2025 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship: Support for Peacebuilding Research in Africa

Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is offering its Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Development Fellowships to support doctoral students in advancing their research towards completion, especially for those working in the social sciences. These fellowships target students within Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, with a specific focus on dissertation proposals that address the complex themes of peacebuilding, security, and development in conflict-affected or fragile contexts.

Purpose and Objectives
The fellowship aims to foster the next generation of African social science researchers by supporting innovative and impactful dissertation research projects. The program also seeks to cultivate academic contributions that can enhance global scholarly discussions while supporting the advancement of peace, security, and development research across the African continent.

Research Themes and Priorities

Eligible research topics span several crucial areas, which may include but are not limited to the following themes:

1. Climate, Environment, and Resources
   • The intersection of climate change and peacebuilding, exploring how shifts in climate impact regional stability and resources.
   • Energy transitions, natural resource management, and the social and political dimensions of hydropolitics.
   • Analyzing community, national, and regional dynamics of conflict over natural resources.
2. Justice, Peace, and International Cooperation
   • Peace education initiatives and their role in shaping peaceful African futures.
   • Collaborative frameworks among regional and international entities (UN, AU, EU, RECs) in peace operations and the architecture of peacebuilding.
   • Mechanisms for transitional justice, peacebuilding, and reconciliation efforts in post-conflict regions.
3. Identity, Nationalism, and Social Cohesion
   • The impact of national and regional identities, cultural diversity, and religion on citizenship and state-building processes.
   • The role of marginalized groups, including women and youth, in peacebuilding and national cohesion.
4. Governance, Conflict, and Stakeholder Involvement
   • Examining African peace interventions, both military and non-military, and regional norms for addressing conflict.
   • Interconnections between governance, political transitions, and conflict, focusing on elections, governance, and post-conflict rebuilding.
   • Structural causes of violent conflict, transnational crime, and the role of small arms and light weapons in regional security.
5. Technology, Media, and Arts in Peacebuilding
   • The implications of AI and the fourth industrial revolution on peace and conflict.
   • Digital media’s role in community advocacy and peace promotion, including ethical considerations in knowledge production.
   • The impact of arts—such as music, theater, and other media—on peace narratives and community reconciliation.

Fellowship Benefits and Program Structure

Successful applicants, or fellows, will be awarded up to $3,000 USD to support activities crucial for developing their dissertation proposals, such as pre-fieldwork expenses, literature review materials, and professional support for project planning.

1. Six-Month Developmental Phase:
   Fellows commit to a six-month period to develop their dissertation proposals with an emphasis on creating scholarly contributions relevant to peace, security, and development.
2. Interactive Workshops:
   Fellows will participate in two workshops in July and January. These workshops, held across African regions, are designed to refine research questions, align research methods with objectives, and engage critically with relevant literature.
3. Contribution to African Scholarship and Digital Platforms:
   Fellows will contribute insights to SSRC’s digital forums, including Kujenga Amani, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), helping to project African perspectives in peace and development.
4. Community and Mentorship:
   Fellows join a network of African scholars, benefiting from peer mentorship and interaction with experienced academics. This community offers substantial professional development and networking opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

• African Citizenship and Residence: Applicants must be African citizens currently residing in Africa.
• Doctoral Enrollment: Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited university in one of the eligible countries or be in the process of enrolling.
• Educational Background: Candidates must hold a master’s degree by the time of application.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials through the SSRC Application Portal by January 31, 2025:

• A draft of their dissertation proposal.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), with no page limit, to reflect relevant academic and professional experiences.
• Proof of master’s degree or equivalent certification.
• A proposed research timeline and budget.

All materials must be submitted in English. In cases where academic records or references are in another language, a certified English translation should be provided in a single, collated document.

For more information, visit Social Science Research Council.