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Visiting Scholars Programme

The Centre for Sustainable Development welcomes visiting scholars from diverse career stages who are interested in conducting research at University College Dublin and engaging with the Centre’s interdisciplinary activities. Visiting Scholars will be hosted within the School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) for periods of up to 12 months. This programme aims to foster meaningful collaboration between international academics and UCD researchers working on sustainable development.

Programme Information

The scheme offers two pathways:

  • Visiting Scholars: Late-stage PhD researchers and up to 3 years post-PhD

  • Senior Visiting Scholars: More than 3 years post-PhD

The typical duration is one academic term, with flexibility for visits of up to one year.

The key requirement is securing support from a UCD faculty member affiliated with the School of Politics and International Relations or the UCD Centre for Sustainable Development (the host). Applicants are responsible for identifying and contacting their prospective host to request a brief letter or email of support.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
To apply, please submit the following to (opens in a new window)csd.contact@ucd.ie:

  • A short cover letter outlining your proposed research during your stay

  • A current CV

  • A letter or email of support from your UCD host

  • Each scholar will be supported by a host faculty member from SPIRe.

  • Scholars will participate in and deliver a seminar as part of the SPIRe Seminar Series.

  • Early-career scholars may join PhD workshops.

  • Senior Visiting Scholars may offer informal mentorship to PhD students.

  • Scholars will be listed on the Centre’s and SPIRe's websites.

  • Access to UCD IT and library resources is provided.

  • Office space may be available, subject to availability.

Optional Opportunities

  • Deliver guest lectures or talks in relevant modules

  • Attend selected modules (early-career scholars)

UCD is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated. The university’s Strategic Plan recognises diversity as a core value and is dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse community of students, scholars, and staff. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups and individuals of all backgrounds, in line with UCD’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.

Learn more about UCD’s EDI commitments here.

Call for Applications: Visiting Fellow
Centre for Sustainable Development, School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, Ireland

The Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, invites applications for a Visiting Fellowship to support the Centre’s research and engagement activities. The fellowship is linked to ongoing work at the Centre on gender-responsive, climate-smart, and digitally enabled agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa, and will complement the Centre’s broader research agenda on sustainable livelihoods, inclusive innovation, and social transformation.

This 3-month fellowship is aimed at scholars with a strong publication and teaching record in fields loosely aligned with the CSD’s work, including, but not limited to, development studies, agronomy, gender studies, digital agriculture, rural sociology, political economy, or ICT4D. Early Career Researchers (ECRS) and established scholars up to 15 years post-PhD are eligible.

Fellowship Details:

  • Duration: ~3 months
  • Timing: Fellows may choose one of the following periods:
    o 1st September – 30th November
    o 1st February – 30th April
  • Value: Eligible expenses up to €10,000 for the entire period of fellowship will be covered (e.g. visa, flights, accommodation, and living costs)
  • Location: University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland

Expectations:

  • The Fellow is expected to participate fully in the Centre’s activities, contributing to its research, seminars, teaching, and light administrative activities as appropriate.

Application Requirements:
Applicants should submit the following in a single PDF:

  1. Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role, areas of expertise, and how your research aligns with the work of the Centre
  2. Curriculum Vitae, including:
    o Full list of publications (please highlight three most relevant to this role)
    o Summary of teaching experience
    o Contact details for three referees (referees will only be contacted if shortlisted)

Deadline for Applications: 20th June 2025
Submit applications to: csd.contact@ucd.ie
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

For informal inquiries, please contact Prof Supriya Garikipati (supriya.garikipati@ucd.ie).

Centre for Sustainable Development

Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7777 | E: csd.contact@ucd.ie