Who: Target group

Those who have recently graduated and students with an interest in international cooperation with either a major or minor in history, anthropology, development economics, and international relations are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Research experience is not required. However, you should have some knowledge about the subject you want to research. You should already have an idea about what interesting data you should be able to find in the NICC and National Archives. You should also know which experts you could interview. Lastly, you have experience in writing articles and presenting in front of large groups. 

What should the research be about  

Every research subject that is related to the history of international cooperation is possible. However, we are better able to help you if the topic is a topical subject for which a NICC timeline is already being developed. Examples of these are; 75 years of development cooperation, gender, water, food and agriculture, forestry, world citizenship, and inclusive (just) climate mitigation and adaptation. The research can be focused on a specific developing country or a specific period. The topic should be properly defined and the research should be achievable in the allocated time. 

Your proposal

This should be a maximum of 800 words in which you describe why you are interested in the topic, why it is informative, and what makes it important. You will also describe what about the topic you have already researched and what contacts you have already made. You should have a clear research question which you will try to answer. A realistic schedule must also be included in which you show how much time you have available. During the fourth month, you will either work on a presentation or an article. Lastly, the proposal must include your resume. 

Your approach

The research will be conducted in the documentation centre of the NICC, the National Archive and potentially other archival institutions. You may also conduct research via online sources or interviews. The main languages are either Dutch or English and the input for the timelines must therefore also be in either of these languages. Eligibility for the scholarship is redacted when the researcher fails to deliver a finished product. 

Results

You must be able to provide an answer to your research question after three months. After which you will present your findings by making both a presentation and a report in the form of an article. If you are unable to answer the research question, then you can make a presentation about what obstacles prohibited you from finding an answer.

Guidance 

The NICC Foundation can aid you in your research. The many experts who work at the NICC are willing and able to support you in the specific theme you have chosen.

Criteria

Your research should add something new to a topical theme. The research question should incorporate historical information about international cooperation regarding sustainable development and focus on the future. Your proposal is clear and should be able to be completed in the allotted time. You will not outsource your research. About this, you should already have been in contact with the NICC. 

Procedure 

The research proposal of 800 words max (with a resume) has to be submitted to Stichting NICC (info@stichtingnicc.nl) and will be judged by experts, including professors and university teachers who are a part of the NICC network. Two weeks after submission of the research proposal, the writer of the proposal will be contacted. Proposals that do not get a scholarship but do fulfil the minimum requirements may still be eligible for supervised research. The research will be conducted from May to September of 2024. The results of the research will be presented during a public meeting of the NICC in either September or October 2024 and/or will be uploaded on the NICC website. No appeal is possible against the allegation decision. 

Scholarship

The €500 will be paid out during two periods. You will receive a €250 advance at the start of the approved research and will get the remaining €250 upon having presented your results. If you do not finish the research then we will expect you to return the advanced payment of €250. To receive the advanced payment, we will need your name, address, residency, bank account, and a copy of your ID. 

Intellectual property 

The research results will remain your intellectual property. You will permit NICC to publish these results.