New Application Round for HAIreconnect
Starting on 1 March 2015, former visiting academics can once again apply for a HAIreconnect scholarship. These HAI-funded 5- to 10-day stays in Heidelberg give Research Alumni the chance to meet other researchers and initiate new projects, renew or intensify existing cooperation programmes or work on their own research project in Heidelberg. Scholars can also team up with their host to organise a student event at which they present their own research and home university or research institution. Applications for a HAIreconnect visit in the second half of 2015 can be submitted from 1 March to 31 May.
For the application via a form in the HAI internet portal, applicants must write a brief motivational letter and explain how they plan to use their time in Heidelberg. To be eligible for a HAIreconnect scholarship, scholars must be members of Heidelberg Alumni International (HAI), contribute actively to the Research-Alumni Network and be willing to act as an ambassador for Heidelberg University in their own academic/scientific environment. HAI will assume part of the travel and accommodation expenses, and the HAI team will support scholars in planning and preparing for their stay. Institutes of Heidelberg University interested in hosting a former visiting scholar may also apply for a HAIreconnect scholarship. Facts and information about the HAIreconnect programme and the current application round are available here. The first two application rounds in 2012 allowed 27 Research-Alumni from eleven countries to return to Heidelberg on a HAIreconnect scholarship.
Among the first scholarship winners of the current HAIreconnect programme are jurists Dr Filippo Bonin and Dr Tommaso Beggio from Italy. The two researchers, both experts in Roman law, were guests of Prof. Dr Christian Baldus at the Institute for History of Law from 20-28 October 2014. During their stay they hosted a workshop for students in which they outlined their current research, had students working with documentary materials based on handouts and discussed various topics ranging from the history of law to ancient history, philology and cultural studies. Participants included younger students as well as doctoral candidates and new PhD holders. The workshop was a success for everyone involved, reports participant Aaron Christopher Stumpf: ‘The more advanced students were able to discuss the presented topics in depth and exchange the latest research results, while younger students gained insights into the work involved in a doctoral programme and took an active part in current research.’ HAI director Silke Rodenberg explained that such workshops are a valuable contribution to the HAIreconnect programme, as they bridge the gap between different student generations through joint activities.
Filippo Bonin works at the University of Siena and used his time in Heidelberg to do research for his project ‘Constantine, the barbarians and the reform of the praefectus praetorio’. Tommaso Beggio is currently employed by the University of Helsinki. During his stay at Heidelberg University, he investigated the subject of ‘Paul Koschaker and Roman law’. Both alumni learned about the possibility of returning to Heidelberg with HAIreconnect from their host Prof. Baldus. ‘This was a fantastic opportunity for me, because it allowed me to discuss my research with Prof. Baldus, which was a great help’, explains Tommaso Beggio. Filippo Bonin cites the resources offered by Heidelberg University as his primary reason for coming back: ‘All the books we need are available right here in the University Library.’ He also appreciated the chance to meet other international researchers. The two legal experts decided to offer the workshop because they wanted to exchange ideas and discuss their research with doctoral candidates and other students. ‘It was a nice opportunity to give something back to the institute.’
