Call for research fellows

In collaboration between Carleton University and regional hubs in East Africa (the Refugee Law Project at Makerere University in Uganda), West Africa (the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana, and Southern Africa (the University of Zululand in South Africa), AIReKEMA (Advancing Indigenous and Refugee Knowledge on Migration in Africa) will select 12 Research Fellows from the regional hubs to undertake original research that examines the application of traditionally excluded knowledge in managing migration flows and border areas in Africa, primarily through the experience of Indigenous communities and Refugee-Led initiatives. The successful Research Fellows will be those who have deep experience in or who are conducting research on topics related to migration, refugees, conflict resolution, indigenous knowledge, or local communities’ governance in border regions in Africa.

Research Fellows will be supported to translate the results of their research into forms that will engage with regional organizations and power brokers in border areas to encourage the development, implementation and assessment of innovative approaches and policies to reduce conflict and foster cooperation in border areas in the context of migration.

Fellowships will be part-time, 12-month appointments and will include a US$11,000 stipend and a US$1,800 fund to support eligible research expenses. Fellows will be co-supervised by a faculty member from Carleton University and the project hub in their region. They will participate in project activities and have remote access to Carleton University Library resources. Successful fellows will be expected to complete research ethics clearance requirements from Carleton University and their home countries

Eligibility

Successful candidates will:

• Be a postgraduate student (MA or PhD) or early career scholar/community leader with   proven record of engagement in the research themes central to this project
• Have a record of engaging with policy and program issues relating to migration and refugee issues in border areas
• Have a vision for how their experience as a Research Fellow will enhance their ability to advance innovative approaches to improving migration outcomes and fostering peacebuilding in border areas.

Given the objectives of this project, priority will be given to applicants who are members of Indigenous or refugee communities in East, West or Southern Africa. Priority will also be given to candidates who contribute to the regional, gender and other forms of diversity within the cohort.

Application process

Interested applicants must submit the following to AIReKEMA@carleton.ca by June 1, 2026:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Research proposal: Maximum 3-pages, single-spaced, that:
  • Articulates the research puzzle to be addressed
  • Explains the significance of the research in relation to the project’s goals
  • Explains the relationship between the proposed research and the literature
  • Details the research question that will guide the research
  • Outlines the methodology to be used
  • Outlines the timeline for the research to be completed by January 2027

Names and contact details for three references

Selection process

Eligible applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee including representatives from Carleton University and the hub in the region where the Research Fellow will be based. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a zoom interview by June, 8 2026. Interviewed candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by June 22, 2026.