MyClimate Winter School: Qualitative Research on Climate Change
Hosted by the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development, Chiang Mai University,
20-28 January 2025)
Background and introduction to the summer school
The purpose of the MyClimate winter school is to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the current qualitative research and social science debates on climate change. The summer school will cover key concepts, themes and literature from the social sciences on climate change, with a particular focus on how local communities respond to climate change amidst conflict, state enclosure and other forms of structural violence.
Content
The summer school program will be organised and run by Dr Helene Maria-Kyed and Dr Justine Chambers from the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) and Ajarn Chaya Vaddhanaphuti from Chiang Mai University. It will also include guest lectures and online resources. The format will include 5 days of lectures, 2 days of interactive field visits and 2 days of individual exercises and presentations on the part of participants.
Activities
- Pre-workshop assignment for participants, including readings relevant to the course.
- Mini-lectures and practical exercises throughout the program.
- Lectures by invited speakers on key issues relevant to research on climate change in mainland Southeast Asia.
- Facilitator-led seminars on qualitative social science research on climate change.
- Two-day field program for participants to speak to communities and understand the complex issues and dynamics that drive climate change, including capitalism and state-led ‘development’.
Selection
Graduate students, emerging and independent scholars, researchers and activists from Myanmar and Thailand. The ten-day program is run in an intensive format and requires a good working knowledge of English language and professional interest in issues related to climate change, environmental protection and/or Indigenous and customary forms of land management. Applications will be considered on their merit, and a balance will be sought to include participants with different professional backgrounds, ethnicities and genders.
Requirements
- To have access to a laptop.
- To prepare materials ahead of the school as set out by instructors (approximately three days’ work). Details will be provided in December 2024.
- To commit to at 7-8 hours per day during the winter school (20-28 January).
- To join the winter school with an open mind and preparedness to work collaboratively with other participants, with diverse perspectives on issues related to climate change and environmental protection.
Entitlements
The organisers will cover the cost of the course, meals and field expenses at no cost.* All program materials will be made available in electronic format. A certificate of attendance will be issued to all participants who fulfill the requirements of the course, including group and individual assessments.
*Funding will be considered for participants who live outside Chiang Mai for travel depending on financial need.
Key Dates
1 November 2024: Application Deadline
10 November 2024: Acceptance Announcements
20-28 January 2024: Workshop and Field Research Trips
Application Details:
Apply through online here. You will need to include a CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your professional/educational background and interests in attending the winter course. For those who need funding for travel, please also write a 150-250 word explanation of your financial need.