Focus in research and studies 2011/2012: topics and regions

In line with the special focus of a public policy school the research programme at the Brandt School looks at conflict studies and conflict management with a special interest in how policy-making and public policy as a research perspective (discipline) need to be re-thought in the context of conflict studies and conflict management. Originally, the key concepts in the field were based on the implicit assumption of strong institutions and stable political conditions. However, it is becoming apparent that existing conceptions in public policy need to be revised to understand the special conditions and challenges in regions of conflict. In particular, the important role of international actors as policy-makers in regions of conflict, fragile states and war-torn countries will be considered in the CSMP. Therefore, fellows with an interest and a background in international public policy and global policy-making are especially invited to the Brandt School.

 

In addition, the CSMP cooperates closely with several chairs for religious studies at the University of Erfurt. The University has a strong concentration in this area and researchers looking at the role of religion or ─ in a wider sense ─ cultural factors, are welcome to pursue their research in the CSMP.

Thus, research areas may include: Regional security (esp. developing frameworks for regional security architectures), terrorism, governance, fragile states, peace- and institution building, global policy making, cultural and religious aspects in conflict studies.

The current regional focus of the CSMP is on the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia.

 

Applications are open to candidates from countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

 

Fellowship and Scholarship Types:

  

Type	Target Group	Goal	Funding Duration
A	Master Students	Master’s Degree in Germany	24 months (+6)
B	Doctoral Students	Doctorate in Germany	36 months (+6)
C	Senior Scientists	Research in Germany	6 to 24 months

Scholarships (Type A+B) are awarded for the normal duration of Master’s and PhD studies with an additional German language course of generally 6 months before the begin of studies.

Fellowships (Type C) are awarded for the length of the research stay in Germany agreed between Willy Brandt School as the host, DAAD as the fund-giver and the fellowship candidate.

All fellowships (A+B+C) will initially be awarded for a maximum of 12 months and can be extended upon application.

Fellowship and Scholarship Value

 

Type	Type	Monthly Instalment	Possible Additional Payments
A	A	750 €	e.g. flat-rate travel allowance, health insurance, family allowances, tuition waiver, six-month German language  course
B	B	1000 €	e.g. flat-rate travel allowance, health insurance, family allowances, tuition waiver, six-month German language  course
C	C	1,840 or 1,990 €, in exceptions 2,240 €	e.g. flat-rate travel allowance, health insurance, family allowances

 

Application Requirements

Type C: Research Fellows

Prospective fellows should agree with the Willy Brandt School on the duration and timing of their stay in Erfurt. Preferred dates to commence are 1 April or 1 October.

 

Positions are open to highly qualified academics and scientists. At the time of their application, applicants for a CSMP Fellowship must

1.    be able to prove their research achievements in one or more of the following fields: political and

      social sciences with a strong focus on conflict studies and conflict management; regional

      security in Central Asia, South Asia or the Middle East; peacekeeping and peace building;

      conflict prevention in general; conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction; evolving issues of

      governance

2.    hold at least a doctorate/ Ph.D.,

3.    have proven research experience of at least 2 years in a relevant field and institution and be

      currently working in institutions of higher education or at a research institute.

4.    Non-academic professional experience in the field of conflict management would be an asset.

5.    Applicants cannot be considered if they have been in Germany for more than one year at the

      time of application.

 

Applicants are expected to submit 3 complete sets of application including the DAAD application form Research Stays and Study Visits for University Academics and Scientists, which can be downloaded here:

http://www.daad.de/imperia/md/content/de/deutschland/formulare/forschungsaufenthalt_va-14.pdf

 and the following accompanying documents:

1.      Curriculum vitae,

2.      list of publications,

3.      a research proposal, including its relevance to the research interests at the Brandt School;

4.      a concise description of relevant teaching and research experience,

5.      2 letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's academic and/or professional

       competence;

6.      A short writing sample pertinent to the application (no more than 50 pages; please do not send

       books or lengthy manuscripts);

7.      Copies of relevant correspondence with the Brandt School regarding the stay in Erfurt.

 

For the fellowships 2 sets of application are to be submitted to the DAAD IC Bishkek.

A third set is to be sent directly to: Willy Brandt School of Public Policy in Erfurt, Nordhäuser Str. 63, D-99089 Erfurt, Germany

Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

 

Applications for fellowships can be submitted at any time, but they should be received at the DAAD application address in the home country at least 6 months before the agreed day of commencement. Applications for the summer term 2011 will be accepted until 1 October 2010, applications for the winter term 2011/2012 until 1 April 2011.