Call for applications: Visiting Research Fellows in Human Rights
As part of its Human Rights Capacity Building Programme in China, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) hereby calls for applications from Chinese researchers and lecturers within the field of human rights to participate in a visiting research fellowship programme in Lund, Sweden.
The purpose of the fellowship programme is to enable Chinese researchers to conduct focused research on human rights in a supportive academic environment at our head office in Lund, affiliated with Lund University.
RWI is welcoming applications related to human rights in general, and in particular on the following five themes of special relevance to RWI’s China Programme
- Human rights in higher education;
- Anti-discrimination, gender equality and women’s human rights;
- Rights of persons with disabilities;
- Human rights and environment; and
- Business and human rights.
RWI is opening two fellowship positions during autumn 2022. The deadlines for applications is 13 May. The duration of each fellowship is 3 months, during the period of September to December 2022. RWI will cover travel expenses, and a grant expected to cover housing and living expenses will be provided (see details below).
The Visiting Research Fellowship Programme
During their fellowship at RWI, the visiting researchers are primarily expected to conduct full-time research on the project funded through this fellowship and according to the research plan agreed with RWI. To take full advantage of their stay in Lund, fellows are expected to adopt a proactive approach and reach out and interact with experts at RWI and at Lund University. RWI will provide a supportive academic environment to enable high quality research and ensure a sustained focus on research. Together with the fellows and based on their specific needs and interests, RWI will set up a framework of activities that includes individual feedback sessions to their research on an on-going basis, opportunities to attend and present in research seminars, possibilities to teach and make public presentations, and subject to Covid-related restrictions study visits at Swedish entities such as government, civil society organisations, and companies.
The expected outcome of the fellowship is an advanced manuscript based on the 3-months research fellowship. This should be presented at least in an internal seminar at RWI in December. At least a working paper should be finalised and uploaded on the RWI-supported publication platform (https://rwi.lu.se/rwi-supported-publications/). An end of fellowship report should be submitted to RWI.
Parallel fellowships are open for applicants from other countries where RWI operates (e.g. Cambodia), and researchers from those countries might similarly be enrolled in a fellowship programme at RWI during the same time. Working on closely related topics, there will be opportunities for stimulating exchanges and collaboration among this larger group of senior fellows.
Successful applicants are expected to commence their research fellowship in Lund, Sweden, in September.
Relevant Covid-related quarantine regulations and provisions for arrivals to Sweden at the time of arrival will apply. If applicable, successful applicants might thus be required to quarantine upon arrival. This will not affect the expected time and end dates of the fellowship programme.
RWI will continuously and closely monitor the development of Covid-19, and associated regulations from relevant authorities. Should it be deemed infeasible to arrange the fellowship programme in a manner that is conducive to the expected objectives of the programme, RWI reserves the right to cancel the programme.
Application and selection criteria
This call for applications are open to all researchers who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Hold Chinese passports;
- Have a doctorate degree or are at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies;
- Are engaged in a field of research and teaching relevant for RWI China Programmes thematic focus areas as listed above;
- Are able to communicate professionally in oral and written English (proficiency in English demonstrated through certificates and oral interviews with RWI);
- Are able to travel to Lund, Sweden for the entire duration of the fellowship programme, including potential quarantine period on arrival;
Researchers interested in applying should send their application by email no later than 13 May 2022, to jonah.wigerhall@rwi.lu.se. A complete application should include:
- A personal statement in support of your application (300-500 words) outlining your motivation to and reasons for applying, and how your current research aligns with RWI China Programme thematic focus areas;
- A project description with clear formulation of the research problem and research questions (1000 words max);
- A research plan for the 3 months of the fellowship with key activities, a time plan and expected outcomes (300 words max);
- A CV (2 pages max);
- List of publications (with indication of the most representative publication);
RWI will rank eligible applicants based on academic merits and quality of the research project. Further criteria in the selection are:
- How closely their research project aligns with the focus themes of this fellowship;
- Depending on other applications received, how RWI can cluster the projects thematically in order to obtain synergies among fellows and provide the most rewarding experience for the group of fellows;
Grants
Grants will be provided to the two successful applicants, and an agreement between the applicants and RWI, outlining the terms and conditions therein, will be entered into. The grants will cover:
- Travel expenses for return air travel to Sweden;
- A monthly stipend of SEK 25,000, over 3 months;
- Local and regional travel costs in Sweden in connection with programme activities;
- Logistical support in the visa application process (costs to be borne by applicants);
Note that while the monthly stipend is expected to cover housing and other living expenses, RWI are not able to provide housing. RWI will support in introducing the successful applicants to housing services and platforms in Lund, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the successful applicants to secure accommodation.
About the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) is named after Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved the lives of tens of thousands of Jews and other people at risk in Hungary at the end of World War II.
RWI combines evidence-based human rights research with direct engagement with partners to contribute to a wider understanding of and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
RWI is a research and academic institution that has offices, programmes and convening power covering more than 40 countries. As a network-based organisation, RWI works through strong partnerships to bring about human rights change for all.
Since 1984 RWI have been affiliated with Lund University in Sweden, one of the world’s top 100 rated universities. Today, we are around 60 people located in Amman, Beijing, Harare, Istanbul, Jakarta, Lund, Nairobi, Phnom Penh and Stockholm.
RWI initiated activities in China in the mid-1990s, and has for more than two decades worked to strengthen academic and justice institutions and networks for the promotion and protection of human rights in China. For more information on RWI please see here.