Central Asian scholars can receive PEER Network research grants
Central Asian scholars can receive up to £30,000 in research grants from the PEER Network organization. This international academic network unites 4 leading universities from Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev University), South Africa (Cape Town University), England (University of Sussex) and Northern Ireland (University of Ulster). PEER Network’s main goal is to support local scholars in their political and economic research, the results of which can be useful for policymakers and practitioners.
“In education at the country level, there is a lack of systematic political and economic research, and the experience of local researchers and practitioners is often used only symbolically. In addition, educational policy decisions are based on the views of international consultants, whose assessments of educational services do not take into account local history, politics, culture and knowledge of the balance of power, which can be better conveyed in local languages”, said Nureen Durrani, NU professor and head of the PEER Network Central Asia Hub.
Earlier in March, during the first event of the PEER Network Central Asia Hub, researchers were introduced to the ongoing projects of the organization. Scholars who are successful in the competition will receive research support and will be able to participate in regional training seminars. The PEER Network will also provide free online lectures, webinars and other resources for researchers and practitioners. Organizers believe that these resources will be especially useful for young scientists just starting their research careers.
The PEER Network is an international academic network funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and supervised by the UK universities. The organization was created to conduct collaborative research on some of the most pressing global development issues in the arts and humanities. This collaborative model was designed to support researchers and non-academic partners in low- and middle-income countries. It focuses on multidisciplinary, task-oriented studies that can provide immediate response to emergencies requiring urgent analysis, as well as strengthens the research capacity of the UK and developing countries.