Applications open for the MIASA Writing Workshop for early career researchers in Africa
The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) is dedicated to supporting early career researchers in Africa who are focused on the important topics of peace, democracy, and climate change. Our goal is to provide these researchers with the necessary space and intellectual community to transform their draft papers into publishable journal pieces.
To achieve this, we have designed a 5-day writing workshop that will not only enhance the academic writing skills of African early career scholars but also increase their success rate in submitting their work to high-quality journals. Additionally, we aim to build a network of Africa-based scholars who are actively working on the themes of peace, democracy, and climate change.
The workshop will be organized as a writing retreat, where participants will engage in daily seminars and writing sessions. The seminars will provide practical guidance on academic writing and publishing in high-quality journals. Throughout the retreat, participants will also receive support from academic mentors and editors who have expertise in the fields of peace, democracy, and climate change.
We welcome applications from early career researchers who meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Hold a doctorate awarded within the past 5 years (after January 2018).
2. Employed at a recognized university or research institute in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Fluent in written and spoken English (translation services will not be provided).
Join us in this transformative workshop and take your research to the next level. Together, we can make a difference in the fields of peace, democracy, and climate change.
Funding:
Successful applicants will receive financial support to cover their travel expenses from Sub-Saharan Africa to Ghana, as well as accommodation and subsistence costs for the duration of the workshop. In the event that the ongoing pandemic prevents an in-person workshop, the retreat will be conducted virtually.
Selection Criteria:
Applications will be evaluated and chosen based on a strict merit-based process. The main criteria for selection include:
1. Possession of a PhD certificate granted between January 2019 and date
2. Employment at a university or research institute in Africa.
3. Excellence, relevance, and originality of the draft research paper.
4. Alignment of the research with the themes of peace, democracy, and climate change.
The workshop is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research through the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA), located at the University of Ghana, Legon. MIASA, in collaboration with ZIAF/University of Frankfurt, Germany, is responsible for organizing the workshop.
Application Procedure:
To apply, please submit the following:
1. A motivation letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your reasons for wanting to attend the writing workshop and the benefits you hope to gain.
2. A draft research paper (5,000-8,000 words in English) containing original and preliminary data analysis in the areas of peace, democracy, and climate change, with the intention of submitting it to a journal.
3. An abstract of the paper (maximum 500 words).
4. A comprehensive CV.
5. A copy of your PhD award certificate.
Applications should be completed using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/XT6v5m03EP. Abstracts, research papers, CVs, and certificates should be sent in PDF format to the email address: [email protected]. The submission deadline is February 10th, 2024. For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].
