Apply Now: MIASA Individual Residential Fellowships at the University of Ghana

The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) is pleased to announce up to ten Individual Residential Fellowships for the academic year 2025/2026. These fellowships, ranging from 3 to 10 months each, will be hosted at the University of Ghana, offering scholars a unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The application deadline has been extended to 13 September 2024, 23:59 UTC.

About MIASA

MIASA focuses on sustainable governance from a broad and critical perspective, emphasizing the interplay of informal and formal rules that shape public affairs. The institute’s main research areas include sustainable peace, sustainable democracy, and sustainability transformation, while also exploring sub-topics such as landownership, migration, human rights, and more. MIASA is dedicated to reducing global asymmetries in knowledge production, promoting female scholarship, and bridging cultural divides.

Located on the picturesque campus of the University of Ghana at Legon (Accra), MIASA offers an inspiring environment for innovative academic research. The institute facilitates collaboration among leading researchers from Germany, Ghana, and beyond, with support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the University of Ghana.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to scholars at both junior and senior levels.
• Applicants must have been awarded their doctoral degree at least three months prior to the start of the fellowship.

Fellowship Duration:

• Fellowships span between 3 to 10 months.
• Flexible start dates beginning from 1 June 2025.
• All fellowships must be completed by 31 August 2026.

Research Expectations:

• Fellows will undertake individual research projects aligned with MIASA’s thematic areas.
• Projects can be at any stage, including conception, mid-term development, or final analysis and writing.
• Residential commitment is required, with fellows expected to be present at MIASA throughout the fellowship period, barring short absences for activities such as conference participation or minor fieldwork.
• Data collection should not be the primary focus during the fellowship tenure.

Support and Benefits:

• Financial Support:
  • For fellows with institutional affiliations, MIASA will cover salary or teaching substitution costs up to 6925 EUR/month, paid directly to the home institution.
  • In cases where direct payment is not feasible, an individual grant based on the candidate’s current salary (up to 6925 EUR/month) will be provided.
  • Accommodation allowance of up to 1500 EUR/month for fellows from outside Accra.
  • Travel reimbursement for the beginning and end of the fellowship.
  • Family allowance available for fellows accompanied by family members.
• Research Facilities:
  • Access to fully equipped office spaces on the University of Ghana – Legon campus.
  • Integration into a dynamic and collaborative research community comprising scholars from Germany, Ghana, and worldwide.
• Academic Engagement:
  • Opportunities to participate in and contribute to MIASA’s academic activities, workshops, and seminars.
  • Engagements aimed at bridging disciplines, cultures, and career stages, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
  • Platforms to connect research with society, politics, and the arts, enhancing the broader impact of scholarly work.

Application Deadline:

• Extended to 13 September 2024, 23:59 UTC.

Application Language:

• Applications are accepted in English and French.

Required Application Documents:

1. Front Page (1 page): Download and complete the Front Page Template provided by MIASA.
2. Project Proposal (Maximum 5 pages):
   • Project title (max. 50 characters).
   • Abstract of the fellowship project (150 words).
   • Aims, theoretical framework and methodology of the project.
   • Work and time plan (note: the fellowship requires being present at MIASA, University of Ghana).
   • Innovative potential, originality and relevance of the project.
   • Added value of conducting research at MIASA and the University of Ghana.
   • Bibliographical references (max. 1 page in addition to the 5 pages of the proposal).
3. Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 2 pages)
4. Publication list highlighting the most important publications (max. 2 pages).

Formatting Requirements:

• Formatting: font Arial, 11 pt, line spacing 1.5, all margins 2.5 cm.
• Page limits may not be exceeded.

Submission Platform:

• Apply through the MIASA Fellowship Application Platform: Apply Now.

Successful candidates will be informed in February 2025.  For more information, contact: miasa@act.uni-freiburg.de or visit the website.