The Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies of the University of Basel (Switzerland) welcomes applications for visiting fellowships (3 months) between September and December 2024. The call for applications is situated in the context of the Katekisama exchange program of the Universities of Basel (Switzerland), Bonn (Germany) and the University of Ghana, which is designed to establish new academic mobility and exchange in teaching and research. The thematic focus is on “Natural Resources as Objects of Conflict”.
The program explores post-interdisciplinary ways of thinking and recognizes the synergetic strength of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) by moving beyond the discussions of disciplinarity vs. interdisciplinarity. It aims to intensify global academic networking and mobility by systematically introducing new forms of exchange, digital connectivity and inter-university collaboration. The thematic focus of the call for applications on “Natural Resources as Objects of Conflict” addresses the rising competition over (and weaponization of) natural resources in the context of escalating dependencies and increasingly integrated global supply webs. Because natural resources are generally utilized by more than one group and can be sold to more than one buyer, the management of natural resources is by definition a form of conflict management, whether between different states, governments/corporations and rural people, long-standing residents and newcomers, different regulatory frameworks and notions of rights, or competing companies. And given that such conflicts have historical, legal, economic and political dimensions, combining different disciplinary approaches promises to yield new insights into how and why resources function as (or become) objects of conflict.
The fellows staying at the Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies of the University of Basel will benefit from the excellent academic conditions and exchange with international colleagues at Switzerland’s oldest university. The institute’s international and interdisciplinary focus attracts researchers interested in investigating actors and agencies in a global context with methodologically and thematically innovative research approaches beyond the boundaries of academic disciplines. The fellowships are intended for mid-career researchers. In order to apply, prospective fellows must have completed their doctorate at the time of application and have a proven track record in the indicated research area with a focus on the global context. The proposed research project should make an innovative contribution to the fellow’s field of expertise, also in terms of theoretical and/or methodological input. We strongly encourage women and scholars from the global south to apply. The fellowship includes a grant for travel, accommodation and living expenses in Basel. Fellows are expected to engage in teaching by offering a workshop in Basel and to present their research at the Katekisama partner University of Bonn.
For more information on the Europainstitut / Institute for European Global Studies: https://europa.unibas.ch/. For more information on the Katekisama program: www.katekisama.ch.
Please use the standard application form for your project proposal and CV. Incoming applications without the standard application form will not be considered. Please submit your complete application documents in PDF format in one email to: fellowship-eib@unibas.ch
The closing date for applications is 31 January, 2024. For questions please contact: fellowship-eib@unibas.ch.