Nordregio is an international research institute established by the Nordic Council of Ministers

Junior Research Fellow

Theresa Gerstbrein

Theresa has an interdisciplinary background in sustainable development and international studies, with a primary research focus on sustainable food systems. Her broader research interests include multi-level sustainability governance, societal resilience and preparedness. Her ambition is to contribute to applied research that reflects local realities, strengthens capacities and creates synergies between actors working towards shared sustainability goals.

Publications

Malefors, C., Gerstbrein, T., von Brömssen, C., Sundin, N., Ran, Y., Lambe, F. & Eriksson, M. (2026). Understanding food waste generation in school canteens. Environmental Development, 57, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101386.

Academic qualifications

MSc in Sustainable Development, Uppsala University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 2022-2024 (Uppsala, Sweden)

BA in International, Cultural and Business Studies, University of Passau, 2017-2021 (Passau, Germany)

Languages

German – native

English – fluent

Swedish – fluent

Spanish – fluent

Portuguese – good comprehension, basic conversational skills

Prior positions

2025-2026: Research Assistant, Stockholm Resilience Centre (Sweden)

2022: Intern in Sustainability Strategy Consulting, fors.earth GmbH (Munich, Germany)

2021-2022: Intern in Green Transport Logistics, BMW Group (Munich, Germany)