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PUFENDORF GUEST RESEARCHER PROGRAM┋Advanced Study Group (ASG)

This call invites applications for groups to start twice a year, at the start of each term.

The aim of the Pufendorf IAS is to stimulate interdisciplinary research within Lund University. The Institute supports researchers working together across disciplinary borders. One of the instruments available for interdisciplinary research is the Advanced Study Group (ASG). The ASG provides a flexible format for a group of researchers to meet on an ad hoc basis to bring a research idea from a very early stage to a more concrete level.

The Institute is an incubator for new research ideas and invites proposals that are at a stage where they would not yet qualify for actual research funding. An ASG provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives on a research problem with the potential for further development. The objective with an ASG is to further develop a concept utilizing the broad expertise of the researchers in the group. Whereas a Theme at the Pufendorf IAS must have a clear objective with a focus on paving the way for future research opportunities, an ASG may have a broader approach in its objective.

An Advanced Study Group meets at the Pufendorf IAS during the academic year, starting either in February or September. Work in an ASG involves joint learning and groups are encouraged to explore their topics using creative approaches and new methods. An ASG must be well-balanced in terms of knowledge in relation to the issues outlined in the application. It is imperative that the ASG sees the potential to develop a common approach to the problem and has the expertise needed to successfully address it.

What the institute offers

The Pufendorf IAS is a unique environment at Lund University. It provides an oasis in academic life, offering support and space to ASGs to work on a shared research problem at a very early stage of its development.

The building is both modern and historical, it is an excellent place for meetings and discussions, with a high standard for group meetings both in terms of space and technology. The institute´s premises are available to ASGs at all times.

An ASG can invite national and international guests for shorter stays. The group is provided with a budget of maximum 50 000 SEK to cover costs, for example; travel and accomodation for visiting guests; books; exhibitions etc.

The Institute´s staff provide practical, administrative and technical support for ASGs in organizing and planning their work.

Members of an ASG

An ASG generally involves a core group of 5-10 researchers from different faculties at Lund University. While a broad interdisciplinary span is encouraged, a certain number of subjects or faculties are not required to be represented. Participants from other higher education institutes may be included in the ASG on the condition that they take part in the group´s regular meetings. In addition, an ASG may have affiliated researchers who take part in some of the work of the ASG.

Members do not receive salary and have no individual commitment to the Institute.

Requirements

An ASG meet at the Institute on a regular basis, typically once a month. Members are expected to be actively engaged, but regular attendance is not required.

A report is to be submitted to the Pufendorf IAS within a month of conclusion of the ASG. The purpose of the report is to provide reflection on the original application, the work conducted by the group and on future plans.

ASG coordinators are the Institute´s main contact persons, responsible for communication between the Institute´s staff and the group and for providing the Institute with information and documents relating to the ASG.

What an ASG proposal should include

The proposal may be written either in Swedish or English and must include a description of the research problem to be addressed, a presentation of the members of the proposed group, and a plan for how the members intend to structure their work together. Estimated expenses must be presented in the budget.

In summary, the information required for the proposal is:

Abstract
A short description of the project for nonexperts
Background and motivation
Main research questions  
Objectives for the ASG
Expertise and group members: a presentation of participating researchers and how they will contribute to the ASG.
Budget overview

Download our template for ASG applications. (word file)

Download the call for ASGs (PDF)