Assistant Professor Jeremy Speight, based in the United States, and Professor Rohit Jigyasu, based in India, will arrive at the University next month to further their work and meet other researchers.
The news comes following the announcement that the British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – has awarded 89 Visiting Fellowships to academics from 34 different countries.
The Fellowships provide outstanding academics based anywhere overseas – and active at any career stage – with the opportunity to work at a UK higher education or other research institution of their choice for up to six months.
Dr Jeremy Speight, an Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will be visiting the University’s Department of Politics, History and International Relations for the duration of the summer to work on When Does Rebel Governance Persist? Rebel Governance and Post-Conflict Peace-Building in Côte d’Ivoire.
He recently presented a paper – The Politics of Rebel Authority in Postwar States: Theory and Evidence from Côte d’Ivoire – with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s Dr Giulia Piccolino at the International Studies Association. The pair are to continue working together during the Fellowship and will collaborate with Phil Martin, a PhD student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Professor Moya Lloyd, Head of the Department of Politics, History and International Relations, commented: “We are delighted that Dr Jeremy Speight will be joining us. The Fellowship will provide an excellent opportunity for him to work with Dr Piccolino on the important research they have been conducting on rebel governance and peace-making in the Côte d'Ivoire.”
Professor Rohit Jigyasu, of Ahmedabad University, will join the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering to develop Protecting Historic Urban Areas using Historic Urban Landscapes Approach and engage in dialogue with º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researchers interested in this area. During his visit, he will work closely with Dr Ksenia Chmutina and Dr Lee Bosher.
Dr Ksenia Chmutina, Lecturer in Sustainable and Resilient Urbanism at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, said: “Professor Jigyasu is one of the most respected and recognised experts in disaster risk management of cultural heritage in the world, and we are delighted that he will be spending two months with us.
“This work is mutually beneficial as it contributes towards getting a better understanding of the emerging issue that cultural heritage is facing as a result of rapid urbanisation.”
The two academics will arrive at the University next month.
The British Academy Visiting Fellowships are supported by the Government’s Rutherford Fund, which aims to help maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in science and research by attracting the most talented researchers to the UK.
Professor Ash Amin, British Academy Foreign Secretary, commented: “We are delighted to announce this cohort of British Academy Visiting Fellows.
“The British Academy aims to build new – and enhance existing – international research links in the humanities and social sciences. We wish the Visiting Fellows every success with their projects.”