Jülich, Germany

Concepts, frameworks and methods for the comparative analysis of water governance

when 28 October 2015 - 5 November 2015
duration 2 weeks

The IUSF-TIAS Autumn School “Concepts, frameworks and methods for the comparative analysis of water governance” is intended for PhD or postdoctoral researchers focusing on comparative water governance research in order to:
deepen and broaden your understanding of and strengthen your ability to assess and apply theoretical concepts, research frameworks and comparative approaches and methods?
establish new network contacts with young and experienced researchers from various disciplinary and socio-cultural backgrounds
strengthen your ability to execute, communicate and publish socially relevant, interdisciplinary water governance research as well as to critically reflect on your own and other research activities and proposals; and
develop ideas for future research

We welcome applications for our international and interdisciplinary Autumn School. The nine-day event is organized by the Institute of Environmental Systems Research (www.usf.uos.de) at the University of Osnabrück and The Integrated Assessment Society (www.tias-web.info) with financial support from the German Volkswagen Foundation. The event will bring together senior scientists and young (doctoral and postdoctoral) researchers with an interest in comparative water governance research. It will take place at the JUFA Jülich Energiewelt Indeland im Brückenkopf-Park in Jülich, Germany.

Participation in the Autumn School (including travel, accommodation and meals) is sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation. Participation is thus entirely free of charge. Against this background, the Autumn School will provide an interdisciplinary platform where researchers can exchange and discuss the latest theoretical insights on comparative water governance research as well as practical experiences. Plenary lectures will be alternated with working sessions, during which participants are asked to interactively reflect upon their own research in relation to the presented topics.

Course leader

Prof. Dr. Claudia Binder, Human-Environment Relations, Department of Geography, University of Munich, Germany

Expertise: Social-ecological systems (transitions, modelling and frameworks), integrated impact assessment, energy and land management

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Target group

The summer school is aimed at PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers with an interest in comparative analysis in the area of water governance and related fields (e.g., environmental governance, sustainable development, climate change adaptation). These participants may come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, including environmental management, law, economy, ecology, public administration, hydrology, civil engineering or environmental engineering. We are particularly looking for young researchers who do or are considering undertaking comparative research on water governance or related issues.

Course aim

The Autumn School’s key objectives are to stimulate the development of knowledge and insights into comparative water governance research and to provide support to young researchers in developing their careers. Senior scientists with relevant expertise on the key topics will be brought in to lead the sessions. In plenary lectures and working sessions, they will approach the Summer School theme from different perspectives, whilst touching upon philosophical, methodological, normative and practical issues. In doing so, the Autumn School will provide an interdisciplinary platform where researchers can exchange and discuss the latest theoretical insights on comparative water governance research as well as practical experiences. In the various working sessions, participants will be asked to present and interactively reflect on their own research as well as to further apply and reflect on the aspects that have been introduced and discussed in the plenary lectures.

Fee info

EUR 0: The Volkswagen Foundation has generously sponsored the Autumn Academy with a grant covering travel costs, accommodation and catering of the event. Thus, participation for successful applicants is free of charge. Participation in the excursion and other optional social events is not sponsored.