An Unparalleled Opportunity to Advance Research in Sustainable Development
The Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the prestigious School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, is delighted to announce a compelling call for applications for a Visiting Fellowship. This esteemed fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for accomplished scholars to immerse themselves in a vibrant academic environment, contributing significantly to cutting-edge research and engagement activities focused on sustainable development. For researchers dedicated to making a tangible impact on global challenges, particularly in the context of agricultural development, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive innovation, and social transformation, this fellowship represents a pivotal step in their intellectual and professional journey.
About the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at UCD
University College Dublin (UCD) stands as one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities, globally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and societal impact. Within this distinguished institution, the School of Politics and International Relations hosts the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD). The CSD is a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and scholarly discourse dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing sustainable development challenges facing our world today.
The Centre’s core mission revolves around understanding and fostering sustainable livelihoods, promoting inclusive innovation, and driving social transformation across diverse contexts. Its research agenda is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing insights from political science, economics, sociology, environmental studies, and technology to develop comprehensive solutions. A significant part of the CSD’s ongoing work is specifically focused on the critical nexus of gender-responsive, climate-smart, and digitally enabled agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. This particular emphasis reflects the urgent need for integrated approaches that address food security, climate resilience, and gender equality through technological empowerment in vulnerable regions.
The CSD provides a collaborative and stimulating environment where ideas are exchanged, research is rigorously pursued, and policy-relevant insights are generated. Visiting Fellows will have the unique advantage of engaging with UCD’s world-class faculty, accessing extensive library resources, and participating in a vibrant community of scholars who are passionate about creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Visiting Fellowship: Purpose, Scope, and Value
This Visiting Fellowship is strategically designed to bolster the Centre for Sustainable Development’s research and engagement initiatives. It aims to attract scholars whose work resonates with the CSD’s thematic areas, thereby enriching the intellectual discourse and contributing to the Centre’s output.
Core Purpose: The primary objective of this fellowship is to support the Centre’s research and engagement activities, particularly its ongoing work related to gender-responsive, climate-smart, and digitally enabled agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. Fellows are expected to bring their expertise to complement and expand upon these critical research areas, potentially initiating new lines of inquiry or deepening existing ones.
Duration and Flexibility in Timing: Understanding the diverse commitments of active scholars, the fellowship is structured for a period of approximately three (3) months. To provide maximum flexibility, successful fellows may choose one of two distinct periods for their residency at UCD:
- 1st September – 30th November: Ideal for those seeking to engage in the autumn academic semester.
- 1st February – 30th April: Perfect for scholars preferring a spring academic semester engagement.This flexibility allows fellows to align the visit with their institutional schedules and personal preferences, maximizing the impact of their time at UCD.
Financial Value: Recognizing the associated costs of an international fellowship, the CSD offers substantial financial support. Eligible expenses up to a maximum of €10,000 (ten thousand Euros) will be covered for the entire three-month period of the fellowship. This comprehensive coverage is designed to alleviate financial burdens and enable the fellow to focus entirely on their research and engagement activities. Eligible expenses typically include, but are not limited to:
- Visa costs: Reimbursement for any necessary visa application fees.
- Flights: Round-trip airfare from the fellow’s home country to Dublin, Ireland.
- Accommodation: Support for living arrangements in Dublin for the duration of the fellowship.
- Living costs: Contribution towards daily expenses, including food, local transport, and other necessities.The specific modalities of reimbursement or direct payment for these expenses will be clarified upon selection.
Location: The fellowship will be based at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. UCD offers a modern, spacious campus with excellent facilities, including state-of-the-art libraries, research centers, and a vibrant student and faculty community. Dublin itself is a dynamic European capital, offering rich cultural experiences and a welcoming environment.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The CSD is seeking scholars who can demonstrate a strong academic profile and a clear alignment with the Centre’s research interests.
Academic Record:
- Applicants must have a strong publication record, demonstrating a history of impactful scholarly output in reputable journals, books, or edited volumes. Candidates are specifically asked to highlight their three most relevant publications to this fellowship, emphasizing their expertise and relevance to the CSD’s work.
- A proven teaching record is also required, indicating experience in delivering high-quality instruction at the university level.
Relevant Fields of Expertise: The fellowship is open to scholars in fields broadly aligned with the CSD’s work. These include, but are not limited to:
- Development Studies: Focusing on theories, policies, and practices related to global development.
- Agronomy: Expertise in the science of soil management and crop production, particularly relevant to climate-smart agriculture.
- Gender Studies: Research on gender roles, inequalities, and empowerment, crucial for gender-responsive development.
- Digital Agriculture: Knowledge and experience in applying digital technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, remote sensing) to agricultural practices.
- Rural Sociology: Understanding of social structures, dynamics, and challenges in rural communities.
- Political Economy: Analysis of the interplay between political power and economic systems, especially in the context of development.
- ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development): Focus on leveraging technology for socio-economic development.
Career Stage:
- Early Career Researchers (ECRs): Scholars who are typically within 8-10 years of receiving their PhD are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Established Scholars: Researchers who are up to 15 years post-PhD are also eligible. This broad eligibility ensures that both emerging talents and seasoned academics can contribute their valuable perspectives.
Expectations of the Visiting Fellow
The CSD envisions an active and integrated role for its Visiting Fellows within the Centre’s vibrant academic life. The selected individual is expected to:
- Participate Fully in Centre’s Activities: Actively engage in the intellectual life of the CSD, attending and contributing to internal discussions, research group meetings, and informal gatherings.
