FULLY FUNDED DDSC. YOUNG RESEARCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Call for applications, March 2024 cohort

Application Deadline: 1 MARCH 2024

Background

The world is in urgent need of entrepreneurial and critical researchers. For instance, a vital part of the world's problems today is a mainstream message of social science and humanities research. Research conversations, commentary and publications have become complicit, knowingly and unknowingly, in a plutocratic globalist human-subjugating agenda. There is an urgent need to execute a just agenda and push back against this tide of conformist reductionist research and research practice. Yet mentorship in this direction can be difficult to find. Modelling after the work of Dumisani Z. Moyo (a critical and entrepreneurial researcher himself - see www.dumisanizmoyo.org), founder and president of the Development with Data Science (DDSc.) network of researchers (https://www.dumisanizmoyo.org/projects-page/development-with-data-science-ddsc-nor), DDSc. runs a global network of researchers and development practitioners - effectively a centre of research and development management excellence. Adjunct to this network is a mentorship scheme that seeks to draw on the experiences in the network to shape upcoming, young researchers who seek or wish to thrive as entrepreneurial and critical researchers. Mentees are directly mentored by Dumisani and network members. Concepts covered during the mentorship include social sciences and humanities research entrepreneurship in the broadest sense, and research criticality, with focus on improving lives and livelihoods. 

For the mentees, the mentorship program has proven to be a valuable introduction into a world of learning, collaboration and growth. Below are snippets of experiences of some of our current mentees:

"One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of attention to detail. As a research assistant, I quickly realized that even the smallest oversight can have a significant impact on the quality and validity of the research. This attention to detail has not only improved my work in research but also spilled over into other aspects of my life, making me more organized and thorough in various endeavors. Networking and Collaboration emerged as another crucial aspect of my role. Working closely with other team members taught me how to communicate effectively, share ideas, and integrate feedback constructively... The exposure to different research methodologies was an eye-opening experience. Having the opportunity to assist in both quantitative and qualitative research projects. This has enabled me to approach research questions from various angles. This versatility will undoubtedly serve me well in my academic pursuits and beyond, as it has taught me to adapt and be resourceful when faced with unfamiliar challenges... experiences [also] taught me the significance of time management and the art of prioritization. Learning to manage my time efficiently and finding strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance were essential takeaways from this role." RA1.

"As August unfolded, I found myself at the start of an exciting new journey as a mentee with DDSc. This was a special chance for me to evolve into a researcher who not only thinks critically but also approaches research with an entrepreneurial spirit. I was thrilled to be a part of DDSc's worldwide network, ready to connect with other researchers and mentors to shape my growth. At the beginning, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. I was eager to engage with accomplished mentors and researchers, but stepping into this new world also came with a bit of nervousness. Amid all these experiences, one thing that stood out was my involvement in writing proposals based on the project's specific requirements (Terms of Reference or ToRs). This process gave me a deeper understanding of how to create proposals that fit exactly what's needed... This taught me that clear communication and understanding are key. While there were exciting moments, there were also challenges... But even with these challenges, I managed to submit two proposals, which is something I'm proud of. It shows that I'm determined and able to adapt in the face of difficulties. This month changed how I see things. I developed a strong research interest, especially when it comes to social sciences and humanities. This shift in focus has sparked a real passion in me to explore these areas more deeply. Looking back, August has been a time of personal growth... I'm thankful for the opportunities that came my way in August. I appreciate the chance to work with experienced researchers, learn from valuable moments, and contribute to important projects... As I step into the future, I carry with me the lessons I've learned, the growth I've experienced, and a renewed dedication to making a positive impact through my work." RA2

Against this background, DDSc. is inviting interested persons or individuals to apply to join the mentorship program.

Structure and Duration

The mentorship program will run in 3 levels spanning 3-3.5 years in total; each level spanning at least 9 months, after which a researcher may become a level-X DDSc-certified critical researcher. Completion of all 3 levels is necessary for becoming a DDSc research fellow.

The mentorship program comes at a mentorship fee of Euro 50 a month per mentee for the August 2023 cohort, payable in advance for every mentorship level; and subject to review every 9 months. The first 12 successful candidates of the November 2023 cohort will be eligible to receive a full DDSc scholarship that covers the mentorship fees for all three levels.

Candidate Qualifications

·         Keen interest in research work, especially in social sciences and humanities

·         The candidate must have graduated from at least a bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field

·         The candidate must be 31 years of age or below at the time of commencement of the mentorship

·         Must be willing and able to commit a minimum of 15 hours total weekly input

·         November cohort applicants will have to be based in Malawi. 

Application Process

·         All applications must be sent to ddscglobal01@dumisanizmoyo.org or ddscglobal01@gmail.com by 1 March 2024, 5 PM CAT.

·         Applications must include a statement of motivation of no more than 2,000 words, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing

·         Applications must include a CV of not more than 3 pages with three traceable referees; 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing

·         Attach copies of certificates obtained (including MSCE and A-level results as applicable)

·         Three letters of reference/recommendation, preferably covering a mix of previous/current employment, academy and mentorship.

·         Applicants must complete an online submission form at https://forms.gle/LcA5cEbUqDKMhCUG9

Application emails should be titled, "DDSC YOUNG RESEARCHER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM + [FIRST NAME OF APPLICANT] [LAST NAME OF APPLICANT]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (every three months), with the recruitment expected in March 2024.

