mobil.LAB PhD Course

The mobil.LAB invites PhD candidates with a strong interest in mobilities and transport research to join them for a 3-day course in an inspiring environment south of Munich. The Georg-von-Vollmar Akademie is situated in Kochel am See with a view of the Alps - a perfect place to spend three days of academic discussions!

PhD candidates will discuss their research methodology and design with other PhDs and senior academics based on a paper they prepare for the course. Formats will include 7/7 presentations, master classes and interactive walking. The course will not focus on the ‘teaching’ of speci c methods or theories, but rather on the discussion and development of methodological approaches in the context of mobilities research. 

Who should apply?

The course is designed for PhD candidates in the interdisciplinary eld of mobilities and transport working with topics including, but not limited to, mobility behaviour, policy-making, social practices, mobility discourses, new technologies, everyday life mobilities, and sharing mobilities.

Applicants to the course should be at a stage where they are prepared to discuss their research questions and strategies for ‘answering’ these questions together with others working within mobilities research. The goal is to initiate methodological discussions that are useful and inspiring for all participants.

Between 10-15 PhDs will be accepted to join the mobil.LAB PhDs for the course. 

About the mobil.LAB 

The mobil.LAB is an interdisciplinary and international group of doctoral candidates and researchers conducting research on sustainable mobility, under the theme ‘Shaping Mobility Cultures’. The mobil.LAB is a joint programme of the Technical University of Munich and Nürtingen-Geislingen University, funded by the Hans-Böckler Foundation. 

Participating senior academics

Joe Deville - Lecturer, Lancaster University
Malene Freudendal-Pedersen - Associate Professor, Roskilde University Carlos Lopez-Galviz - Lecturer, Lancaster University
Justin Spinney - Lecturer, Cardi University 

Application process

Submit an abstract of max. 300 words in English by 15th December 2017. The abstract should broadly focus on the research methodology, design, and preliminary results of the applicant’s PhD research project. Applicants will be noti ed of acceptance by the end of 2017.

If accepted, this abstract should be developed into a 3000-4000 word paper submitted by 12th February 2018. Full papers should elaborate on the methodological and/or design-related challenges of the project as well as the strategies used to approach ‘answering’ the research questions.

Email submissions and inquires to Helen Carter ( helen.carter@tum.de ). 

Course reqirements 

• Write a 3000-4000 word paper on research methodology and design
• Read 4-5 papers submitted by other participants as well as literature required by the senior academics (to be provided prior to the course)
• Prepare a 7-minute presentation on the full paper

Each PhD candidate must arrange and pay their own travel to and from Kochel am See, as well as a contribution of approximately €150 for the accommodation (shared twin rooms) and meals at the Georg-von-Vollmar Akademie.