Writing and Researching on the Global South: Shared Experiences and Reflections

The academic journey is often a bumpy ride for early post-graduate students and early career scholars, punctuated by numerous challenges which can discourage even the most determined mind. The turn of the century has seen more postgraduate students from both the global north and global south working on global south topics in economic history, history of economic though, health, environment, and politics. The global south as a very rich research ground and provides its own challenges that ranges from navigating the national archives, interviewing high profile people, and other challenges that comes with researching in the global south. Senior scholars who have worked in the global south can provide mentorship based on their experiences to equip post graduate students with skills to conduct productive research in the global south. Lack of funding and inadequate mentorship pose other serious challenges for the young academics as they attempt to blaze a trail of their own in the academic jungle. This proposed workshop seeks to empower post-graduate students and early career scholars in the humanities with the requisite academic and professional tools to flourish in an otherwise unforgiving environment. It seeks to expose students and young academics to tools available in navigating research in the global south.

Project Description

In light of the issues raised above, the International Studies Group at the university of the Free state proposes a two-day workshop that seeks to provide a platform on which post-graduate students (Ph.D. and Postdoctoral fellows) in the humanities can be empowered with the necessary skills to successfully navigate the rugged academic terrain. The workshop seeks to allow students to interact with more experienced and accomplished scholars on a number of important themes. Experts will be invited to share their knowledge on a broad range of issues, ranging from navigating researching in the global south, navigating the politics that comes with access to information, publication and acquiring grant application skills. We intend to invite a senior scholar with experience in global south research.

Students will also be given an opportunity to work with the guests in a mentor/mentee arrangement regarding their work (from dissertation and research topics to actual research findings) depending on the student’s level of progress. We hope that the mentorship arrangement can go beyond the actual workshop days. Through such an interaction, future academic collaborations, and an expanded network among scholars in the Global North could be established. The target for this workshop will be 15-20 young scholars. Participants will be selected from eligible applicants who would have responded to the workshop call. In order to avoid stretching the budget, only applicants from within South Africa will be considered.

The objectives of this workshop neatly dovetail with the vision and mission of the Young Scholars Initiative in networking for the purpose of answering economic questions and inculcating skills in young scholars. YSI seeks to create a vibrant platform that encourages mentorship and networking.

Objectives

• To equip students with necessary skills to conduct research in the global south.
• To inculcate in young scholars the culture of publishing and equip them with the skills required to publish in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• To strengthen students’ skills in applying for scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
• To mentor students in post-studies life, including the art of bridging the gap between Ph.D. and post-doctoral work.
• To integrate young scholars into the broader network of the Young Scholars Initiative.

Activities

The workshop will take place over two days – from the 7th to the 8th of August 2025. The first day will be devoted to welcoming guests, the Keynote speech, presentations, and engagements on research, and the art of writing for publication purposes. The second day will be reserved for presentations on navigating archival, interview and life histories research and engagements on scholarship and grant application skills. This will be divided into two sessions: the first based on presentations and engagements led by the expert, and the second based on practical work and presentations done by young scholars and evaluated by the expert. We also envisage a session on life after post-graduate studies. This will help guide students on life after their studies and the art of finding post-doctoral fellowships and jobs. The workshop will also be rounded off by a social gathering.

Expected Outcome

By the end of this workshop, students should have been empowered with many skills required for a young scholar, ranging from navigating research in the global south, the skills required in writing for publication purposes, and the art of applying for scholarships, fellowships, and grants.

To be considered please apply on or before 30 June 2025

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