ECR Capacity Building Workshops 2025

Diaspora Theoretical Contributors

Date: Tuesday, 3rd February 2026
Location: Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
Funding Support: 15 travel bursaries available for PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs)
Keynote Speakers:
• Prof. Yingqi (Annie) Wei, Leeds University Business School • Prof. Thomas Anker, University of Stirling
• Dr. Francis Donbesuur, University of Leicester • Dr. Nataliia Hrytsiuk, UCL School of Management
Workshop Convenor: Dr Emmanuel Mogaji (e.mogaji@keele.ac.uk)

This one-day, in-person workshop explores the timely and under-recognised concept of Diaspora Theoretical Contributors (DTCs) — academics who, while based outside their country of origin, continue to produce scholarship that is rooted in, relevant to, or inspired by their home contexts. These scholars contribute not only through empirical insights, but also by shaping theory, frameworks, and discourse that transcend borders.

DTCs represent a powerful form of intellectual remittance — contributing ideas, knowledge, and expertise across geographies. Whether a Ukrainian scholar examining post-war reconstruction while based in London, or a Ghanaian academic theorising entrepreneurship from Leicester, these voices are essential to global knowledge production.

Read the foundational article introducing the concept published in the Journal of Global Mobility – Full article: Diaspora theoretical contributors: bridging transnational knowledge and transforming global academia

Workshop Highlights
This Academy of Marketing-supported capacity-building event is specially designed for doctoral researchers and early career academics who identify as part of the diaspora or whose work engages with transnational, cross-cultural, or home-country contexts.
Key goals include:
• Introducing and unpacking the concept of Diaspora Theoretical Contributors
• Exploring positionality, legitimacy, and identity in academic research
• Offering practical strategies for navigating ethical dilemmas, publication pathways, and funding challenges
• Providing space for peer exchange, networking, and mentorship

Programme Overview
In addition to four keynote sessions from esteemed UK-based diaspora scholars, the day includes:
• Interactive Positionality Mapping
• Diaspora Research Journey Reflection Workshop
• Writing for Publication Clinic
• Peer Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange Panels
• Final Plenary: “Visioning Our Collective Future”
• Networking Lunch and Closing Drinks Reception
Participants will also co-develop a post-event reflective guide to share insights and amplify the voices of diaspora scholars within and beyond business and management disciplines.

Apply for a Bursary
To support participation, we are offering 15 travel bursaries of £100 each for PhD students and ECRs based in the UK. Details on how to apply will be shared via the registration page shortly.

Why Attend?
By attending this workshop, you will:
• Connect with a community of like-minded scholars
• Build your confidence and voice as a diaspora or transnational researcher
• Gain tools to sharpen your research agenda and maximise your impact
• Contribute to a growing body of knowledge that challenges colonial legacies in academia
• Access insights from senior academics navigating similar journeys

Whether you are a doctoral student exploring research connected to your home country, or an early career academic navigating diasporic identity in UK academia, this event offers a supportive, empowering, and intellectually rich space to develop your thinking and practice.

We look forward to welcoming you to Keele University in February 2026.