BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Social Science Research Council (SSRC) - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.ssrc.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20220313T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20221106T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231128T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231128T170000
DTSTAMP:20241213T152654Z
CREATED:20231211T182338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T152654Z
UID:10000850-1701158400-1701190800@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2023 Next Gen Post-Doctoral Virtual Writing Fellowship Workshop\, November 28\, 2023.
DESCRIPTION:On November 28th\, the African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa (Next Gen) Program hosted the Next Gen Post-Doctoral Virtual Writing Workshop. The workshop brought together Next Gen Post-Doctoral Writing Fellows and program mentors to discuss their draft manuscripts\, strategies\, and plans for publication. The event was convened to facilitate the finalization of fellows’ manuscripts based on their Next Gen-supported research projects for publication in peer-reviewed journals\, book chapters\, or the completion of book proposals/manuscripts. \nThe workshop began with welcome remarks by the APN and Next Gen program director\, and the introduction of workshop participants. The presentations by each fellow in sessions one and two were followed by feedback from their peers and mentors. This aimed to refine the scope and quality of the draft manuscripts presented by the fellows. Their presentations encompassed diverse discussions of the Next Gen-supported PhD research findings that drew on cases focusing on South Africa and Nigeria from interdisciplinary perspectives\, including History\, Development\, Anthropology\, Peace\, and Cultural Studies. \nIn the first of the three presentations of session one\, Dr. Rosette Sifa Vuninga\, of the University of Cape Town\, spoke to her draft manuscript on “Congolese Refugees in South Africa: Contests around Identity Politics and State Documentation\,” which highlighted the main arguments of the paper on the agency of Congolese migrants living in South Africa. She explored divisions and contestations that marked relations within Congolese migrants over place and identity in their destination country of South Africa. Participants raised questions about the evolution and single\, transient\, changing\, or multiple identities of Congolese migrants in South Africa. \nIn the second presentation\, Dr. Simbarashe Nyuke\, of the University of the Witwatersrand\, presented his draft manuscript on “The Price of Hope: Sacrificing and ‘Seeding’ for Churchizenship in Johannesburg” drew on ethnographic research to explore the impact of Pentecostal churches on migrant communities. He examined how these Pentecostal churches provide a space of survival for migrants in a city. He analyzed how recent migrants adopt and use “Churchizenship as they seek out identity and belonging. The paper establishes the vibrant Pentecostal presence in Johannesburg and how this offers migrants a sense of belonging\, protection\, and hope based on a sense of planting to receive. The presentation elicited positive feedback\, with some fellows and mentors suggesting the need to reflect some more on the relationship between the church and the state and seeking further clarification on what hope and belonging meant to migrants in this and other contexts. \nNext\, Dr. Thatshisiwe Ndlovu from the University of the Witwatersrand spoke on her draft manuscript titled “Standing their Ground while Seated: The Birth of Widowhood Activism.” She interrogated readings of widowhood practices in patriarchal societies that often represented widows as hapless victims who suffered from gruesome mourning and funeral practices after the loss of their spouses. Thatshisiwe uses the concept of “ sitting\,” a widowhood rite where widows are traditionally expected to mourn the loss of their spouse by sitting in seclusion\,  while also expressing a sense of loss\, obedience\, subservience\, and humility in silence. This practice of making widows sit in seclusion  was usually followed by the loss of rights to property and\, sometimes\, children. The author argued for a more intimate understanding of the sitting and standing (resistance) and for more importance to be paid to the widows’ agency. She then explained how some widows reassert their agency by “standing their ground\,” thereby subverting the practice of “ sitting” by resisting oppressive widowhood rites and holding on to the legal deeds of their property. The discussion that followed focused on the relevance of the paper to the theorization of African feminism past and present\, the role of other women in some of these practices\, and the importance of contextualizing traditional cultural rites and the significance of post-colonial dynamics in the analysis. \nIn the second session\, Dr. Gloria Naantoe Alli\, of the University of Jos\, presented her draft manuscript on “Beyond hybrid conflict management: Impact of landgrabs on conflict resolution in Central-Nigeria.” The paper applied a political economy-centered analysis in explaining prolonged land-grabbing in Central Nigeria and its impact on ‘hybrid conflict management’ systems\, including the role of state and non-state actors. She examined the drivers of conflict\, including cattle rustling\, religion\, settler-indigene conflict\, land grabs\, and internal displacement and its implications for conflict management. The feedback received after her presentation included the need for a deeper theoretical framing and historicizing the conflict dynamics. \nThis was followed by Dr. Tsitsi Jane Mpofu-Mketwa\, of the Future Water Institute at the University of Cape Town\, who presented her draft manuscript titled “’Vuku’zenzele!’: The pivotal role of agency in alleviating urban poverty\, lessons from Cape Town’s Langa Township women informal traders.” The paper explored the agency of women traders in the Langa Township and disrupted common notions of women’s roles in informal economies\, including the kinds of networking taking place and how women informal traders were organizing themselves and considering the varied forms of cooperation\, collaboration\, and competition. By doing so\, Dr. Mpofu-Mketwa highlighted the critical role of women’s agency in urban poverty alleviation. \nIn the last presentation\, Dr. Kgomotso Samuel Moshugi\, of the University of the Witwatersrand\, presented his draft manuscript titled “Mobility and Dispersed Collaborations through Localisation.” His paper explored performative ways of being and the role of culture and arts in framing peace. It focuses on music in the mobilities and dispersals of people and how these were connected to local peacebuilding. The feedback received pointed to the importance of an artistic approach to peacebuilding and the