Background
Nepal poses a unique economic structure and is one of the countries in South Asia that has observed a distinct transition in terms of structural transformation, from agriculture to service sector, in comparison to other developed economies. Positioned between the two emerging economies – India and China, in addition to the geographical and geopolitical constraints, several intertwined obstacles prevail in the economy ranging from soaring real estate prices, overdependence on and unproductive utilization of remittances, high labor cost combined with the minimum wage policy, low agricultural productivity to political instability and other fiscal constraints.
These obstacles impede economic growth on one hand, while on the other, they present opportunities for researchers to develop potential and feasible solutions for the country to thrive.
Therefore, the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) introduces ‘Sabbatical @ IIDS,’ a unique opportunity for scholars and practitioners from around the world, to undertake meaningful research focused on development issues pertinent to Nepal, or the broader Global South.
Program Overview
The sabbatical program aims to invite academic scholars and practitioners to spend six months to a year at IIDS, engaging in research and activities to foster innovative solutions and deepen understanding of critical development challenges through collaborative research and practical engagement. As a host, IIDS will facilitate an ideal environment for research and collaboration, offering dedicated office space as well as access to national expertise on thematic areas of economic policy, strategic affairs, sustainability, governance and human assets.
Objectives
- Foster collaborative research and address research gaps: Encourage researchers and practitioners to engage in collaborative research that tackles pressing issues in Nepal and the Global South. Aim to bridge existing research gaps and enhance the academic literature on these critical topics.
- Facilitate knowledge spillover and enhance the learning curve: Promote the exchange of ideas between international experts and local practitioners. Improve the learning curve by incorporating diverse perspectives and broadening horizon on such issues.
- Promote a vibrant intellectual community: Build an intellectually stimulating environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking among scholars and practitioners.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced Collaborative Research and Knowledge Generation: The program will lead to the production of high-quality research addressing critical development challenges in Nepal and the Global South. It will effectively bridge existing gaps in literature on key thematic areas such as economic policy, sustainability, human assets, strategic affairs and governance.
- Facilitated Knowledge Spillover and Learning Enhancement: By promoting the exchange of diverse insights, the program will introduce innovative solutions and new perspectives. This also will enhance the skills and approaches of practitioners through exposure to national and international expertise.
- Strengthened Intellectual Community and Creativity: The sabbatical program will foster a vibrant environment that nurtures creativity and critical thinking among scholars. It will also facilitate valuable networking and collaboration among researchers focused on the Global South, South Asia, and Nepal.
- Strategic Impact on Development Challenges: Research outcomes will provide actionable insights and recommendations for more effective policies and interventions. Addressing both local and global challenges, the program will ensure the relevance and impact of the findings.
Why IIDS?
The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) is an independent, non-partisan, and not-for-profit think-tank headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. Since its inception in 1979, it has proven its commitment to research and policy advocacy based on evidence and a holistic approach to sustainable development. Leading up to 2030, the vision of IIDS is to build on its storied legacy of over 40 years to reorient and consolidate policy priorities across Nepal and South Asia. Its goal is to seek greater development impact through research, advocacy and incubation of innovation. It seeks to be one of the region’s leading institutes that contributes to evidence-based policymaking; trains professionals; and broadens public understanding of sustainable development challenges and solutions in the 21st century.
Currently, IIDS is transitioning towards becoming a regional think tank and a national treasure that transcends generations in the field of research, development, and evidence-based policy advocacy. Through critical introspection, IIDS seeks to constantly evolve to remain relevant and contribute to transforming the landscape of Nepal’s development sector. IIDS has achieved a significant physical transformation in recent years, and it is seeking to attain an organizational transformation as a part of its new branding. To add to its existing legacy and be established as a regional think tank, IIDS is realigning its organizational vision by focusing on four clusters, namely – Economics, Education and Environment, that would each emerge as a Centre of Excellence. To emerge as Centers of Excellence, IIDS is forming a ‘Dream Team’ of motivated youth, experienced experts, advisors, influential thought leaders, and champions that would drive each cluster. IIDS plans to align its vision with national priorities of the country by collaborating and finding synergies with various organizations, associations, and think tanks such that it is ahead of its peers and ahead of time.
Applicants Overview
The program invites scholars and practitioners from around the world who are interested in conducting impactful research on development issues relevant to Nepal and the Global South. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to addressing pressing challenges in these regions and a strong background in their respective fields.
Eligible applicants include:
- Education: Completed PhD or at least already be enrolled in a PhD program.
Nepali Diaspora with expertise or a connection to development challenges in the region are also encouraged to apply.
Implementation and Management
Sabbatical scholars will be paired with local graduate students or young professionals to foster mentorship and capacity building. Regular discussions, integrated with the Thursday learning sessions at IIDS, will be organized for scholars to present their work and engage with peers. Additionally, if feasible, a symposium will be held, at least once in two years, allowing researchers to showcase their findings and expand their professional networks.
Conclusion
The Sabbatical @ IIDS program presents an exceptional opportunity for scholars and practitioners to conduct meaningful research on development issues in Nepal and the Global South. By promoting collaboration, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas, the program aims to generate innovative solutions and enrich the academic discourse. As IIDS continues to evolve as a leading think tank, it remains dedicated to fostering impactful research and contributing to sustainable development through evidence-based policymaking and community engagement.
To Apply: Link