The School of Global Studies at University of Gothenburg is one of largest academic environments in Sweden for research and education related to development research, poverty reduction and sustainable developmentin low-and middle-income countries. With a staff of around 130, from more than 20 countries, the school’s pluralistic and cross-disciplinary environment is organised along interacting streams related to its three doctoral programmes:

• Peace and Development Research
• Environmental Social Science
• Social Anthropology

By combining the methodological and theoretical traditions and strengths of the various disciplines and research fields within the School, issues concerning culture, security, and sustainable development are investigated in path-breaking ways that are relevant to pressing global issues and contemporary human concerns.

In line with the School’s global profile, the research covers most corners of the world, but with some emphasis on Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Field research, interviews, and ethnography are areas of methodological strength. Many professors, associate professors, senior lecturers and researchers (about 70 in total) are focusing on matters pertaining to development research, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and several of these have expressed their willingness to contribute to doctoral courses, seminars and other activities within the proposed Development Research School.

About 35 doctoral students are currently enrolled in the three doctoral programmes, and it is estimated thatat least 15-20 will be enrolled as core members of the Development Research School during the four-year period. At least another ten doctoral students are likely to participate on an occasional basis in seminar series of other activities.

The School of Global Studies maintains close collaboration with several other departments and programmes within the university in the field of development research. It is expected that a select number of doctoral students from other disciplines will also be enrolled in the chool, especially from economics, human geography, political science, global health, and geo sciences.