As a central research institution of Heidelberg University, the HCIAS provides a sustainable institutional framework for pursuing a doctorate in interdisciplinary Ibero-American Studies. In this context, the HCIAS is establishing a structured doctoral program and is setting up the doctoral research group Communication and Society in Ibero-America.
The interdisciplinary HCIAS doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America” allows young scholars to work with both peers and experienced researchers from Heidelberg University and international partner institutions and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. Doctoral candidates work on their individual projects using both traditional and application-oriented research methods and are involved in thematically related HCIAS research teams. This scientific exchange enables doctoral candidates to develop a comprehensive understanding of how to engage with complex research questions of the humanities and social sciences as they relate to Ibero-America. It also allows them to hone their individual scholarly profile early in their careers.
Research focus
The HCIAS unites a variety of disciplines from the social sciences, the humanities, cultural studies, and environmental studies to pursue research in area studies on, with, and in Ibero-America. At the HCIAS, Ibero-America is understood to be a macro-region, which is why research at the HCIAS focuses on Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula but also explicitly includes those areas with which there are close historical, cultural, political, or socioeconomic ties. Within the interdisciplinary framework of the doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America”, projects may involve subjects such as sociology, political science, geography, anthropology, cultural studies, history, linguistics, or communication studies.
The range of themes encompassed by the doctoral projects is connected to the HCIAS’ overarching research program on “Spaces and Dynamics in Ibero-America”. Projects aim at addressing the grand challenges affecting Ibero-American societies, paying special attention to societal and communication dynamics, including the perceptual and cognitive aspects of communication in the numerous spaces of contact in the macro-region of Ibero-America. Among others, research interests may relate to topics such as public communication and discourse dynamics on pressing issues like climate change, global health, or conflict; digital communication and politics; civic engagement and opinion formation; population movements and spatial transformations; languages and identities in migration contexts; knowledge circulation and social networks; misinformation and hate speech; the handling of cultural and natural heritage; socio-economic transition and socio-ecological inequalities.
Supervision
The doctoral candidates taking part in the doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America” develop their doctoral projects in close dialogue with their supervisors at the HCIAS. In addition to holding regular meetings with their advisors, the doctoral candidates regularly present the progress of their dissertations in colloquia where they exchange ideas with peers and more experienced scholars. Proposals for international cotutelle-projects carried out in collaboration with supervisors from universities abroad are possible and greatly welcomed.
Who?
Applicant’s profile: For the doctoral research group “Communication and Society in Ibero-America”, we are seeking reliable, highly motivated applicants with a spirit for teamwork in an international research environment centered on interdisciplinary issues.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants
- must have completed their master’s degree (or equivalent) in area studies, the humanities, or social sciences with an excellent grade;
- must present a convincing project proposal that exhibits their command of the relevant theories and methods;
- must have a strong command of English and advanced knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese;
- should have previous experience in research contexts (e.g., research stays, internships within research groups/institutes, student/graduate assistant, etc.).
Provisions
Scholarship funding is comprised of
- ⎯ a monthly stipend of €1,365;
- ⎯ a lump sum of €110 per month for material and travel expenses;
- ⎯ if applicable, a family allowance.
The duration of these scholarships is limited to three years and may begin as early as August 2022. Please be aware that scholarship recipients are required to pursue their research on location at the HCIAS in Heidelberg, Germany.
Deadline: 26 May 2022.