need to provide a stronger empirical basis for localization for the study. \nDuring the plenary sessions\, several mentors offered broad feedback to all the presenters. The following issues were highlighted: the importance of contributing to existing knowledge in the field\, connecting data to theory\, infusing greater clarity into the framing of research questions and the place of originality in research\, considering the relevance of decolonial frameworks\, and making data speak to specific audiences. Other issues raised included writing on complex subjects or phenomena that change and working on using clear and accessible language. Mentors also shared their publication experiences\, urging young scholars to be intentional with the themes of the journals they submit to. Additionally\, these senior scholars encouraged fellows to aim to publish their papers in highly-ranked publications. \nThe workshop ended on a positive note\, underlined by the presentations by the fellows\, productive peer-to-peer and mentor exchanges\, and feedback aimed at strengthening the manuscripts of the Next Gen post-doctoral writing fellows ahead of submission for publication. \nThe APN-Next Gen program thanks the Next Gen Post-Doctoral Writing Fellows and their mentors for their hard work and dedication to the program.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2023-next-gen-post-doctoral-virtual-writing-fellowship-workshop-november-28-2023/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/apn_2000_4-564f8b927e015-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231130T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231202T170000
DTSTAMP:20241213T152649Z
CREATED:20231219T201314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T152649Z
UID:10000851-1701331200-1701536400@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:66th Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association (ASA)
DESCRIPTION:The Social Science Research Council’s (SSRC’s) African Peacebuilding Network (APN) and Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa (Next Gen) program hosted a panel at the 66th Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association (ASA)\, held in San Francisco\, USA from November 30 to December 2\, 2023\, on the theme: “Envisioning Africa in Text and Deed”. The panel was organized under the “Peace\, Law & Security” subtheme of the conference on the topic: “Contestations and Solidarities for Peace and Development in Africa: Towards Conflict Transformation and Security?.” The panel was an opportunity for former fellows of the program to showcase their research findings\, connect with peers from across the world\, and receive feedback from conference participants. It was a well-attended event\, featuring a set of excellent presentations\, followed by a highly engaged Q & A session with members of the audience.   \nIn the first presentation on “Justice as Utu: The Theory and Practice of Alternative Systems in Kenya\,” Dr. Steve Akoth (2012 Next Gen Doctoral dissertation completion fellow) explored Kenya’s homegrown procedures and institutional practices for administering and achieving justice by adopting a moral and human-centered approach known locally as Utu. He discussed the efficacy of Utu by drawing on the case of widows seeking justice\, including how Utu enabled some to gain dignity and acceptance within their families and communities.   \nDr. Simbarashe Gukurume (2015 Next Gen doctoral dissertation research fellow; 2021 APN IRF fellow) spoke on “The market is mine too:’ Youth Contestations\, Violence\, Conviviality at an Urban Market in Harare\, Zimbabwe.” His presentation explored ongoing contestations over ownership of spaces in an urban market in Zimbabwe’s capital city. He explores how violent conflict within urban markets also reflects political cleavages\, including within various levels of municipal boards. The paper also examines the role of local peacemaking and peacebuilding initiatives that seek to mediate and resolve such conflicts\, including the holding of sports events featuring teams formed by youth to foster peaceful co-existence\, harmony\, and reconciliation within urban markets in Harare.  \nThe third presentation by Dr. Muema Wambua (2019 Next Gen doctoral dissertation research fellow and 2020 Next Gen doctoral dissertation completion fellow) spoke on “African Union (AU) Infrastructure for Peace in Regional Interventions: Gaps\, Challenges and Opportunities.” The presentation examined the AU’s peace intervention initiatives in different states and subregions of the continent\, and the extent to which such initiatives have effectively responded to emerging threats to peace and security. His presentation also unpacked how the competing interests of AU member-states have delayed\, worked against\, or undermined such peace interventions. He also made recommendations directed towards implementing a set of reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity of the AU to intervene in conflict situations\, arrest the slide towards democratic regression\, and reinvigorate the participation of non-state actors in implementing the goals of peace infrastructure established within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).   \nDr. Ophelia Soliku (2022 APN IRF fellow) gave a presentation on “Navigating Conservation Conflicts: Historical Roots and Power Structures Shaping Conflicts and Peacebuilding in Ghana’s Premier Conservation Areas.” Her presentation addressed the conflicts in communities surrounding one of Ghana’s premier nature conservation parks\, the Mole National Park. Based on her analysis of the conflicts between local communities and the authorities of the national park over access to and the management of natural resources\, she emphasizes the need to go beyond ad-hoc investigations of the sources of conflict and the efficacy of mitigation strategies\,  by making a strong case for more holistic and comprehensive studies of the history\, antecedent factors and power structures that drive conflict as important steps towards building sustainable peace in Ghana’s Mole national park and similar conservation areas.     \nThe panel concluded with a lively panel-audience interaction\, which made clear that the presentations and the questions raised around conflict\, peacebuilding\, natural resource governance\, peace\, security\, and development in Africa elicited insightful responses from the panelists. The discussions also allowed panelists to refine their concepts\, analyses\, and conclusions\, respond to questions posed by members of the audience\, and clarify their research findings\, including their implications for scholarship and policy.  \nOver the three days of the conference\, APN and Next Gen fellows also participated in other panel discussions at the ASA conference\, formed new networks and collaborative relationships among peers and colleagues from across the global scholarly community. 