All enquiries must be sent to the same email: ddscglobal01@dumisanizmoyo.org or ddscglobal01@gmail.com 

12th February 2024

FULLY FUNDED DDSC. YOUNG RESEARCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Call for applications, November 2023 cohort

Application Deadline: 6 OCTOBER 2023

Background

The world is in urgent need of entrepreneurial and critical researchers. For instance, a vital part of the world's problems today is a mainstream message of social science and humanities research. Research conversations, commentary and publications have become complicit, knowingly and unknowingly, in a plutocratic globalist human-subjugating agenda. There is an urgent need to execute a just agenda and push back against this tide of conformist reductionist research and research practice. Yet mentorship in this direction can be difficult to find. Modelling after the work of Dumisani Z. Moyo (a critical and entrepreneurial researcher himself - see www.dumisanizmoyo.org), founder and president of the Development with Data Science (DDSc.) network of researchers (https://www.dumisanizmoyo.org/projects-page/development-with-data-science-ddsc-nor), DDSc. runs a global network of researchers and development practitioners - effectively a centre of research and development management excellence. Adjunct to this network is a mentorship scheme that seeks to draw on the experiences in the network to shape upcoming, young researchers who seek or wish to thrive as entrepreneurial and critical researchers. Mentees are directly mentored by Dumisani and network members. Concepts covered during the mentorship include social sciences and humanities research entrepreneurship in the broadest sense, and research criticality, with focus on improving lives and livelihoods. 

For the mentees, the mentorship program has proven to be a valuable introduction into a world of learning, collaboration and growth. Below are snippets of experiences of some of our current mentees:

"One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of attention to detail. As a research assistant, I quickly realized that even the smallest oversight can have a significant impact on the quality and validity of the research. This attention to detail has not only improved my work in research but also spilled over into other aspects of my life, making me more organized and thorough in various endeavors. Networking and Collaboration emerged as another crucial aspect of my role. Working closely with other team members taught me how to communicate effectively, share ideas, and integrate feedback constructively... The exposure to different research methodologies was an eye-opening experience. Having the opportunity to assist in both quantitative and qualitative research projects. This has enabled me to approach research questions from various angles. This versatility will undoubtedly serve me well in my academic pursuits and beyond, as it has taught me to adapt and be resourceful when faced with unfamiliar challenges... experiences [also] taught me the significance of time management and the art of prioritization. Learning to manage my time efficiently and finding strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance were essential takeaways from this role." RA1.

"As August unfolded, I found myself at the start of an exciting new journey as a mentee with DDSc. This was a special chance for me to evolve into a researcher who not only thinks critically but also approaches research with an entrepreneurial spirit. I was thrilled to be a part of DDSc's worldwide network, ready to connect with other researchers and mentors to shape my growth. At the beginning, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. I was eager to engage with accomplished mentors and researchers, but stepping into this new world also came with a bit of nervousness. Amid all these experiences, one thing that stood out was my involvement in writing proposals based on the project's specific requirements (Terms of Reference or ToRs). This process gave me a deeper understanding of how to create proposals that fit exactly what's needed... This taught me that clear communication and understanding are key. While there were exciting moments, there were also challenges... But even with these challenges, I managed to submit two proposals, which is something I'm proud of. It shows that I'm determined and able to adapt in the face of difficulties. This month changed how I see things. I developed a strong research interest, especially when it comes to social sciences and humanities. This shift in focus has sparked a real passion in me to explore these areas more deeply. Looking back, August has been a time of personal growth... I'm thankful for the opportunities that came my way in August. I appreciate the chance to work with experienced researchers, learn from valuable moments, and contribute to important projects... As I step into the future, I carry with me the lessons I've learned, the growth I've experienced, and a renewed dedication to making a positive impact through my work." RA2

Against this background, DDSc. is inviting interested persons or individuals to apply to join the mentorship program.

Structure and Duration

The mentorship program will run in 3 levels spanning 3-3.5 years in total; each level spanning at least 9 months, after which a researcher may become a level-X DDSc-certified critical researcher. Completion of all 3 levels is necessary for becoming a DDSc research fellow.

The mentorship program comes at a mentorship fee of Euro 50 a month per mentee for the August 2023 cohort, payable in advance for every mentorship level; and subject to review every 9 months. The first 12 successful candidates of the November 2023 cohort will be eligible to receive a full DDSc scholarship that covers the mentorship fees for all three levels.

Candidate Qualifications

·         Keen interest in research work, especially in social sciences and humanities

·         The candidate must have graduated from at least a bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field

·         The candidate must be 31 years of age or below at the time of commencement of the mentorship

·         Must be willing and able to commit a minimum of 15 hours total weekly input

·         November cohort applicants will have to be based in Malawi. 

Application Process

·         All applications must be sent to ddscglobal01@dumisanizmoyo.org or ddscglobal01@gmail.com by 6 October 2023, 12 noon CAT.

·         Applications must include a statement of motivation of no more than 2,000 words, 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing

·         Applications must include a CV of not more than 3 pages with three traceable referees; 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing

·         Attach copies of certificates obtained (including MSCE and A-level results as applicable)

·         Three letters of reference/recommendation, preferably covering a mix of previous/current employment, academy and mentorship.

·         Applicants must complete an online submission form at https://forms.gle/LcA5cEbUqDKMhCUG9

Application emails should be titled, "DDSC YOUNG RESEARCHER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM + [FIRST NAME OF APPLICANT] [LAST NAME OF APPLICANT]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (every three months), with the recruitment expected in November 2023.

All enquiries must be sent to the same email: ddscglobal01@dumisanizmoyo.org or ddscglobal01@gmail.com 

9th September 2023