- Contribute to Research: Engage in independent research aligned with the CSD’s themes, ideally collaborating with CSD faculty on ongoing projects or developing new research initiatives. This could involve data analysis, literature reviews, conceptual development, or writing for publication.
- Contribute to Seminars: Present their ongoing research or a relevant topic at a CSD seminar or workshop. This provides an opportunity for intellectual exchange and feedback.
- Contribute to Teaching: Engage in light teaching activities as appropriate, which may include delivering a guest lecture, contributing to a module, or conducting a workshop for students. This allows for knowledge transfer and interaction with UCD’s student body.
- Light Administrative Activities: Engage in minimal administrative tasks as appropriate, which might involve contributing to the organization of a seminar, assisting with a research grant application, or providing input on CSD’s strategic planning. These activities are designed to foster a sense of belonging and contribution to the Centre’s operational success.
The fellowship offers a unique blend of focused research time and active engagement, allowing fellows to both advance their personal research agenda and significantly contribute to the CSD’s collective endeavors.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out: Benefits and Opportunities
This Visiting Fellowship at UCD’s CSD offers a compelling package of benefits for ambitious scholars:
- Access to World-Class Resources: UCD provides state-of-the-art research facilities, extensive library collections, and advanced computational resources, all crucial for high-impact research.
- Collaboration with Leading Experts: The opportunity to work closely with CSD faculty, who are leaders in their respective fields, fostering new perspectives and potential long-term research collaborations.
- Visibility and Networking: Enhance your international profile by associating with a globally recognized institution and expand your academic network through interactions with UCD faculty, students, and other visiting scholars.
- Focused Research Time: The fellowship provides dedicated time away from regular institutional duties, allowing for concentrated effort on research and writing, which can significantly boost publication output.
- Financial Support: The generous financial coverage of eligible expenses removes a major barrier to international academic mobility, making this opportunity accessible to a wider pool of talent.
- Experience Ireland: The chance to live and work in Ireland, a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Contribution to Impactful Research: Be part of research that directly addresses critical global challenges related to sustainable development, gender equality, climate action, and digital transformation in vulnerable regions.
- Enhance Teaching Portfolio: The opportunity for light teaching activities can diversify and strengthen your teaching experience, particularly in an international context.
- Mentorship and Professional Development: Benefit from informal mentorship and professional development opportunities within a supportive academic community.
Application Requirements: Your Guide to a Successful Submission
To ensure a comprehensive and competitive application, candidates must adhere strictly to the following requirements:
Submission Format: All application materials must be compiled and submitted as a single PDF document. This simplifies the review process and ensures all components are received together.
Required Components:
- Cover Letter: This is a crucial document that should succinctly and persuasively articulate your suitability for the Visiting Fellowship. It should clearly outline:
- Your expertise: Highlight your core areas of specialization and research interests.
- Suitability for the role: Explain why you are an ideal candidate for this specific fellowship, emphasizing how your skills and background align with the CSD’s needs.
- Alignment with CSD’s work: Detail how your existing or proposed research specifically aligns with the Centre’s ongoing work on gender-responsive, climate-smart, and digitally enabled agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. Also, articulate how your work complements the CSD’s broader research agenda on sustainable livelihoods, inclusive innovation, and social transformation. Make explicit connections between your scholarly contributions and the Centre’s thematic priorities.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should be comprehensive and provide a detailed overview of your academic and professional history. It must include:
- Full list of publications: Provide a complete bibliography of all your published scholarly works. Crucially, explicitly highlight the three most relevant publications to this Visiting Fellowship. These should be the works that best demonstrate your expertise and direct relevance to the CSD’s research focus.
- Summary of teaching experience: Detail your teaching roles, courses taught, levels of instruction (undergraduate/postgraduate), and any significant contributions to curriculum development or pedagogical innovation.
- Contact details for three referees: Provide the names, affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references who can speak to your academic capabilities, research prowess, and professional conduct. Please note that referees will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview.
Key Dates and Contact Information
Deadline for Applications: Mark your calendars! All applications must be submitted by Thursday, 20th June 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Candidates are strongly advised to prepare their materials well in advance of the deadline to avoid any unforeseen technical issues.
Submission Email: Applications must be sent directly to the dedicated CSD contact email address: csd.contact@ucd.ie. Ensure that the subject line of your email clearly indicates “Visiting Fellowship Application” followed by your name.
Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. This provides a convenient and accessible format for international applicants. Further details regarding the interview schedule and platform will be communicated to shortlisted candidates directly.
Informal Inquiries: For any informal queries or to gain further insights into the fellowship or the Centre’s work, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Supriya Garikipati. You can reach her via email at: supriya.garikipati@ucd.ie. This is an excellent opportunity to clarify any doubts or discuss potential research alignments before submitting your formal application.
Conclusion: Chart Your Academic Impact in Ireland
The Visiting Fellowship at the Centre for Sustainable Development, School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, represents an outstanding opportunity for scholars passionate about driving sustainable change. By offering financial support, access to world-class resources, and a stimulating intellectual environment, the CSD aims to foster impactful research that addresses critical global challenges. If you are an Early Career Researcher or an established scholar with a strong record in development studies, agronomy, gender studies, digital agriculture, or related fields, and you are eager to contribute to research on gender-responsive, climate-smart, and digitally enabled agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa, this is your chance to make a profound difference. Prepare your comprehensive application, ensure it highlights your unique alignment with the CSD’s work, and submit it before the deadline of June 20th, 2025. Your journey towards significant academic contribution and professional enrichment in the heart of Ireland awaits.
