Free Capacity Building Program - ICSSR’s Sponsored Flagship Cultural Studies Programme for Young Social Science Faculty
Calling all young social science academics! The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is sponsoring a transformative Two-Week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) on the Importance of Cultural Studies in Social Sciences. Hosted by Jamia Millia Islamia’s prestigious Centre for West Asian Studies, this intensive training runs from 6–18 October 2025 in New Delhi. If you’re an early-career lecturer or assistant professor seeking to elevate your research methodology, ethical rigor, and interdisciplinary vision, this is your gateway. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it.
Why Cultural Studies Matters Now More Than Ever
In our hyper-connected, post-globalization world, culture isn’t just folklore or tradition—it’s the DNA of social reality. From identity politics and migration crises to digital nationalism and climate justice, cultural dynamics shape every layer of human experience. Yet, young researchers often struggle to:
- Decode interdisciplinary methodologies needed to study culture-society-power nexuses.
- Navigate ethical landmines when researching marginalized communities.
- Leverage digital tools (NVivo, SPSS, AI) for data analysis.
- Publish impactful work in high-stakes academic spaces.
This ICSSR programme directly addresses these gaps. As Prof. Hemayun Akhtar Nazmi (Course Director) emphasizes:
“Cultural studies equip us to dissect how power flows through caste, gender, media, and borders. Without this lens, social science research remains incomplete.”
Inside the Curriculum: Theory, Tools & Real-World Application
Spanning 36 lectures, the programme blends foundational theory with hands-on labs. Here’s a sneak peek:
🧠 Core Modules
Foundations of Cultural Studies
- Culture, Identity & Power Structures
- Decolonizing methodologies & indigenous epistemologies.
Research Toolkits
- Master qualitative tools (ethnography, focus groups) + quantitative analysis (SPSS/R).
- AI in social research: Possibilities and pitfalls.
Data Justice & Ethics
- Ethical frameworks for studying vulnerable groups.
- Managing governmental/institutional big data.
Academic Power Skills
- Writing publishable papers & literature reviews.
- Spotting predatory journals + using open-access repositories (J-STOR, Shodhganga).
💡 Unique Workshops
- Decolonial Approaches: Re-center Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in social research.
- Diaspora & Digital Publics: Analyze West Asian/Indian migrant networks.
- Proposal Labs: Design interdisciplinary projects with peer/expert feedback.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility & Selection
Target Audience:
- Lecturers/Assistant Professors in social sciences (UGC-recognized Indian institutions).
- Early-career faculty (priority for those without prior ICSSR training).
Seats: Only 30 spots (10 from Delhi, 10 from other states, 10 interstate).
Exclusions: Faculty who attended ICSSR programmes in the past year.
Practical Perks: Fully Funded with Zero Cost
Thanks to ICSSR sponsorship:
- No registration fees.
- Accommodation: Provided for outstation participants.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner + refreshments for all.
- Travel: AC 3-tier reimbursement (shortest route, ticket proof required).
How to Apply: Deadline 5 September 2025
- Download the brochure & form: https://forms.gle/1sn1KdWM44152bB86
- Submit online: Via the Google Form link above.
- Attach:
- Completed registration form (Pages 7–9 of the brochure).
- Recommendation letter from your institution’s Head (Page 10 template).
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 5 September 2025
- Selection Notification: 8 September 2025
- Confirmation Due: 10 September 2025
Why This Programme is a Career Game-Changer
- Interdisciplinary Edge: Cultural studies fluency makes your research relevant to anthropology, media studies, migration policy, and more.
- Ethical Confidence: Avoid exploitative research traps with robust ethical frameworks.
- Network Expansion: Collaborate with peers nationwide and ICSSR-affiliated experts.
- Publication Boost: Structured training in writing/proposal design directly enhances REF/NAAC scores.
As Dr. Priyanka Mohanty (past ICSSR CBP participant) notes:
“The fieldwork lab transformed how I study tribal health narratives. I published my first Scopus paper 6 months later.”
Venue & Contact
- Where: Conference Hall, India-Arab Cultural Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
- Queries: Email Course Director Prof. Hemayun Akhtar Nazmi: hnazmi@jmi.ac.in
Final Thoughts: Act Fast!
In social sciences, cultural literacy = academic currency. This ICSSR programme offers rare, free upskilling for faculty who aspire to lead in:
- Policy-impactful research
- Ethical scholarship
- Cross-border collaboration
With only 30 seats and a September 5 deadline, procrastination is your biggest rival. Download the form, secure institutional endorsement, and apply today. Your next research breakthrough starts here.
🔗 Application Link: https://forms.gle/1sn1KdWM44152bB86
#ICSSR #CulturalStudies #SocialScienceResearch #JamiaMilliaIslamia #FacultyDevelopment #AcademicFunding
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Myself is a retired associate professor in social and moral philosophy(Government sponsored and aided UGC recognised, NAAC accredited college in West Bengal) and presently Working in a UGC recognized private college, would like to join the program, please let me know if possible to accommodate.
The program is expected to benefit a lot to them Interested in social science research.
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Provide me research information.