PhD Fellowship Programme

Information on Admission 2014

Information on Admission 2016

Aim:

The Programme provides support for up to three PhD students of the universities of St Petersburg at the early stages of their scientific careers, allowing them to focus on their research during their PhD studies.

Topics:

The Programme supports PhD students whose dissertations are related to German and European studies, imply field research in Europe and fall into one of main CGES research areas:

• Network Structures in Germany, Europe and Russia (CGES coordinator: Dr. Nikita Basov, St Petersburg University);
• Creativity, Communities, and Public Spaces in Germany, Europe and Russia (CGES coordinator: Dr.Alexandra Nenko, ITMO University);
• Civil Society and Participation in Europe and Russia (CGES coordinator: Dr. Elena Belokurova, RANEPA);
• Europe in World Society (CGES coordinator: Prof. Dr. Andreas Vasilache, Bielefeld University).

Programme year starting date:

November, 1.

Selection:

Applications are selected by the Steering Committee consisting of Russian and German Directors of the CGES, CGES Scientific Manager and coordinators of the CGES research areas.

First selection stage: applications are reviewed and short list of applicants is formed by the Steering Committee;

Second selection stage: applicants from the short list present their PhD projects and are interviewed by the Steering Committee; then, the final selection is made.

Requirements to applicants:

Applicants are to have at least an MA degree in social sciences and in the application year are to be affiliated with one of universities of St. Petersburg as PhD students (‘aspirants’), or as working on a dissertation to obtain the degree “Doctor of Sciences/PhD of St. Petersburg State University”.

PhD supervisor:

Participation of PhD students (‘aspirants’) in the Programme is possible exclusively under condition the PhD supervisor at home university supports it. PhD supervisor at home university is expected to play a major role in PhD dissertation preparation and to support the Fellow in all the relevant administrative processes at her home university.

Application package:

Applications for participation in the Programme must include the following documents submitted via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

1. Curriculum Vitae (in English) containing complete lists of scientific publications, presentations at scientific events, and participation in research projects;
2. Plan of the PhD project (in English, up to 5 pages long) for the whole period of study, including the contents (theory and methodology, research questions, field research and data analysis techniques), schedule of work on the dissertation, description of participation in research projects (if planned), presentations and publications plan;
3. A copy of MA diploma;
4. A copy of MA thesis;
5. Copies of up to 5 selected scientific publications (if applicable);
6. A motivation letter (in English), where the main research question of the PhD project is linked to applicant’s research career development and to some of the CGES research foci;
7. A copy of document approving acceptance to one of the universities of St. Petersburg as a PhD student (for PhD students);
8. A letter from PhD advisor characterizing the applicant and expressing support of his/her participation in the Programme (for PhD students).

Grants:

Fellows start getting monthly grants of 500 EUR for the period of one academic year starting from Programme year starting date on the year of acceptance to the Programme and get allocated a 1000 EUR personal travel fund for one calendar year next to the year of acceptance to the Programme, with possibility of prolongation for additional years based on the decision of the Steering Committee at the end of each academic year, according to the results of Fellows annual assessment.

Work place:

Fellows get a work place at the CGES office (main campus of St Petersburg University, access to CGES and SPbSU libraries, receive organizational, information (within CGES newsletter and social media news, as well as individually), and advisory support.

CGES consultant:

During the first month of the fellowship, Steering Committee assigns each Fellow a scientific consultant from among CGES research areas’ coordinators, MA ‘SES’ Programme teachers, or CGES associate researchers who are based in St. Petersburg. CGES scientific advisor gives consultations with regard to the demands of Programme’s point assessment system (see the document below), recommends particular events and projects for the Fellow to participate in, gives recommendations on field research in Europe and collaboration with colleagues in Europe, consults on international publication issues as well as on preparation for the CGES assessment meeting.

Responsibilities:

During the fellowship period the Fellows – in consultation with their advisors and CGES Scientific manager – are expected to:

1. Work on their dissertations;
2. Present their research at international scientific events;
3. Participate in CGES research within main GGES research areas according to assignment by CGES Scientific manager, and (optionally) other research projects;
4. Conduct field research in Europe;
5. Participate in organizing CGES events (conferences, seminars, workshops etc.) according to assignment by CGES Scientific manager;
6. Participate in organizing research practices of MA SES students according to assignment by the Head of MA SES;
7. Publish results of their research in Russian and international journals, books, and conference proceedings;
8. Present their PhD project and Programme assessment points collection progress at annual CGES PhD Programme meetings;
9. Pass all necessary PhD examinations and studies at their home universities.

CGES PhD Fellowship Programme Description

PhD Fellows: