Visiting Researcher Programme

Since 2017, BRAC University’s Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) has been working for peace and social justice through education, research, training and advocacy in Bangladesh CPJ has working relationships with other academic institutions and has also engaged with various UN agencies, bilateral donors and foundations. Currently, CPJ’s research focuses on themes relating to refugees, fragilities and climate change, with a particular focus on social cohesion, social and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, faith and development, and Rohingya refugee response. Establishing the Refugee Studies Unit (RSU) in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, has been an important milestone. It has allowed CPJ to conduct grounded research on the Rohingya people and host communities in Bangladesh. 

The Visiting Researcher Programme at CPJ is open to doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers, and academics researching aspects of refugee lives in Bangladesh. The primary purpose of the Visiting Researcher Programme is to enhance the research work of CPJ’s Refugee Studies Unit (RSU) in Ukhiya and, more broadly, across the Centre through mutual exchange and learning. CPJ will provide intellectual and operational support to Visiting Researchers through this programme. The Visiting Researcher will be provided with a workspace and access to related facilities (e.g., internet, office library). 

The Visiting Researcher will be expected to present their progress during the programme to the CPJ Research Team. Where feasible, the Visiting Researcher and CPJ will explore ways the Visiting Researcher can contribute to leading workshops for the research team. At the end of the programme, the Visiting Researcher will submit a post to the CPJ blog that reflects on their research experience. There will also be an exit interview at the end of the programme.

The Visiting Researcher programme is designed to facilitate a brief period of independent, self-directed research work, and is not a training course. The Visiting Researcher will not receive any remuneration from CPJ, and there should be no expectation of employment with CPJ after the completion of the programme. 

Duration: 1–6 months (open to discussion). We advise applicants to engage with the Programme for at least one month. 

Required Qualifications 

• CPJ shall accept applications from candidates with at least a postgraduate degree, and are affiliated with a recognised university or have a strong track record of producing quality research. 
• Have previous field research experience, especially in the Global South context. 
• Applicants are expected to be fluent in English. Knowledge of Bangla and local dialects would be helpful.  

To apply to be a Visiting Researcher, applicants must submit the following documents to [email protected]:

• An updated curriculum vitae
• 1-2 page description of the proposed research (including proposed length, methodology and dates of the applicant’s stay with CPJ)
• A brief statement explaining why CPJ is an appropriate institutional home for this research (200-300 words)
• Copies of academic qualifications
• A scanned copy of  your passport or national ID
• One reference letter (to be sent directly to [email protected] by the referee) 
• Applicants affiliated with universities will be required to share copies of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance or ethics approval received. 
• Independent researchers not tied to a recognised university will be required to share any previous training on research ethics with human subjects.  

Fees and costs 

• The Visiting Researcher programme fee is BDT 15,000 per month. The programme fee is to defray operational and overhead costs. The amount must be paid in cash or through a local bank transfer.
• Where relevant, focus group discussions can be arranged at additional costs. 
• The Visiting Researcher shall arrange accommodation, food and transportation (air and ground) at their own cost. 

Visa and other official permissions 

• Foreign Visiting Researchers are subject to Bangladesh border regulations. Individuals from outside Bangladesh must ensure that they hold an appropriate visa for their stay in Bangladesh. 
• Where needed, any official permissions required for the research shall be arranged by the Visiting Researcher from the relevant authorities in Bangladesh. 

Applications must be submitted at least three months before the proposed start date. All applicants will be notified within a month of submitting their applications. 

Please make sure to send all required documents to [email protected]. Note that CPJ shall be unable to consider incomplete applications. 

For any queries or requests for further information, contact: [email protected]