Rhodes University South Africa Fellowship: Hobart Houghton Foundation

September 16, 2008

Hobart Houghton Fellowship Rhodes University South Africa

HOBART HOUGHTON RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC HISTORY

BACKGROUND TO THE FELLOWSHIP

The research Fellowship is named after Professor Desmond Hobart Houghton who taught Economics at Rhodes from 1933 to 1966 (except for the period 1939-1945), and thereafter, till 1973, was director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University. During his forty years at Rhodes, Hobart Houghton made significant contributions to thinking about the economic problems of South Africa as a whole, but his particular concern, and the major focus of his research, was the problem of poverty and economic development in the Eastern Cape region, in which the University is situated. The country’s economic problems, and those of the Eastern Cape in particular, are clearly no less pressing today than in the past.

PURPOSE OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The Fellowship is intended to promote work of scientific value, relevant to the economic problems of the Eastern Cape, which could contribute to the upliftment of the people of the region. It is also seen as a fitting memorial to Desmond Hobart Houghton. Funding for the establishment of the Fellowship has been provided by Hobart Houghton’s former students and associates and by the Liberty Life Educational Foundation.

SCOPE OF RESEARCH RELEVANT TO THE EASTERN CAPE

The criterion of “relevance to the Eastern Cape” is to be interpreted broadly. It may in some cases involve fieldwork within the Province, as for instance in a study of rural households or unemployment. In other case, as perhaps for some problems of industrialisation in the region, the key to understanding might lie largely in developments at the national and international levels. In all cases the aim is fundamental research, yielding results which are of more than local or regional interest, rather than description of particular provincial problems. The basic requirement thus is simply that the research deals with significant issues which are directly or indirectly relevant to the Eastern Cape.

TENURE OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The term over which the Fellowship is awarded is usually flexible and renewable, and will be decided upon in conjunction with the circumstances of the successful applicant and the nature of the research and progress made. In the past, the Fellowship has typically been awarded for one year, which is still a possibility, but the current strategy of the department is to invite applicants for the Fellowship for shorter periods, for example 6-8 weeks during the second semester of the academic year.

ELIGIBILITY

Prospective Fellows should have had research experience, and hold at least a Masters degree in Economics or Agricultural Economics. They should have a sound knowledge of economic analysis and be capable of independent, innovative work. Candidates may either be established scholars (possibly on sabbatical leave) or young, promising economists.

VALUE AND CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD

The amount of the award will be determined on an annual basis. A typical package includes return economy class airfare to Grahamstown, accommodation in University visitor’s flats, plus a monthly cost of living stipend, all determined by the availability of funds and the background and status of the Fellow. Apart from the research, the Fellowship will not involve any other duties, and the Fellow will not be an employee of the University. The amount paid to the Fellow will thus effectively be in the nature of a scholarship. Limited funds will be available for travel and other research expenses. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in Grahamstown for the period of the Fellowship. The Fellow, for the term of the Fellowship, will be an honorary member of staff of the University. At the conclusion of the Fellowship, the Fellow will be required to present a full report on the work undertaken, which should form the basis of a publication. The University may reserve the right to publish any work done by the Fellow during the period of the Fellowship. Should the University decline the right to publish, the Fellow will be free to seek publication of his or her work, subject only to a suitable acknowledgement of the Fellowship in the publication, in a form acceptable to the University.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

There is a strong tradition of research in the Department. The current research of members of staff and graduate students reflects a wide range of interests including: agriculture and development; the labour market; health economics; international trade and finance; industrialisation; economic development; foreign investment; economic history and Southern African regional economic integration. The Fellow will have an office in the Department. The University provides an excellent computer service. Access is decentralised and most staff studies are linked directly to the internet. The Department also has an extensive database on computer.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications, which should include a full statement of research interest, should be submitted by 30 September 2008 to Professor Hugo Nel, Department of Economics and Economic History (tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8301, fax: +27 (0) 46 6225210, e-mail: h.nel[at]ru.ac.za). Further enquiries can also be made to the Research Office (tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8055, fax: +27 (0) 46 622 8444, e-mail:research-admin[at]ru.ac.za). The University reserves the right not to make an award.

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