The Project
There is an increasing need to show evidence of the beneficial outcomes of national public investments in agricultural research. To date, evaluations predominantly focus on intended results of planned, clearly demarcated interventions, i.e. projects for accountability purposes notwithstanding the longstanding critique regarding their limited value for understanding problems, learning to create potential solutions collectively and system change. To have an impact on complex problems, research institutes need to acknowledge the multitude of influential factors causing an inherent unpredictability of the change process and an attribution problem in the practice of evaluation.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to carry out postgraduate research with a strong international component. The focus of the Walsh Scholar’s PhD research will include:
1. Carrying out a comparative case study of research evaluation perspectives, goals, capacity and practices at three agricultural research institutes (Teagasc-Ireland, AgResearch-New Zealand, and INIA-Uruguay).
2. Implementing an in-depth Teagasc case study of two to three portfolios of research activities to understand the relationships between evaluation capacity, evaluation practices and impact.
3. Using an action research approach, help institute personnel and other relevant actors to reflect on the intermediate outcomes of the research about standing evaluation practices.
4. Supporting a learning process to exchange research findings and experiences among the three research institutes and promote institutional learning in their own networks.
Award
The scholarship will commence no later than autumn 2022 and is full-time. The funding is €24,000 per annum, includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000, and is tenable for 4 years. The scholar will be registered with Wageningen University & Research and will be located in the university for years 1 and 4 and at Teagasc (Athenry, Co. Galway or Ashtown, Dublin) for years 2 and 3. She/he will work under the supervision of Dr Barbara van Mierlo, Wageningen in association with Dr. Kevin Heanue, Teagasc Ireland. Other members of the supervisory team are Cees Leeuwis, Wageningen University, James Turner, AgResearch, Maeve Henchion and Aine Macken Walsh, Teagasc. Training will be provided by the Wageningen School of Social Sciences.
Requirements
Applicants require a Masters degree in a relevant social science discipline with a broad and interdisciplinary interest. Applicants should have a good understanding of the agriculture research, issues related to agri-food systems and the impact of research. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and prepared to work as part of a team and independently. A full driving licence, valid in Ireland and The Netherlands is also desirable. Candidates whose degree was not taught in English must meet the University’s English language requirement.
Please submit your application online at https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/Scholarship-Sandwich-PhD-position-The-influence-of-institutional-capacity-on-the-impact-of-agricultural-research-activities.htm
Continue with Facebook
