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Research Project

Does the GCSC require me to choose a certain topic for my research project when applying for a scholarship?

In order to benefit from our high-profile interdisciplinary research environment, your research project should contribute to at least one of our research areas. However, we refrain from imposing thematic restrictions on research proposals. Instead, we encourage talented postgraduate students to join the GCSC and thereby to contribute to its diversified research profile and allow their own research to be stimulated by constant exchange with other fellows and senior researchers.

 

In the application I am asked to specify the 'Academic Discipline of the PhD Thesis'. Due to the transdisciplinary nature of my project, I am not sure which academic discipline to choose.

Since we welcome interdisciplinary projects, you may locate your research project within one or more of our academic subjects and research areas. However, please make sure that your research proposal includes an explanation of how the project fits into the relevant disciplines and the GCSC's research profile.

 

In the application I am asked to specify the 'Academic Discipline of the Doctoral / PhD Thesis'. Am I eligible for membership at the GCSC if the discipline that I have my degree in is not taught at Justus-Liebig-University?

The GCSC offers young researchers an interdisciplinary research environment with scholars from the JLU and other national and international institutions. If your research project fits into the GCSC’s research profile, you are very welcome to apply for scholarship or membership. We will be happy to look for the adequate subject available in Giessen where your research can be located and will always try and find individual solutions suited to the candidate’s needs.

 

At stage two of the application process, I have to submit a research proposal of no more than 10 pages. Which information should this proposal contain?

The research proposal should follow these five academic guidelines:

  • Objective: Define what it is you would like to know. Furthermore, clarify why certain aspects of your research are of special interest. Define the key questions for your next step.
  • Methods: Describe how you would like to proceed. Also explain how you are going to use prescribed methods of your discipline and why these methods are especially helpful for your dissertation project.
  • Theories and Terms: Clarify what principles you’re orienting yourself by. On which general statements from select representatives of your discipline would you like to base your thoughts? When possible, apply current terminology to your explanation.
  • Materials/Objects: Describe what material you’ll be analyzing and depicting. Briefly present the texts, dates or sources and clarify why these materials are relevant to your work. Are these sources easily accesed, or do you foresee archival research as a means to reach certain sources?
  • Hypothesis: Explain what you hope to find out. Are there already hunches in the research or do you already have presumptions with which you would like to support your work?