Doctoral Researchers’ Conference: Researching with the Global South?

This conference brings together GIGA doctoral researchers and invited early career researchers to critically explore and reflect on the ethical and practical aspects of conducting (doctoral) research with the so-called “Global South”. The conference focuses on South-North/North-South research collaborations, addressing questions of research integrity, responsible practices, and the power dynamics and labor hierarchies within research partnerships and the academic field at large. It also delves into epistemological questions, critically evaluating dominant research approaches and methods of knowledge production.

The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Omololá S. Olárìndé, Senior Lecturer at Elizade University, titled “Bridging Worlds through South-North Research Collaboration”.

Omololá Smaria Olarinde-Olomola (PhD. Econ, Ibadan) is a university-based researcher at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Nigeria. She has authored and co-authored on Gender and Migration (Routledge, London), and authored Nigeria-Africa Migration Dynamics (in Obiezu and Odimegwu, Eds). Her works and publications are on the intersections of migration and labour (Emigration and Labour Market Dynamics), gender, governance, inclusive growth and decoloniality (Gender, Place and Culture).

Her current European Commission-funded research studies migration decision-making, diverse aspirations, trajectories and policy effects (DYNAMIG). She is part of the Economic and Social Research Council-funded Migration for Inclusive African Growth (MIAG) research. She has written for policy audiences (ILO, assessment of public employment services in Nigeria) and is a resource person for the International Labour Organisation.

The keynote will be followed by four thematic panel discussions:

• “Navigating Global and Mainstream International Relations (IR): Synergies and Challenges”

• “Decolonizing Experimental Research: Ethics, Impacts, and Power Asymmetries”

• “Whose Peace? Learning, Knowing, and Researching Peace”

• “Between Academia and Activism: Positioning, Responsibility, and Normativity”

Additionally, two interactive workshops will be held: one will invite participants to critically reflect on language and terminology, including the usage of terms like the "Global South," while the other will focus on navigating research in conflictive and polarized contexts. The conference will conclude with a closing panel in a fish-bowl format that synthesizes key insights from the discussions and highlights important takeaways.