UISCE Scholars

The UISCE Scholar Experience

Researching Peacebuilding in Ireland

UISCE - “Understanding Ireland, socially, culturally and economically” - is an educational not-for-profit organisation located in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland with the aim “to creatively and sensitively explore the resistances to peace building as resources to bring about transformation”.                

At UISCE we are launching our new Scholars Program, providing research opportunities for Masters and PhD students from around the world who want to make a real difference to peacebuilding.

 

Research at UISCE

At UISCE, we welcome creative and nuanced approaches to research, believing that flexibility and trust for scholars leads to the highest quality work. As a scholar, you will have relative freedom to explore peacebuilding from whichever angle, scope or analysis best suits your skills and interests.

Previous examples of research topics include a range of community-led initiatives, historical analysis, and interviews with political figures. Keith, our Director, maintains a strong network of influential individuals from Ireland's past and present, which scholars are encouraged to draw upon to add depth and insight to their research.

For instance, earlier this year, Zona Zhou conducted a ‘Peace Project’ during her time with us. Her work involved interviewing key community leaders across the Irish political spectrum, including former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, member of the House of Lords Paul Bew, and former MLA and former PIRA member Sean Lynch, among others.

 

Typical day as a Scholar

Life as a scholar at UISCE is about much more than research alone. Based at our campus in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland — on the historic site of the 1987 Remembrance Day bomb — you will be living and working alongside a diverse and supportive community.

•             Start the morning at 09:30 with a short meeting where all scholars and volunteers, catch up, share progress, and outline their plans for the day

•             Head across the road to the Intec Centre, a dedicated workspace shared with fellow scholars, to work on your research project

•             Spend the day conducting interviews, writing, analysing materials, or collaborating with others on cross-project ideas

•             Break for lunch, with a fully stocked fridge available and cooked dinners provided Monday to Thursday (depending on volunteer numbers)

•             Finish work around 17:30 and return to the Clinton Centre to relax, socialise with other residents in our communal areas, or enjoy Enniskillen’s cafés, pubs, and lakeside walks, whilst potentially helping with dinner/food collection at least once a fortnight (potentially more should volunteer numbers are low).

•             Enjoy your weekends (Friday to Sunday) free to explore Ireland, often travelling with others from the centre — a great chance to visit key areas linked to your research and experience the wider peacebuilding context

Additional Key Information

Placement length is between 6 to 24 months, with some flexibility for extensions. The programme fee is £1,000 per month, covering accommodation, a dedicated workspace, and food provision. If funding is an issue, we may be able to assist with the cost or help secure support from your academic institution. While meals and a stocked fridge are usually available, supplies depend partly on Tesco donations and volunteer support, so residents may occasionally need to buy additional groceries.

Should you feel like you do not fufil these requirements then check out our Intern section, for a mix of research, volunteer work and broader outreach, at a lower fee and shorter time period to dedicate!

Successful Candidates

  • Peacebuilding requires dedication, resources, and a deep commitment to addressing the complex, often long-standing dynamics that have fuelled conflict and perpetuated divisions over many years, even centuries. In light of this, successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

    •             A self-motivated approach, with the ability to act independently and take proactive initiative

    •             Compassion and a strong appreciation for peacebuilding, with the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people

    •             The capacity to work effectively within a community-focused and collaborative environment

    •             A genuine interest in, and passion for, peacebuilding in Ireland; previous research experience in relevant areas is desirable

    As a Scholar you gain valuable hands-on experience in peacebuilding research and programme development, enhance their academic and professional credentials, and build meaningful connections that strengthen both their CVs and future career opportunities.

Application Process

Stage One:

Complete the application form provided below.

Stage Two:

Attend an online interview with Adam, the Scholar/Intern Coordinator. This will be an opportunity to discuss your background, what you hope to contribute to the programme, and for us to get to know you better.

Stage Three:

Take part in a second online interview with Keith, Director of UISCE. This discussion will go into more depth about your proposed research, as well as the history and background of UISCE itself.

Stage Four:

Visit the site to meet the team and experience the environment, ensuring it is the right fit for both sides. Should visa requirements present an obstacle, we can discuss alternative arrangements, including meeting in Dublin.

Apply Today

We need students, graduates and professionals from all walks of life. If you are committed to peacebuilding; You will find a place and a purpose at UISCE.

For those who successfully complete their time as an UISCE Volunteer, we can provide a Certificate in Voluntary Service, so potential employers distinguish you from other applicants!

Meet Some UISCE Scholars Network

“UISCE’s Scholars Programme is a specialised role of particular appeal to academics or professionals with a greater understanding of issues pertaining to peacebuilding”