28 July – 3 August 2014
London, UK
In collaboration with the UK Academy of Social Sciences and the London School of Economics
In the context of the global economic crisis, climate change and population growth, considerable debate has been engendered at all levels of governance concerning the implications of economic, environmental and demographic policies for social development, particularly with reference to established and emerging social protection systems, education and training, poverty reduction, health, ageing and wellbeing, and migratory movements
Since the 1990s, the term ‘global social governance’ has been most thoroughly explicated by
social policy specialists in an intellectual and research agenda designed to inform the political development of an international programme concerned with the social policy dimensions of regional governance. Key issues, debates and priorities for action have emerged in global social policy as a field of academic study and research, and of political practice. Global social policy is
today recognized as a dynamic and expanding field, with the transformation of welfare from a
predominantly national to a global field of action, and the impact of globalization on key welfare
discourses and governance mechanisms. This topical agenda, with the added dimension of the
impact of the global economic crisis, provides examples of case studies that could be critiqued
and emulated by Fellows and indicates the range of approaches and themes from which Fellowscould select to develop projects during the course of the Seminar
We are looking for 20 World Social Science Fellows – talented, early career social scientists –
to start developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives at a seminar in London,
and to take them forward in their research and teaching activities after the seminar.
We are offering the opportunity to interact with some of the leading thinkers in the area of global
social governance, other talented early career social scientists from across the globe, as well as
policy makers/practitioners, activists, and other stakeholders.
We will cover travel costs for your journey to London as well as local travel and subsistence
costs
A particular feature of the seminar is a capacity building component designed to foster
international and interdisciplinary social research and agendasetting initiatives. The seminar
sets the stage for new international research collaborations to emerge on themes such as global
health policy, demography and social policy, welfare, and civil society. Fellows will have the
opportunity to continue working together after the seminar to pursue joint research initiatives and
coauthored publications on topics developed during the seminar.
Being a World Social Science Fellow will enable you to forge new and lasting networks that can
stimulate and support transformative social science research, while the experience will provide a
basis for advancing your own career as an active member – and future leader – of the
international social science community.
LOGISTICS
Dates: 28 July to 3 August 2014
Place: London, UK
Structure: The seminar combines an interactive workshop approach with the opportunity for
round table, group and individual discussions on aspects of global social governance, as well as
visits and discussion with social science units in relevant government departments, university
and independent research centres, and think tanks. At the end of the five days, Fellows will have
a good overview of the current stateoftheart of policy relevant research and a clear vision of
major research priorities for the coming 5 to 10 years.
SELECTION PROCESS
The ISSC will select a maximum of 20 early career social scientists to participate in the seminar
and become World Social Science Fellows. We will seek to ensure representation from around
the world and from different social science disciplines, as well as an appropriate gender balance.To be eligible to apply, you must be:
A postdoctoral researcher with a maximum of five years research experience following your
PhD (candidates with more research experience can also be considered, if they explain why
they should be eligible)? or
An early career researcher without a PhD but with an equivalent level of research experience
and output?
Under 40 years of age (candidates over the age of 40 can also be considered, if they explain
why they should be eligible)
To apply for selection as a World Social Science Fellow, please submit the following, in English:
? A Curriculum Vitae of no more than 2 pages, including information about education, research
projects and networks, awards and prizes and other relevant experience. In addition to the 2
page CV, add a list of your most important publications.
? An abstract (one page maximum) of a paper you would want to develop at the seminar
? A statement (one page maximum) outlining your perspective on the topic of global social
governance. Please highlight relevant experience you have in interdisciplinary research projects.
? An agreement from your home institution supporting your participation in the seminar, including
a short outline of how you will share knowledge you have gained at the seminar with your
colleagues/students after you return.
The seminar will be held in English. Please indicate if this is a problem for you
Applications can be submitted electronically and in one single pdf file to
fellows@worldsocialscience.org
Deadline for submission of applications: Midnight GMT+1 (Paris Time) March 2
nd
2014
The ISSC is an international organisation that aims to advance the practice and use of the social,
behavioural and economic sciences in all parts of the world, and to ensure their global
representation. The World Social Science Fellows Programme is sponsored by the Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the seminar is generously hosted by
the UK Academy of Social Sciences and the Centre for International Studies at the London
School of Economics.
