Doctoral Schools/International PhD Courses at the University of Padova

The University of Padova, Italy, through the funding of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, offers research fellowships for foreign students to attend Doctoral Schools/International Courses.

For the academic year 2010/2011 Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy, offers 15 research fellowships for foreign students to attend Doctoral Schools/International Courses (see annex 1 at the University website for the full list of doctoral schools and international doctoral courses and related research lines).

The duration of the doctoral courses is three years, starting on the 2nd January 2011 and ending on the 31st December 2013. Each position will be covered by a scholarship of 13.638,47 Euro (before tax) per year, fully funded by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo. During the 3-year doctoral programme (2011-2013), the successful candidates will be offered full board and lodging at the ESU – Azienda Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario. The connected charges will be covered by Università degli Studi di Padova through Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants are required to meet the following criteria in order to be eligible:
- To have foreign (non-Italian) citizenship;
- To have foreign (non-Italian) residence. Candidates must be in possession of this requirement within the deadline date.
- To have a foreign (non-Italian) academic qualification acknowledged as equivalent to the Diploma di Laurea/ Laurea Specialistica/Magistrale (at least four years of full time university education and allowing to apply for doctoral schools in the country where it was obtained). The acknowledgement of the equivalence of the academic degree will be done by the relevant body of the Doctoral School/International Course, for the sole purpose of this competition.
 

HOW TO APPLY
The application to the competition, written by filling in the relevant forms available at the website: http://www.unipd.it/en/doctorates/grants.htm must arrive within the 2nd September 2010 in two original copies and must be accompanied by the following documents:
- A Curriculum Vitae (see forms A1, A2 and B3) describing the main educational and work experiences as well as the list of publications;
- Study/Research plan (see form B1)
- Personal Statement (see form B2)

- Two letters of reference by professors or experts who have supervised the research and study activities of the candidate. Each of this letters must be put in a sealed envelope signed by the professor/expert and sent along with the application form;
- Two Certificates of the academic degree with the list of the examinations and of the marks and any other certificate that can be helpful for the evaluation of the candidate (e.g. linguistic competences, awards etc.)
- Two copies of the abstract of the thesis (between 3 and 10 pages), if a thesis was written in order to achieve the degree.
 

If the above documents are not written in Italian or English language, they must be accompanied by a translation in Italian or English language.

SCHOLARSHIPS
The amount of the scholarship is 13.638,47 Euro per year. Scholarships are paid by monthly instalments. The first instalment is paid on the month following the actual beginning of the course. The fruition of the scholarship is conditional on the compliance with the provisions of Annex 2 – General Terms and Conditions for Fellowship.
 

The amount of the scholarship is increased by 50% for periods of study abroad, excluding the official country of residence of the doctoral student. The periods of study abroad must be authorized by the competent body of the School/International Course.
 

BOARD AND LODGING
The successful candidates will be offered full board and lodging at the ESU – Azienda Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario for the three-year period of the scholarship (2011-2013).
 

ATTENDANCE FEES
The successful candidates will be exempted from paying attendance fees.
 

DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ DUTIES
Doctoral students must carry out regularly the activities pertinent to their approved research plan and, at the end of each year, they must present a report regarding the activities performed to the Doctoral Council of the School/International Course. At the end of the three-year programme, they will also have to present a Doctoral thesis with original contributions.
 

The relevant body of the School/International Course decides about the admission to the following year on the basis of the evaluation of the work performed by the PhD student. The relevant body of the School/International Course may, with a justified decision, suggest to the Rector the exclusion of the student from the Doctoral School/international Course.
 

ATTAINMENT OF THE DEGREE
The degree of “Dottore di ricerca” is attained once the final exam has been passed. This exam consists of a discussion with the candidate on his/her thesis and it can be repeated only once.

Web-site: http://www.unipd.it/en/doctorates/grants.htm
 

Further information and detailed instructions can be obtained from:
Università di Padova - Servizio Formazione alla Ricerca
Ms. Sara Fedel (+39 049 8273935)
Mr. Marco Santagati (+39 049 8273754)
e-mail: doctoral.grants@unipd.it
fax +39 049 8273780

Facing the Economic Crisis - Role and Possibilities of Youth Organisations

Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe is looking for participants for its upcoming summer event. "To equip the youth organisations with necessary knowledge and skills for addressing the economic injustice, raising awareness of poverty and inclusion, as well as raise their capacity in practical youthwork in these areas" is the main aim of EYCE's upcoming training in field of economic justice. It will take place from 1st to 8th of August 2010 in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Learn about the details and apply now!

Background

In February 2005 Nelson Mandela called upon the world leaders to make poverty history. He mentioned that poverty can be seen as a prison and that it is time to set the imprisoned free. This moving speech and the "Make Poverty History" campaign inspired EYCE and its Steering Committee on Economic Justice to conduct a training course on economic justice and social inclusion of youth with fewer opportunities. The training course "Make Poverty History! - Promoting Economic Justice and Social Inclusion" took place in May 2006 in Bankya, Bulgaria and focused on equipping youth leaders skills needed in order to promote economic justice in particular for unemployed youth and to work for social and economic inclusion of ethnic or cultural minorities.

During the 37th EYCE General Meeting, which took place in May 2009 in Kekava, Latvia, EYCE member organisations raised concerns on these issues again and decided that another thematic training course, concerning poverty and economic justice, shall be implemented.

The Member organisations of EYCE raised concerns, that today, when almost five years have passed since the make Poverty History campaign, and most of the European countries have experienced period of economic wealth, many of the European Counties, and in particular Eastern European countries, are experiencing economic downturn, growing unemployment and people living below the line of poverty, also the gap between the socio-economic classes is increasing.

An alarming number of young people is affected by these circumstances, mainly those coming from disadvantaged social or economic background, and many times from cultural or ethnic minority background, being practically illiterate, unmotivated and with quite few future perspectives. In many cases it is the youth organisations, who are in a position to approach these young people and bring the change.

However, in many cases, the capacities of the youth organisations are not proportional to their willingness to contribute to economic justice, inclusion and future perspectives of young people. Therefore EYCE has made a decision to implement a project, which will focus on poverty and economic justice, in the same time providing the youth organisations with concrete tools and knowledge, how they could raise their capacity in financially difficult time, such as basic skills in financial management, fund-raising and application writing.

Aims

* to analyse the current economic situation and issues of social exclusion and economic injustice in particular taking into consideration the European context;

* to explore the role, status and rights of young people and youth organisations in the underlying patterns of economic situation and to identify the obstacles young people face to achieve or maintain a sufficient living standard;

* to explore the role of church and theological approach towards poverty and economic justice;

* to review the corporate justice, ethical records of the companies and fair rules of trade and labour, as well as explore the impact of youth organisations in this field;

* to provide youth organisations with practical training in project development and management and to help the participants to develop concrete projects matching the social realities in their countries and raising awareness on issues of poverty and economic justice;

* to empower youth leaders to make a difference and work towards economic justice and social inclusion.

Profile of participants

The target group for this event are young people (18 to 30 years of age) and youth leaders from various backgrounds, who have interest and minimum experience in the field of economic justice. They should be willing to commit themselves to an open and respectful dialogue. They should also be able to actively contribute to the programme of the training course and have the capacity to act as multipliers on issues of youth participation in their respective countries. We aim at a good age, gender, denominational and regional balance.

Apply now!

Please download the application forms here

Liberty Autumn Seminars 2010 in Slovenia

This fall, Libertarni klub from Slovenia will third year in a row organize two week-long Liberty Seminars. Join us for six days of learning, networking and socializing - all held at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia (about an hour and a half drive from Ljubljana). The Liberty Seminars are open to people of all ages, and from any background. Many participants will consider themselves classical liberals or libertarians, but it is by no means a requirement. Anyone with an interest in the ideas of liberty is invited to take part.

1st Seminar: Liberty Camp 2010 is a week-long seminar that actively explores the historical, philosophical and economic foundations of a free society through engaging lectures, small group discussions, movie screenings, debates and presentations. In an intellectually stimulating environment, develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Europe today.

Explore and discuss a range of issues:
    * The origins, meaning and theories of civil and economic rights
    * The rule of law and property rights in a free society
    * Government’s powers and its limitations
    * Theories of justice
    * The nature of a liberal democracy
    * Ways of strengthening civil society

Who should apply?
Graduate students, students enrolled in accredited online schools, junior scholars, young professionals and recent graduates who are interested in understanding foundational principles of a free society. 

When?
September 14-20, 2010 

Where?
Hostel pod Voglom, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia  

2nd Seminar: Freedom and Transition 2010 is a unique week-long seminar, dedicated to the advanced study of liberty in European transition countries. Debates and lectures will take you beyond the basic principles of classical liberal thought, while examining the breadth and depth of two decades of economic and political developments in post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe. Join other intellectually curious individuals in applying classical liberal insights into the range of transition issues including:

    * Economic and political institutions
    * Informal rules, the rule of law, and economic growth
    * Governance and corruption
    * Public sector transparency
    * Public choice theory
    * Markets and morality
    * Crony capitalism
    * Failed vs. successful privatization

Who should apply?
Graduate students, junior scholars, young professionals and advanced undergraduate students who are well versed in the principles of the free society and would like to spend an unforgettable week with other individuals who share similar interests in freedom and how to advance the ideas of liberty effectively in the region. 

When?
September 22-27, 2010 

Where?
Hotel Jezero, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia  

Faculty of both seminars:
    * Bernard Brščič, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia,
    * Andrei Illarionov, Cato Institute, USA,
    * Rado Pezdir, University of Maribor, Slovenia,
    * Ivica Urban, Institute of Public Finance, Croatia
    * Ljubo Sirc, Centre for Research into Post-Communist Economies, UK,
    * Tanja Štumberger, Cato Institute, USA,
    * Tomek Mickiewicz, University College London, UK,
    * Matej Kovač, Enterprise Institute, Slovenia,
    * Ben Stafford, Foundation for Economic Education, USA,
    * Primož Kocuvan, Libertarni klub, Slovenia
    * Ružica Šimić University of Zagreb, Croatia
    * David Greenwald, II. gimnazija Maribor, Slovenia,
    * and many more.

Costs information
The generous support of private contributors hoping to encourage a better understanding of liberty in the region enables us to offer these two seminars at significantly reduced costs. As a result, the participation fee of a program with accommodation, meals, field trip to Castle Bled and Waterfall Savica, outdoor activities (canoeing, mountain biking, camp-fires, etc.), books and other material is only 150 euros (Liberty Camp) and 200 euros (Freedom and Transition). Accepted applicants will be asked to pay 50% of the participation fee by August 1, the rest of it on the first day of the seminar. 

Participants are responsible for their travel costs to/from the seminar. 

Only the first 40 qualified applicants will be able to attend each seminar.

Both seminars will be run in English.  

More at: http://www.liberty-seminars.net

Deadline: July 1, 2010 

Contact:
Tanja Stumberger
Executive Director, The Liberty Seminar
tstumberger@cato.org

Travelodge Finds Success With Youtube

The Travelodge Ireland case study outlines the hotel chain’s pioneering use of YouTube advertising. What began as a novel advertising experiment has become a cornerstone of Travelodge’s seasonal marketing campaigns. Combining Google Analytics, YouTube and Google AdWords, Travelodge Ireland gathered the information to prove that YouTube users remember the ads they see on YouTube.

The case study outlines how organic searches for Travelodge terms have grown significantly since advertising began on YouTube, the sheer volume of impressions driving brand recall. Also cost-per-click in many campaigns was up to 57% cheaper than on relevant search keywords. Conversion rates and particularly view-through conversion rates performed very well.

For further details and statistics, please refer to the case study.

By Tomas Burke

Law Is Better Than War!

Thinking about doing something interesting this summer? What about spending some quality time with students from all around Europe while discussing controversial aspects of international law, human rights and humanitarian law?

Set to take place between the 18th and the 29th of July 2010, in Braşov area, Romania, Law Is Better Than War! International Summer School is your solution. At its 7th edition, this summer’s humanitarian law and human rights international school is intended to be a dynamic, motivating and competitive learning environment. The confirmed speaker’s list includes Mr. Almiro Rodriguez, Judge of the International Criminal Court, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bogdan Aurescu, prof. Tamas Lattmann from the University of Budapest and Prof. Ionuţ Gâlea from the University of Bucharest. 

Among our parteners, we mention: Policy Center for Roma and Minorities and A.R..D.O.R (Romanian Association for Debates, Orathory and Rhetorics) and soon there will be joining us others important parteners in this field. 

You can also check out our academic agenda at http://libtw.summerschool.ro/academic-agenda.htm.

The participation fees are:
ELSA Members from favoured countries:25 Euros/day (275 Euros/event)
ELSA Members from non-favoured countries: 27 Euros/day (297 Euros/event)
ELS: 35 Euros/day (385 Euros/event)
Non-ELSA Member: 28 Euros/day (308 Euros/event)
Non-Student: 39 Euros/day (429 Euros/event)

Extra fees:
Social program: 20 Euros
Sightseeing: 15 Euros

The participation fee includes: accomodation, meals, study visit, academic materials, diploma

We have extended our deadline until the 15th of June. Send us your application form, available in the “How to apply” section of http://libtw.summerschool.ro at libtw@bucuresti.elsa.ro, no later than June 15th. Hurry up and join this summer’s Law Is Better Than War! International School. Also, should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at the above mentioned e-mail address. 

Training course "Building Radio Jean EU Network"

Are you an EU or Turkish citizen? Are you aged between 17-21? Are you passionate about radio and have already some radio experience? Would you like to build a European platform where you can share your experience in youth radio newsrooms, develop media skills, produce joint radio programmes/formats and launch a youth radio network with other EU young people like you? If your answer is YES, YES, YES, YES! ...then Radio Jeans Network is what you need!

A 7-day training course will take place in beautiful and sunny Liguria (Italy) on 29 July - 3 August 2010. During these intense days you will have the chance to meet other European young media makers, learn how to improve your radio skills and produce a real-time radio show.

What’s more, this is a great opportunity to build your own network of contacts to keep Radio Jeans alive. With more than 40 young people and 10 tutors/editorial committees, this programme enables young people from all over Europe to keep spreading their voice through radio waves. 

Special events will be organised during major EU Youth events (Torino 2010 European Youth Capital, “Printemps des Lycéens et apprentis 2011” in Provence, European Youth Media Workshop in Brussels).

Radio Jeans will book your travel to/from Liguria and cover your accommodation and food expenses during the programme.

Ready to start getting your voice out on European radio waves? Then send a short motivation letter including detailed proof of your radio experience and a proposal of 100 words maximum describing your envisioned radio format/programme for Radio Jeans to l.gambini@youthpress.org.

Applications accepted NO LATER THAN June 15, 2010.

Ukrainian Studies 2010

Ukrainian Studies 2010, organized by NGO Young Diplomacy Centre, will be held in Lviv in September 2010. With a wide range of nationalities participating in the Ukrainian Studies, we stress the importance of understanding Ukraine and of cross-cultural learning by discovering the local culture and socializing with people from around the world!

The purpose of the Ukrainian Studies is to join students from different countries to take part in various interesting activities like:

• 12 day elementary course of Ukrainian language
• short review of Ukrainian history and economics, acquaintance with national customs and traditions
• master class in Ukrainian folk dance
• excursions in the cultural capital of Ukraine – Lviv
• trip around the castles of Lviv region
• and a lot of other fascinating stuffs!

This year we would like to invite 15 young people from all over the world!

Eligibility requirements:

• 18-30 years old
• Interested in Ukraine and want to get acquainted with Ukrainian traditions
• Good command of English
• Socially active and open-minded

Costs
- the organizers provide:
• educational programme and materials
• special events
• accommodation and board
• local transportation in Lviv

- participants cover:
• travel costs to and from Lviv
• their own insurance
• participation fee of 175 EURO

To learn more and apply, please go to: http://ukrainianstudies.wordpress.com