Hobart Houghton Fellowship

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC HISTORY

Applications are invited for Hobart Houghton Fellowship for 2024

BACKGROUND TO THE FELLOWSHIP

The Hobart Houghton Research Fellowship is named after Professor Desmond Hobart Houghton who taught Economics at Rhodes and was director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University until 1973. 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. 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.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The Fellowship is intended to promote economic research relevant to the sustainable development of South Africa in an international context.

Research with a focus on the economy of the Eastern Cape region is also welcome.

TENURE OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The term of the Fellowship is 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 four to six months during the academic teaching year.

ELIGIBILITY

Prospective Fellows should have had research experience and hold at least a Masters’ degree in 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 with a strong developing research track record.

VALUE AND CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD

The amount of the award will be determined on an annual basis. The typical package includes:

• Return direct economy class airfare from the Fellow's place of residence.
• University accommodation with electricity and water included.
• A modest monthly cash stipend to supplement the Fellow's usual source of income.
• If the Fellow accepts the appointment for at least four months and is accompanied by a partner, the partner's return airfare will also be paid.

Limited funds will be available for travel and other research expenses. The Fellow will be expected to reside in Makhanda and will be an honorary member of staff of the University for the duration of the Fellowship. At the conclusion of the Fellowship, the Fellow will be required to present a full report on the work undertaken. The fellow is also required to publish at least one article in a subsidy-earning journal which acknowledges both the Fellowship and Rhodes University.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

There is a strong tradition of research in the Department of Economics and Economic History. The current research of members of staff and graduate students reflects a wide range of interests including: Environmental and natural resource economics; financial markets and monetary economics; development economics; the labour market; international trade and finance; cultural economics, and industrialisation. The Fellow will have an office in the Department. The University provides excellent access to online research resources and databases.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

RU Hobart Houghton Application Form

The application form should include a full statement of research interests, and a CV, and should be submitted by 31 January 2024 to Ms. Nichole Austin at n.austin@ru.ac.za

Further enquiries can also be made to Professor Jen Snowball, Department of Economics and Economic History (tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8301, e-mail:  j.snowball@ru.ac.za).

The University reserves the right not to make an award in any particular year.

Last Modified: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:27:46 SAST