*UCD Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship 2024* *Deadline: Wednesday, 24th April 2024 * The School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) at University College Dublin is pleased to offer *a new fully-funded Ad Astra doctoral scholarship *on a subject related to *the intersection food (in)security and violent conflict*. Potential study areas could include, but are not limited to, the use of food as a weapon of war; specific forms of conflict associated with particular food security outcomes; the role of particular conflict or peacebuilding actors in food (in)security; or the impact of conflict on the food security of particular communities, groups or populations. Proposed projects can draw on various disciplinary or theoretical approaches, but should involve a substantial empirical case or cases. SPIRe is the oldest and largest school of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, UCD School of Politics and International Relations is ranked in the top 100 in the world. It is a dynamic, growing, multi-faceted and highly-international school offering an exciting and professionally-valuable environment for academic development. Our staff are engaged in cutting-edge research across the whole spectrum of political science. The successful candidate will undertake a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Caitriona Dowd, starting in September 2024. *The scholarship will provide:* · Tuition fees at up to the non-EU rate; · A yearly stipend of €25,000; and · An annual research budget of €4,000 for research-related expenses such as data collection, attending conferences, etc. The scholarship is tenable for a maximum of four years, renewable each year subject to satisfactory progress. The scholarship is available on a full-time basis only. *Application process:* Applications should be sent to Ms Dara Gannon (dara.gannon@ucd.ie) by end of day *24th April 2024* with the subject line “*Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship Application*” and the candidate’s name. Applications should include: · Application form (fillable word document) · A cover letter (one page maximum) stating the reasons for interest in the scholarship and topic area; · A short research proposal (1,000-1,500 words maximum) which should include: a statement of your proposed focus area within the broader theme of food (in)security and violent conflict; a brief literature review that points to work on which the proposed focus could build; and a brief discussion of the proposed methodology; · *Copies of all academic transcripts*. If you are currently in a Master's programme and do not have your final result, *all* transcripts to date need to be included; · CV or resume; · The names and contact details for two academic references; and · Evidence of English language competence (where non-native English-speaking applicants have NOT obtained previous university degrees from a university in an English-speaking country. Click on the link below for further details: English Language Requirements <https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/> The submission of original academic transcripts and other documentation will be required as a condition of the final award of a place on the programme. You may also be requested to conduct a personal or Skype interview as part of the application process. Specific questions can be addressed to Dr Caitriona Dowd ( caitriona.dowd@ucd.ie) Questions regarding the application process should be addressed to Dara Gannon (dara.gannon@ucd.ie) For further information and the Terms and Conditions of the scholarship, please go to the following page: https://www.ucd.ie/spire/study/prospectivephdstudents/ucdadastradoctoralscholarship/ *Please note that, due to the volume of applications, they will not be checked in advance of the closing date for any inaccuracies or missing components. It is up to the applicant to ensure that all required documents, including reference details and English proficiency test results, have been submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.* -- Dara Gannon School Manager School of Politics & International Relations www.ucd.ie/spire