What is a Capacity Development Fellowship (CDF)?

It is a programme within the BRICS Research Institute that focuses on capacitating Masters and PhD students within BRICS member countries and beyond. These students are mentored by members of the Communities of Practice who are experts in various research focus areas. The Durban University of Technology and BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellows is housed by the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology in South Africa.

What is expected from a CDF?

Capacity development participation means, you should start preparing a research paper under the guidance of your mentor in your chosen field aligned to the project themes; you shall present a paper for instance at “The 2nd BRICS Postgraduate Forum 2023” (August 2023) in Cape Town, South Africa; you shall prepare your paper/s for publication in a high-impact DHET-accredited journal (South Africa) or Scopus; you should establish strong networks with fellow CDFs and BRICS senior scholar from other BRICS nations (we will plan activities to encourage peer-to-peer co-authorship for all CDFs); and you should access cross-BRICS data for comparative analysis in your research. Last you should be able to attend and participate in meetings, group discussions, online workshops and other sessions to enhance our knowledge.

After completing the application form what’s next?

If your area of study is aligned to any of the BRICS Research Institute focus areas, you will be allocated a mentor from the Community of Practice that is aligned to your area of study.

  • You will get an acceptance letter.
  • Be added to the CDFs whatsapp group and BRICS CDFs email group.
  • You will start receiving communique, updates and invitations to all BRICS Research Forum events where CDFs are expected to attend.

Here are some examples of our talented colleagues!

BRAZIL

Rafaela Mello Rodrigues de Sá

Assistant Professor at IRID/UFRJ and master’s in International Relations at PUC Rio (Brazil)

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow & Project Assistant

Being part of the BRICS project is an enriching experience, as I have a great opportunity to improve my academic skills while exchanging ideas and knowledge with colleagues from other BRICS countries, conducting research and academic activities.

Renan Ramos

State University of Campinas, Brazil.
Renan Ramos is a Master's student in Human Geography at the State University of Campinas, Brazil. His research focuses on economic diversity in urban spaces. The Capacity Development Fellow of BRICS countries enhances discussions on integration and sociability among developing nations, highlighting the importance of comparative studies.

RUSSIA

Valentina Dmitrieva from MGIMO University

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow
I'm honored to be a part of the BRICS CDF program. As I embark on my PhD journey, participating in a conference with researchers from BRICS countries is a valuable opportunity to connect with experts from various disciplines, build strong academic and personal connections, and learn about other countries. It's also a great chance for me, as a scientist, to enhance my academic writing skills.

INDIA

Yogesh Sharma from Jawaharlal Nehru University

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow & Project Assistant
I am proud to be the Capacity Development Fellow and Project Assistant for the BRICS Research Institute. Every day, I learn so much, from managing the abstract review process for an international conference to leading the review process for conference proceedings and winning an award recognizing my efforts. This experience provides immense opportunities to connect with professors and researchers from BRICS+ nations and other parts of the world. As a PhD scholar and senior research fellow from India, this opportunity is a perfect launchpad and platform to share my research and learn from others.

Ankit Suri (PhD Scholar), Jawaharlal Nehru University

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow & Project Assistant
I take great pride in my role as a Capacity Development Associate at the BRICS Research Institute, where I have the privilege of collaborating with a diverse and intellectually vibrant community of scholars from across the globe. Being associated with such a remarkable group of highly accomplished individuals is truly an enriching experience. As a PhD scholar and young researcher, this opportunity serves as an invaluable platform for my academic and professional growth. The chance to learn from esteemed professors and fellow researchers is a blessing that the BRICS Research Institute has generously bestowed upon me. The exposure to a global network of scholars has not only broadened my perspective but also provided me with a unique platform to contribute and learn in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Srishti Gosain from University of Kota

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow
Being a member of the Capacity Development Team (CDF) at the BRICS Research Institute in South Africa is a golden opportunity for me. This platform allows individuals from various countries, with rich cultural, linguistic, experiential, and expertise diversities, to express their views through their respective research domains. It has added new skills and knowledge to my repertoire. Additionally, I feel honored to represent my University and my country, India. I will bring fresh ideas and share my experiences on the topics I have researched. Thank you.

Dr. Srishti Gosain MBA - HA (4th Sem) University of Kota, Kota, Rajasthan, India

CHINA

Jing Wang from China Foreign Affairs University

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow
As a BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow, I have the privilege of participating in on-site research, paper writing, and book editing organized by various institutions. I have gained insights into the diverse needs of BRICS youth and scholars for BRICS development. Simultaneously, the institution focuses on education, allowing us to explore and integrate educational resources from member countries and connect with public products of BRICS education, such as the BRICS Universities League and the BRICS Vocational Skills Competition. These valuable experiences have inspired me to explore effective systematic communication pathways for BRICS cultural exchanges, narrowing the emotional distance between people from various countries.

SOUTH AFRICA

Andiswa Mbongwe

BRICS Research Institute Capacity Development Fellow Admin - andiswa.mbongwe@bricsri.co.za
Being a BRICS Research Capacity Development Fellow means widening my network through opportunities for collaboration, getting my work peer-reviewed, and accepting criticism positively. It involves learning from industry experts, such as the Communities of Practice, and enhancing my knowledge in areas driving the BRICS economy. I embrace this opportunity with utmost excitement, keeping the core mission of the BRICS Research Forum at the forefront. The program helps ensure that BRICS Summit pledges and resolutions are expressed and disseminated through further research into individual country plans, and taken into consideration when critical decisions are made.