholder knowledge to identify promising alternative market models. This involves analyzing academic research, case studies, and real-world examples to understand what works and why.

You will also assist in organizing participatory workshops, which are central to the living lab approach. These workshops bring together diverse stakeholders—including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and consumers—to co-design strategies and envision future market pathways. You will help facilitate discussions, visualize ideas, and contribute to backcasting exercises that map out steps toward desired outcomes.

Another important aspect of your role will be supporting the assessment of selected market models. Working closely with stakeholders, you will evaluate their feasibility, scalability, and potential impact. This involves gathering data, conducting interviews or surveys, and analyzing findings to generate actionable insights.

Learning Opportunities and Academic Value

This internship is not only a professional opportunity but also an academic one. The work you undertake may serve as a foundation for your master’s thesis, allowing you to deepen your research while contributing to a high-impact project.

You will gain hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, including stakeholder engagement, participatory approaches, and co-creative design. These skills are highly valuable in fields such as agroecology, sustainability science, and policy research.

Moreover, you will be exposed to interdisciplinary collaboration, working alongside experts from different fields and backgrounds. This will enhance your ability to navigate complex systems and develop holistic solutions to real-world challenges.

Who Should Apply?

SEI is looking for motivated and curious students who are currently enrolled in a master’s program in agroecology, food systems science, political ecology, or a related field. A strong interest in transforming food systems through agroecological and post-growth perspectives is essential.

Ideal candidates will have experience with social science research methods, such as surveys and interviews, and be comfortable working in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills are also important, as the internship involves balancing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Fluency in English and proficiency in Microsoft Office are required. While not mandatory, prior exposure to alternative market models or agroecological practices will be considered an asset.

Location and Flexibility

The internship offers flexibility in terms of location. You can choose to work remotely or from SEI’s headquarters in Stockholm, depending on your preference. However, candidates based in or near Skåne are particularly encouraged to apply, as this will facilitate participation in living lab activities in Malmö.

This flexibility makes the internship accessible to a wider range of applicants while still providing opportunities for hands-on engagement where possible.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged. The final deadline is 19 April 2026 at 23:59 Stockholm time.

To apply, you will need to submit a short CV and a one-page cover letter in English. Your cover letter should clearly explain how your skills and interests align with the AgroPolis project, as well as what you hope to learn from the internship and how it fits into your academic or career goals.

Your CV should include at least one reference, with their name, affiliation, and contact details.

It is also important to note that SEI internships are part of academic studies and require external funding and insurance. Applicants should review SEI’s internship requirements before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.

About Stockholm Environment Institute

The Stockholm Environment Institute is a globally recognized, non-profit research organization dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental and development challenges. With headquarters in Stockholm and centers around the world, SEI works at the intersection of science, policy, and practice.

The institute’s work spans a wide range of areas, including climate change, natural resources, water, air quality, and public health. It also addresses critical issues such as governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality, and social equity.

SEI is known for its commitment to scientific integrity, transparency, and collaboration. By working closely with partners across sectors, the organization aims to drive meaningful, lasting change toward a sustainable and equitable future.

Final Thoughts

This internship is more than just a learning experience—it is a chance to be part of a transformative movement in global food systems. By contributing to the AgroPolis project, you will help shape innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while promoting social and economic equity.

For students passionate about sustainability, agroecology, and systemic change, this opportunity offers a rare combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and real-world impact. If you are ready to engage with cutting-edge research and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, this SEI internship could be the perfect step in your career journey.