Call for Visiting Researcher for DSNS-ACT Project at UNU-CRIS

Since October 2016, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has partnered with the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU‑CRIS), a research institute founded in 2001 and based in Bruges. As part of the United Nations University, UNU‑CRIS conducts policy‑oriented research on key international issues such as digital governance, climate, and migration. Its mission includes strengthening the link between the UN and the academic world by translating academic research into actionable policy insights.

Position description

We are looking for two visiting researchers to spend two months at the United Nations University in Bruges, where they will contribute to the project DSNS-ACT.

The DSNS-ACT project aims to challenge the shift in recent years toward a characterisation of the global internet as a playing field for 'digital sovereigns'. By listening to actors from (separate) communities in different world regions, learning from them, and sharing knowledge amongst them, we hope to help these stakeholders come to terms with the consequences of the new politics of global infrastructures. In this way, we aim to contribute to the efforts to maintain the globally unified internet. By building on our research programme on Digital Sovereignty, our global connections to academic networks (e.g. GigaNet), and policy research institutes (such as the UN University network), we propose a research project that focuses on consolidating conversations and building new understandings of the (un)intended consequences of digital sovereignty discourses and actions.

The two visiting researchers will contribute to our consolidation report. This report will sum up the various meanings of digital sovereignty adopted by our stakeholders. We are specifically looking for experts who will be able to help bring together and analyse these different perspectives. Visiting researchers are also invited to carry out their own research.

Profile

We welcome applications from candidates worldwide and value a broad range of perspectives and professional experience relevant to our international work. Relevant experience may include work, research, collaboration, study, or temporary residence (including stays of several months) in or with different geographic and cultural contexts, such as Indonesia, Brazil, Lebanon, or Ethiopia. All candidates are assessed solely on the basis of their qualifications and relevant experience, regardless of nationality or background.

What do we expect from you?

• You are an experienced researcher with expertise in the academic and policy debates surrounding digital sovereignty;
• You are encouraged to apply if you are actively involved in national, regional, and global discussions on digital sovereignty;
• You have fluent professional knowledge of English, demonstrated through a sample publication;
• Experience in reviewing and editing texts is considered desirable.

Offer

The successful candidates will receive a lump sum (approximately € 2.500,00 per month) to cover all costs (travel, accommodation, subsidence, insurance, and social security/ taxation payments in their home country, along with any additional costs that may be accrued).

The visiting researchers will be responsible for making their own arrangements: UNU-CRIS and VUB cannot accept liability for any additional costs.

Successful candidates will receive a ‘Visiting Fellow’ contract during their time in Bruges. This will be with the United Nations University - CRIS in Bruges.

The proposed timing for the visiting researcher will be between April and September, details to be discussed on individual basis.
 

Interested

Submit your application by sending your documentation to dsns-act@vub.be, and include the following:

• subject line: DSNS-ACT Visiting Researcher Application
• academic CV, including list of publications, presentations, and participation in conferences, from the past three years.
• one sample publication, preferably peer-reviewed.
• please include in your email whether you require a visa.

Deadline for applications is 26 February 2026. The responsible people at VUB get back to you by 6 March 2026, to give you time to organise your stay.