The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Myanmar Initiative, the Asian Institute at the University of Toronto and the York Centre for Asia Research at York University are delighted to invite applications for the 2025 Myanmar Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop. It is set to take place at York University’s Keele campus in Toronto, Canada, from May 14 to 16, 2025. This workshop is designed to empower emerging scholars and young leaders who are from Myanmar, of Myanmar origin, or conducting research on Myanmar. Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their network, enhance their contributions to Myanmar’s democratic development, and engage in meaningful collaboration and professional activities. This workshop is made possible through the generous support from the International Development Research Centre’s (IDRC) Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative.
Workshop Highlights:
- Networking opportunities with a diverse group of Myanmar scholars and researchers.
- Skills training tailored to foster professional growth.
- A platform to present research and gain valuable feedback from peers and experts.
- Financial support for travel and accommodation for workshop attendees.
Application Deadline:
Please submit your applications by Wednesday, February 05, 2025. The review of applications will begin on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Geared primarily to individuals currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs, with a preference for students enrolled at Canadian universities, though postdoctoral fellows and researchers at Canadian institutions are also encouraged to apply.
- A strong focus on research related to Myanmar, particularly projects aligned with the priorities of Global Affairs Canada and International Development Research Centre (IDRC), including gender, vulnerable minorities, and the Rohingya community.
- We welcome applicants from all academic disciplines, with a particular interest in those from the social sciences and humanities.
- We highly encourage applications from women and members of vulnerable minorities.
Application Process:
To apply to participate in the workshop, please complete the online application form available at: https://forms.gle/T7HGV54dv68djLjq5.
Please ensure your application includes a brief description of your research project and how you believe the workshop will benefit your work and professional development.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Myanmar.SPPGA@ubc.ca.
UBC Myanmar Initiative
The UBC Myanmar Initiative, founded in 2017, is committed to supporting democratization in Myanmar by focusing on political leadership, policy engagement, and public discourse. Its mission is to nurture a new generation of scholars and young leaders dedicated to fostering democratic transition and inclusive nation-building in Myanmar. The initiative accomplishes this through a range of activities, including the Myanmar Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop, the UBC Myanmar Discussion Series, and programs in policy training and public education.
Asian Institute at the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto hosts the Myanmar blog Tea Circle and the Myanmar Policy and Community Knowledge (MyPACK) Hub, both housed at the Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. There is also a vibrant and engaged network of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students who work on Myanmar, including the student-led Myanmar Culture Club and several special collections of Myanmar materials at the library.
York Burma Initiatives
The York Burma Initiatives at the York Centre for Asian Research, York University brings together faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows focused on the intersections of history, religion, politics, and identity in Burma/Myanmar. The initiative hosts a regular works-in-progress workshop entitled Burma Past and Present as well as a Burmese Colonial Cultures digital library, visiting scholars, conferences and externally funded grants.
Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar
The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative nurtures a new generation of young actors to promote inclusion, gender equality, respect for diversity, and prosperity for all in Myanmar. Following the military’s February 2021 overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government, support continues for evidence-based public policy to achieve gender equality within a federal and inclusive democratic future.