The University of Bath GEAR programme is designed to enhance representation of early-career researchers from low-and-middle-income countries in business and society research.
The University of Bath is offering an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers through its Global Early-Career Accelerator for Representation (GEAR) programme. This virtual initiative is designed to improve the representation of scholars from low-and-middle-income (LMI) countries in the field of business and society, fostering a more inclusive and globally diverse research community.
Addressing Global Research Inequality
The field of business and society research is often dominated by scholars from high-income countries. While studies on LMI contexts are published in reputable journals, the authors are frequently based in high-income economies. This inequality is largely due to differences in access to advanced research training in methodology, writing, and conceptual development.
The University of Bath GEAR programme is specifically designed to address this gap by providing early-career researchers from LMI countries with the tools and mentorship necessary to succeed in global academic publishing.
Seven-Week Virtual Programme
The University of Bath GEAR programme runs for seven weeks each Spring, featuring one 150-minute online session per week. This structure allows participants to learn flexibly while engaging deeply with content, including:
- Writing a high-quality research article from start to finish
- Weekly discussion of key academic readings
- Hands-on writing tasks guided by experienced faculty
Comprehensive Writing and Research Support
Throughout the programme, participants receive guidance on all stages of a research article:
- Writing the title, abstract, and introduction
- Developing a literature review
- Designing research methods
- Presenting findings
- Crafting discussions and conclusions
- Preparing for journal submission
- This structured approach ensures that early-career researchers from LMI countries are fully prepared to publish in top-tier journals.
Eligibility for Early-Career Researchers
The programme targets advanced PhD students and researchers within three years post-PhD who are:
- Based at academic institutions in LMI countries
- Conducting research on business and society topics
- Motivated to produce and publish high-quality research
- At the stage of having collected data or drafted a conceptual paper
This ensures a cohort of highly motivated participants ready to gain maximum benefit from the programme.
Application Process and Deadlines
Interested researchers must submit:
- A completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (2 pages)
- A 1,000-word paper outline, including research question, rationale, methods, and anticipated contributions
- Applications should be sent as a single email to gear@bath.ac.uk by Monday, 5 January 2026. Successful applicants gain access to an immersive, interactive learning environment guided by University of Bath faculty.
- Click HEREÂ to apply
GEAR Fellowship Opportunity
Upon completing the programme, candidates can apply for the GEAR Fellowship. Up to two fellows from each cohort are selected to visit the University of Bath School of Management for 11–12 weeks. Benefits include:
- Mentorship from faculty
- Participation in courses of choice
- Exposure to the university’s research community
- £6,000 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses
This fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity to advance research careers and build international academic networks.
Learn from a Global Advisory Board
The University of Bath GEAR programme is guided by a distinguished advisory board, including:
- Dr. Tahiru Liedong, University of Bath School of Management
- Dr. Leonardo Marques, Audiencia Business School, France
- Prof. Judy Muruthi, University of West Indies, Jamaica
- Prof. Alberto Willi, Argentine Austral University
- Dr. Chenjian Zhang, University of Bath School of Management
This global expertise ensures participants benefit from diverse perspectives and world-class mentorship.
The University of Bath GEAR programme is more than a training course—it’s a career accelerator for early-career researchers aiming to publish internationally and make a real impact in the field of business and society. For more information or to apply, contact the GEAR team at gear@bath.ac.uk. or visit GEAR
