This initiative, funded by the British Academy, is designed to build the research and publication capacities of African scholars and strengthen global academic contributions from the continent. The workshop series takes place over two years and includes four core workshops—two in-person at UJ and two held online.
Workshop Goals
The central aim of the series is to support early-career African researchers in the development of high-quality, publishable research that critically examines how non-state actors influence environmental governance and socio-economic development globally.
The workshops will:
- Strengthen research skills with a focus on methodology, academic writing, and grant writing.
- Support publication through guided paper development and journal submission.
- Foster long-term mentorship with experienced academic researchers.
- Enhance collaboration through networking with peers, editors, and stakeholders.
- Encourage African perspectives in debates on global governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Theme: Researching and Writing on the Role of Non-State Actors in Global Environmental Governance and Socio-Economic Development
Hosted by: University of Johannesburg (UJ) & Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
Funded by: The British Academy
Deadline to Apply: Friday, 22 August 2025 (by 17:00 CAT)
Format: Two in-person and two online workshops (2025–2027)
The University of Johannesburg (UJ), in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), invites early career researchers (ECRs) with an interest in African agency and the role of non-state actors in global governance to apply for a funded, multi-phase International Writing Workshop Series.
Who Should Apply
Applications are invited from early career researchers who completed their PhD within the past four years, with an academic focus related to:
- International relations
- African diplomacy
- Environmental politics
- Development studies
- Global governance
- Non-state actors and advocacy
Researchers from underrepresented backgrounds, including women and those from previously disadvantaged groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.
A total of 20 participants will be selected.
What the Workshop Offers
- Guided development of a research paper for submission to a peer-reviewed international journal
- One-to-one mentoring with experienced researchers across the two-year programme
- Access to sessions on research methods, grant capture, and increasing research impact
- Travel bursaries and accommodation (for participants based outside Gauteng) to attend the in-person workshops at UJ
- Networking with international scholars, journal editors, and policy stakeholders
Workshop Schedule
- Workshop 1: 29–31 October 2025 | In-person at University of Johannesburg
- Workshop 2: March 2026 | Online (half-day)
- Workshop 3: April 2026 | Online (half-day)
- Workshop 4: August 2026 | In-person at University of Johannesburg (1.5 days)
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application using the following online form here.
Application materials required:
- CV (maximum 3 pages) and a 1-page cover letter outlining your interest in the programme.
- Abstract (max 500 words) describing your proposed research topic. This should include a clear research question, theoretical framework, and methodology.
- Writing sample (such as a short academic paper, blog post, or book review) in Word or PDF format.
Applicants must submit all materials by Friday, 22 August 2025 (17:00 CAT). For more information and to apply, please visit UJ call for application page.
Research Focus
The selected researchers will develop projects under the broader theme of African non-state actors in global governance, particularly in relation to the environment and socio-economic development. Research is expected to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and offer insights into the dynamics of African agency in international policy processes.
Workshop Leadership
The workshop is led by a multidisciplinary team of scholars from UJ and NTU, including:
- Dr Lesley Masters
- Dr Lisa Otto
- Dr Katerina Krulisova
- Dr Fritz Nganje
- Dr Ana Nunes
- Dr Marianna Poberezhskaya
- Dr Anna-Mart Van Wyk
Contact
For queries, applicants may contact the workshop leads:
- Dr Lesley Masters: lesley.masters@ntu.ac.uk
- Dr Lisa Otto: lisao@uj.ac.za
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to supporting African scholarship, international collaboration, and the reimagining of global academic discourse.