MUST Staff PhD Student 3–month research stay at URV, Spain: 1 September–30 November 2025
Background
The Universitat Rovira I Virgili (URV, Spain) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) have received a KA 171 grant under the Erasmus+ Programme – funded by the European Union – to support mobility of a member of staff of MUST pursuing a PhD, who would like to spend a 3-month research stay at URV, Spain. The support is available to a candidate looking to finalise his/her PhD thesis.
The grant builds on the success of the “Innovation for Sustainability and Societal relevance: Partnerships in evidence-based higher Education on food systems and climate change” INSSPIRE project whose main aim is to stimulate evidence-based inclusive education for sustainable development through: 1) Building intra-university capacity, 2) Strengthening university-community collaboration, 3) Enhancing inter-university partnerships.
Above objectives are being achieved by2: 1) Developing modules on food systems and climate change (FSCC) for existing curricula, 2) Developing staff capacity for delivery of FSCC modules equipping students with competences related to FSCC, 3) Using video games to increase students’ soft skills and prepare them for leadership roles in FSCC, 4) Involving societal actors in co-creation of long-term solutions through real-life learning labs for FSCC modules, 5) Setting up collaborative online international learning at African Universities for peer learning and transfer of experience and good practices on FSCC. Furthermore, the INSSPIRE aims to prepare students of HEIs for labour market success, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills, to take on different leadership roles in the transformation of food systems and adjustment to climate change thus contributing to sustainable growth.
We seek to link the mobility to the INSSPIRE project, and therefore, a PhD student (who is also a member of staff), particularly focusing on food– and/or water–related topics will be preferred.
PhD Applicant’s Profile
– The applicant must be enrolled at a MUST, pursuing a PhD programme.
– This call is for MUST staff. The applicant must therefore be a member of MUST staff.
– The applicant should have gathered data, and looking for an opportunity to be away to analyse data/write papers/thesis. This mobility targets helping staff complete their PhD programme.
– Applicant should be keen on developing new collaborations, focusing on the MUST–URV partnership (in this case), through participating in host research group activities.
– Applicant could be from either the social or natural sciences background. Preference will go however to a candidate focusing on governance of food/water systems.
– Experience in international mobilities of this kind will be an added advantage
– Female candidates that satisfy the above conditions are encouraged to apply.
Mobility Grant Offer
– Return air ticket to facilitate travels between Uganda and Spain.
– Visa application fees/support.
– Insurance while in Spain.
– Stipend while in Spain.
Application Procedure
The application should include:
• A statement of motivation (max. 2-pages) showing how time at URV will be spent, and why this short research stay is necessary for PhD programme completion.
• A CV (2 pages max) + list of publications (if applicable)
• A letter of recommendation from the immediate supervisor (1 page)
• The applications should be sent to Dr. Ronald Twongyirwe ([email protected]), Assoc. Prof. Robert Bitariho ([email protected])
• The application should be compiled in one PDF file
• All applications should be submitted by 30th May, 2025, 17:00 EAT.
Selection Procedure
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Applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited for interviews in June 2025.
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The successful candidate should be ready to travel to URV on 1st September 2025.
