My research stay at the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (IGDC)

Andrea C. Bianculli, Assistant Professor, Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI)

I had the great opportunity to spend four months at the IGDC as a visiting researcher with the support of the Jose Castillejo International Mobility Grant. I enjoyed my stay enormously as it gave me the invaluable opportunity to fully focus on my own research, and get involved in an exciting programme of academic activities, including seminars and workshops.

My research crosses sociology, politics and international relations, and is substantively concerned with three different but strongly interwoven areas: trade, regulation and development, with a regional focus on Latin America.

As a visiting researcher, I enjoyed excellent conditions for working, reading and doing research. More importantly, my research benefited greatly from the fruitful and rich discussions with the IGDC community; all of which was of great value to come up with new ideas and perspectives.

The IGDC brings together researchers of different backgrounds, working on a variety of topics and issues in the broad area of global development. Using an interdisciplinary approach to gain a wide range of perspectives on global development, the department are very much open to thoughtful and critical thinking. The IGDC is also part of a vibrant university community within a quiet, idyllic campus in Yorkshire.

Many thanks to Jean, Henrice and Piran as well as all those involved in the IGDC for creating a pleasant, productive and inspiring research environment. Finally, my thanks go to Laura and Lauren and the IGDC team for their continuous professional support and friendly help with the many organisational matters, including IT, library, housing, summer camp activities for my daughter, among others. 

In short, this research stay was outstanding both professionally and personally.