Deadline: 27 June 2014
The Gulbenkian Foundation and the Volkswagen Foundation jointly invite grant applications from junior and senior researchers in Sub-Saharan and North Africa to conduct cooperative research projects. The program entitled ‘Knowledge for Tomorrow’ aims to develop and reinforce research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The joint research initiative of postdoctoral candidates, developed and carried out by African scholars and scientists in close cooperation with their German partners, can submit pre-proposals for the fellowships in Social Sciences. This is an opportunity of enhancing both skills and academic qualifications, strengthening partnerships between African and European scholars, and developing and extending academic networks within Africa and beyond.
Thematic Scope: Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Social Anthropology
- Contemporary social or political history
Both Junior and Senior researchers will be provided grant amount to conduct their postdoctoral research while based on the African continent. Grant amounts will cover salary, research, travel costs and administrative costs.
- Junior Postdoctoral Fellows– EUR90,000
- Senior Postdoctoral Fellows– EUR120,000
Possible Research Topics
- Processes of urbanization
- The emergence and scope of violent conflicts
- Peace building strategies
- Foreign actors in Africa
- Inter African relationships
- Questions of social order
- Measures aiming at poverty reduction
Eligibility Criteria
- Applying researchers must be based in or wish to return to Sub-Saharan or North Africa.
- Grant application must be made for research projects carried out in cooperation with a partner academic institution in Germany, and for Junior and Senior Fellowships with a 36-month duration.
- Applicants for Junior postdoctoral fellowship should have less than three years of postdoctoral experience (the PhD must be completed by March 2015, at the latest).
- Applicants for senior postdoctoral fellowship must have more than three years and less than six years of postdoctoral experience.
Applicants must submit three PDF files- the cover letter, pre proposal and all appendices via electronic application system or via email as attachment. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
For more information, please visit Knowledge for Tomorrow. It is recommended to click ‘Information for Applicants’ link under ‘Open Calls’ for further reading before beginning the application procedure.
