Balzan PhD Fellowships on New Horizons in Restorative Justice and Peacemaking

Applications are now open for the Balzan PhD Fellowships on New Horizons in Restorative Justice and Restorative Peacemaking, an initiative led by Emeritus Distinguished Professor John Braithwaite through his 2024 Balzan Prize. The Balzan Prize was awarded to Professor Braithwaite in recognition of his contributions to contemporary restorative justice and his commitment to social institutions and community-building.

The fellowships aim to expand the horizons of restorative justice research globally, including Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania and Asia. The main geographic focus will be on Africa, funding dozens of young African scholars to produce papers on restorative justice or peacemaking in 20 or more war-afflicted African countries.

The project is guided by Deputy Directors Dr Yan Zhang, from The Australian National University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Assistant Professor Zelalem Testaye Sirna from the University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their regional expertise and leadership will help ensure the fellowship program fosters innovative scholarship and meaningful contributions to restorative justice and peacemaking efforts around the world.

Enrolled PhD students can apply to The Australian National University for fellowships of US$10,000 from the Balzan Prize funds. Successful applicants will also enjoy opportunities for interaction, and in some cases, limited employment with Professor Braithwaite and his research team.

The Balzan Prizes are awarded annually by the International Balzan Foundation to honour exceptional achievements in the humanities and natural sciences by individuals who have made significant contributions on a global scale. Through the Balzan Prize, Professor Braithwaite’s work in building restorative justice capacity reflects his commitment to supporting emerging scholars and advancing peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

Applications are open until 31 December 2027. Learn more on the full eligibility criteria and how to apply here.