Rajesh Babu (India), Maria-Teresa Herrera Nebel (Mexico) and John Agbonifo (Nigeria)

The Graduate Institute is committed to making a contribution to the progress of developing societies. This finds expression in the Global South Scholars-in-Residence programme, an initiative launched in Spring 2010 (see Globe No. 5) through which young academics from universities in the South are invited to spend a semester at the Institute to share their experiences with their peers and further their own research.

It is open to young professors pursuing advanced research in anthropology, history, law, politics and political science, and economics. Through this programme, Scholars-in-Residence have an opportunity to update and enhance the courses they teach through the inclusion of the latest academic thinking; undertake and make progress on a personal research project; teach and deliver courses in their own subjects to a captive Geneva-based student audience based on their own experiences; and interact with members of the international community at the Institute and in the Geneva area. The first Scholars joined the Institute in Autumn 2010 (see Globe No. 6).

In March 2011, 50 applications were received from candidates from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Current Scholars-in-Residence are Profs. Maria-Teresa Herrera Nebel (Mexico), John Agbonifo (Nigeria) and Rajesh Babu (India).

Commenting on the programme, John Agbonifo noted that the Institute’s location in Geneva is a perfect setting for his research: he plans to actively participate in an international research project on United Nations’ targeted sanctions. He also praised the library resources of the Institute and its proximity to the archives of international organisations as a significant contributing factor to the quality of his research.

Maria-Teresa Herrera Nebel noted that the programme offers an ideal setting in which to continue her research on chosen paths to technical progress in developing countries, drawing in particular on the Institute’s expertise in international economics and development.

Speaking of his own experience, India’s Rajesh Babu explained that “as a full-time faculty member [at home], I divide my responsibilities between teaching, research, training and academic administration. Thanks to the [Scholar’s programme] I can finally devote my undivided attention to my research, and interact with world-renowned professors and a vibrant student community.”

The three Scholars have been mentored by professors from the Institute; they have also developed collaborative projects with the Institute’s Research Centres. Going forward, it is hoped that these relationships will continue to bear fruit both in terms of their own career advancement and by giving the Institute greater visibility in the Southern academic world.

Applications open (deadline October 1 for the Spring semester).