The Foundation for Peace Sciences (Stichting Vredeswetenschappen) is offering two research grants for graduates with a Masters degree to develop a PhD proposal.
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam will offer feedback during the process of proposal development. Proposal development will have to take place between 1 November 2015 and 30 April 2016. The grants are funded by the ASN Foundation, part of the ASN Bank. Applicants should have successfully completed a Master’s programme (or be expected to do so before September) that falls within the mandate of the Foundation for Peace Sciences. Preference will be given to candidates whose research interests align with one or more of the ISS academic staff members.
Potential research topics may include:
Quantitative, econometric, rational choice approaches to the analysis of conflict
Behavioural economics and conflict
Natural resource economics and conflict
Experimental economics and conflict
New approaches to the role of the state in conflict, peace and human security
Reconceptualising peace in relation to development, security and insecurity
Combining qualitative and quantitative methods for studying conflict, warfare and peace
Analysing media influences on patterns of violent and non-violent insurgency
Impacts of resource scarcity and inequalities (gender, class, identity) on environmental conflicts and peace outcomes
Western interventions, local actors and the peace-development-security nexu
Mechanisms of conflict prevention, especially involving civil society
Requirements for the research grant:
Successful completion of a Master’s programme (minimum average grade 8, merit, or equivalent) before 1 September 2015.
Demonstrable interest in, and experience with, research topics within the mandate of the Foundation for Peace Sciences (identifying conditions for peace).
Early career researcher, including those who have worked in NGOs with practical experience in peace-building
Being allowed to live and work in The Netherlands.
Winning candidates will be offered the following facilities for the duration of six months starting 1 November 2015:
Research facilities at the International Institute of Social Studies.
Feedback by one or more academic staff members of the ISS.
A monthly allowance of 1000 euro by the ASN Foundation between 1 November 2015 and 30 April 2016
Opportunity to present the research proposal at a work-in-progress seminar of the ISS.
Applications should be submitted before 1 September 2015 to the svwresearchgrant@ISS.nl (please note that we are not in position to answer any questions between 13 July and 8 August). Applications should include:
- CV and application letter (maximum two pages each), including contact details, at least two academic references and confirmation of availability for the full duration of the proposal development.
- A preliminary research proposal of no more than 3 pages (1500 words, excluding notes and bibliography), detailing the proposed topic, scientific and societal relevance and connection to the work of Foundation for Peace Sciences and ISS.
A jury chaired by Professor Mansoob Murshed and including a representative of the Foundation for Peace Sciences will assess the proposal. Shortlisted candidates will be informed mid-September and interviews will take place end of September.
For more information on the background of the organisations involved:
Stichting Vredeswetenschappen: www.stichtingvredeswetenschappen.nl and www.facebook.com/stichtingvredeswetenschappen
International Institute for Social Studies: www.iss.nl and www.facebook.com/iss.nl
ASN Foundation: http://www.asnbank.nl/particulier/wat-doen-wij/hoe-vullen-we-duurzaamheid-in/asn-foundation.html
