InQuire is an evidence-based policy network (Evidence2Policy Hub) within which the Research Incubator training program for doctoral students from universities in BiH has been established. The goal of this program intended for doctoral students is to encourage research in the social sciences, and to enable young researchers to develop the skills to develop quality research project proposals relevant to the discussion and adoption of policies/programs in BiH. The program was created in response to a number of inquiries from doctoral students for support in developing research projects for the preparation of doctoral theses, and is currently focused on the field of social sciences. InQuire provides interested candidates with the opportunity to communicate through the program with representatives of institutions in BiH who propose topics/problems that research projects can address. Each candidate who is selected has the opportunity to collaborate intensively with a network of mentors, professors from universities and research institutes from the Western Balkans, Europe, and the whole world.
In the first half of 2021, 12 participants successfully completed our program with the support of a mentor network that currently has 18 members. Most of the mentors in the network are representatives of the BiH diaspora. In addition to training in research proposal design, participants had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in implementing research projects within CREDI, and to use various tools, models and programs within our data laboratory. Based on the results of the first generation of participants, we decided to implement a similar program at least once during the academic year. The call for applications for the program is currently open, and we expect to start implementing the program in December 2021.
I hereby ask you to forward this information and invitation to members of your association who have previous experience working on research projects and who might be interested in participating in the program described above. Our goal is to provide our doctoral students with the opportunity to gain knowledge in BiH, thereby contributing to the development of academic society in BiH and reducing the emigration of young people from the country. In this way, we also establish an important channel for the transfer of knowledge from the diaspora in BiH, and an opportunity for the diaspora to influence advocacy and policy reform processes through the publication of relevant empirical research. Mentors who will work with candidates within the framework of the program described above can work on the publication of joint academic articles, and engage doctoral students for their own research projects in BiH and beyond. More information about InQuire can be found at www.inquire.ba .
If any of your members are interested in participating in this program, please contact us at inquire@credi.ba and send us your CV. We are at your disposal for any additional questions you and interested mentors may have, with the possibility of organizing a Skype call to discuss any concerns. Thank you in advance.
Amela Kurta