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/66th-annual-meeting-of-the-african-studies-association-asa/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FullSizeRender-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231202
DTSTAMP:20240102T211444Z
CREATED:20231201T174336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240102T211444Z
UID:10000843-1701388800-1701475199@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2023 College and University Fund Conference: Social and Behavioral Science as R&D
DESCRIPTION:Social and Behavioral Science as R&D\nDecember 1\, 2023\nAs a capstone to the Council’s Centennial year\, this convening of the member institutions in the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences brought together leaders of universities\, philanthropic foundations\, and public funders of science to celebrate the achievements of 100 years of socially valuable social and behavioral science\, and to explore new opportunities for social and behavioral science R&D to find cost-effective and scalable solutions to our most pressing societal challenges. A full summary of the event is below. \nFor more information about the conference or about the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Director of Strategic Partnerships\, at marshall@ssrc.org.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2023-college-and-university-fund-conference-social-and-behavioral-science-as-rd/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SSRC-23-72.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231202
DTSTAMP:20231012T152819Z
CREATED:20230404T012857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231012T152819Z
UID:10000825-1701388800-1701475199@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2023 College and University Fund Conference: Social and Behavioral Science as R&D
DESCRIPTION:Social and Behavioral Science as R&D\nDecember 1\, 2023\nDecades of investments in science and technology R&D have led to remarkable innovations\, including safe and effective vaccines and efficient clean energy solutions. These innovations hold the promise of healthier\, more sustainable\, and more prosperous societies. But in order to fully realize that promise\, we also need social and behavioral science R&D aimed at identifying interventions\, programs\, and policies that motivate decision makers to act in socially beneficial ways. \nAs the Council’s Centennial year draws to a close\, this convening of the member institutions in the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences will bring together leaders of universities\, philanthropic foundations\, and public funders of science to celebrate the achievements of 100 years of socially impactful social and behavioral science\, and explore new opportunities for social and behavioral science R&D to find cost-effective and scalable solutions to our most pressing societal challenges\, including those currently facing universities. \nThis one-day convening will feature a conversation about opportunities for member institutions in the College and University Fund to collaborate with the National Science Foundation on mapping and accelerating the economic impacts of research-led innovation; new university/researcher partnerships to find interventions that widen the innovation pipeline; and\, as a capstone to the Council’s Centennial year\, a conversation among the Council’s seven founding disciplines about 100 years of socially impactful work in the social and behavioral sciences\, as well as opportunities for further advances. \nThis convening will be held on Friday\, December 1\, 2023 at the Harold Pratt House in New York City. The program will run from 11:00am-5:00pm\, with a reception immediately following from 5:00-7:00pm. \nFor more information about the conference or about the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Director of Strategic Partnerships\, at marshall@ssrc.org.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2023-college-and-university-fund-conference/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSRC2022-243-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231202
DTSTAMP:20231023T160139Z
CREATED:20230908T202438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231023T160139Z
UID:10000841-1701388800-1701475199@www.ssrc.org
SUMMARY:2023 College and University Fund Conference: Social and Behavioral Science as R&D
DESCRIPTION:Social and Behavioral Science as R&D\nDecember 1\, 2023\nAs the Council’s Centennial year draws to a close\, this convening of the member institutions in the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences will bring together leaders of universities\, philanthropic foundations\, and public funders of science to celebrate the achievements of 100 years of socially impactful social and behavioral science\, and explore new opportunities for social and behavioral science R&D to find cost-effective and scalable solutions to our most pressing societal challenges. \nThis one-day convening will feature a conversation about opportunities for member institutions in the College and University Fund to collaborate with the National Science Foundation on mapping and accelerating the economic impacts of research-led innovation; new university/researcher partnerships to find interventions that widen the innovation pipeline; and\, as a capstone to the Council’s Centennial year\, a conversation among the Council’s seven founding disciplines about 100 years of socially impactful work in the social and behavioral sciences\, as well as opportunities for further advances. \nThis convening will be held on Friday\, December 1\, 2023 at the Harold Pratt House in New York City. The program will run from 11:00am-5:00pm\, with a reception immediately following from 5:00-7:00pm. \nFor more information about the conference or about the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences\, please contact Lisa Marshall\, Director of Strategic Partnerships\, at marshall@ssrc.org.
URL:https://www.ssrc.org/events/2023-cuf-college-and-university-fund-conference/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.ssrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSRC2022-243-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR