Advice

We believe that good research is generative, reflective and collaborative. But how to get started? Below, our network members share practical advice on everything from writing winning grant proposals, to the art of interviewing, and the challenges and opportunities around researching parliaments. Our Fellows, partners, advisors and grantees will also share their own experiences, reflections and tips on how to succeed a a researcher. As the work of the network progresses it is intended that this resource will develop through the creative interaction of academics, artists, activists and practitioners.

Professor Leston-Bandeira is editor of the journal Parliamentary Affairs and shares her advice and experience on getting published in academic journals. This was originally presented as part of a British Academy Writing Workshop in Ethiopia, convened by SOAS University of London and Mekelle University. Watch the videos on academic publication here and here

Dr Lewis brings her expertise to bear on the question of research funding. Sources of funding can seem elusive and application processes long and complicated, but Dr Lewis shares strategies that will help anybody seeking to turn their brilliant research idea into a fundable project. Shared initially with our P4P Grant award-holders in Ethiopia, at a British Academy Writing Workshop convened by SOAS University of London and Mekelle University, the presentation will help jump-start your funding search today. View the presentation

Professor Berhanu distils his decades-long experience on how to write high-quality academic articles. His strategies for success include clear messaging, good structure and organisation, and remembering that the purpose of academic writing is to not just communicate but to open up a dialogue with readers. Shared initially with our P4P Grant award-holders in Ethiopia, at a British Academy Writing Workshop convened by SOAS University of London and Mekelle University, the presentation offers key insights and strategies for anybody interested in writing for academic audiences. View the presentation

Professor Mowles introduces the concepts, principles and practices of writing academically. Shared initially with our P4P Grant award-holders in Ethiopia, at a British Academy Writing Workshop convened by SOAS University of London and Mekelle University, the presentation unpacks what it means to become – and be – part of what Mowles calls a ‘community of enquiry’ and offers helpful tips on structuring academic articles. View the presentation

Emma offers ideas about how to write a good funding application. We have been supporting scholars in Myanmar and Ethiopia by awarded grants for research on parliaments. As our funding has been disbursed, we are keen to offer advice about seeking funds from other grant-makers. Here are some tips about writing a decent grant application based on our experience of both applying for and awarding funding. View the article

Professor Leston-Bandeira offers invaluable information about scholarly networks, journals, organisations and data on parliaments. Whilst parliaments have been the focus of very considerable research in some countries for decades, such as in the United States, this is still a relatively under-developed research area within politics. Many reasons explain this, but the main one is related to access to information and data. View the article

Emma offers some ideas about how to interview people working in politics. Studying politicians presents specific amplified challenges for researchers – even more than most people they are short of time, under pressure to paint themselves in glowing colours and keeping all kinds of secrets. Shadowing them or participating in their work is often difficult so many researchers have to depend on interviewing. View the article