Open call for applications to Advanced Study Groups

The Institute invites researchers at the university to propose research ideas that are at a stage where they would not yet qualify for external research funding. An ASG provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives on a research problem with the potential for further development. The objective with an ASG is to further develop a concept for future research utilizing the broad expertise of the researchers in the group.

An Advanced Study Group meets at the Pufendorf IAS during the academic year, starting either in February or September. Work in an ASG involves joint learning and groups are encouraged to explore their topics using creative approaches and new methods. An ASG must be well-balanced in terms of knowledge in relation to the questions outlined in the application. It is imperative that the ASG sees the potential in developing a common approach to the problem and has the expertise needed to do this successfully. 

What the institute offers  

The Pufendorf IAS is a unique environment at Lund University. It provides an oasis in academic life, offering support and space to ASGs to work on a shared research problem at a very early stage of its development. 
 
The building is both modern and historical, it is an excellent place for meetings and discussions, with a high standard for group meetings both in terms of space and technology. The institute´s premises are available to ASGs at all times.  

An ASG can invite national and international guests for shorter stays. The group is provided with a costframe of up to 50 000 SEK to cover costs, for example; travel and accomodation for visiting guests; books; exhibitions etc. 

The Institute´s staff provide practical, administrative and technical support for ASGs in organizing and planning their work. 

Members of an ASG

An ASG generally involves a core group of 5-10 researchers from different faculties at Lund University. While a broad interdisciplinary span is encouraged, a certain number of subjects or faculties are not required to be represented. 

 Participants from other higher education institutes may be included in the ASG on the condition that they take part in the group´s regular meetings. TA staff employed at Lund University with expertise relevant to the group's work are also welcome. The institute requires that the group's coordinator has a PhD and is employed at Lund University.  

Members do not receive salary and have no individual commitment to the Institute. 

Requirements for an ASG 

An Advanced Study Group meets at the Institute on a regular basis, typically once a month. Members are expected to be actively engaged. 

A short report of 800-1000 words is to be submitted to the Pufendorf IAS within a month of conclusion of the ASG. The report requires the group to reflect on the original application, the work conducted by the group and on future plans.  

ASG coordinators are the Institute's main contact persons, responsible for communication between the Institute's staff and the group and for providing the Institute with information and documents relating to the ASG. 

What an ASG proposal should include

The proposal may be written either in Swedish or English and must include a description of the research problem to be addressed, a presentation of the members of the proposed group, and a plan for how the members intend to work together. Estimated expenses must be presented in the cost frame. 

In summary, the information required for the proposal is: 

• A short description of the project
• Background and motivation 
• Main research questions  
• Objectives for this ASG
• Expertise and group members: a presentation of participating researchers, their expertise, and how they will contribute to the ASG
• Division of responsibilities and meeting frequency
• Cost frame