Project Specific Grant

Anticorruption, Transparency, and Asset and Interest Disclosure Systems

Scholarship Financed by the European Commission

The doctoral scholarship, inspired by the core values and goals of the European project "qAID: Towards contemporary knowledge and innovative tools for assessing and enhancing the effectiveness of Asset and Interest Disclosure (AID) systems in EU Member States and Candidate States," is aimed at pioneering research in the fields of anti-corruption, transparency, and AID systems. This scholarship is established by the Center for Security and Crime Science (CSSC), a collaborative effort between the University of Trento (UniTrento) and the University of Verona (UniVerona), and is co-financed by the European Commission (DG HOME) under the ISF program.

Objectives of the Scholarship

The scholarship seeks to develop advanced methodological skills by combining in-depth knowledge of the institutional framework with a multidisciplinary approach. This combination will contribute to innovative research and studies addressing the effectiveness, challenges and development of AID systems in EU Member States and Candidate States. It addresses the urgent need to establish and, where available, make these systems more effective and efficient in the face of rapid socio-political change and the growing demand for transparency and accountability in public administration.

Research Focus

The scholarship encourages innovative interdisciplinary research proposals that can provide new conceptual models and operational tools to improve the understanding and effectiveness of AID systems, which are central to fighting corruption and promoting transparency. In particular, proposals may focus on

mapping and identification of best practices and effective (including automated and digital) systems and processes in existing asset and interest disclosure systems;
risk analysis to strengthen filters for declarations and prioritise verification;
measuring the impact of asset and interest disclosure systems.

Research may also focus on the role of European Values (e.g. examining how democracy, the rule of law and human rights influence and feed into AID systems) and of Political and Regulatory-Institutional Choices (e.g. examining how interaction with global organisations such as the United Nations, other universal international organisations and multilateral diplomacy may affect the content of AID systems).

The qAID Project Background

The qAID project stands at the forefront of assessing and enhancing the effectiveness of AID systems. It aims to develop contemporary knowledge and create innovative tools for improving these systems in EU Member States and Candidate States. By addressing the complexities and challenges faced by the EU in maintaining transparency and combating corruption, the project endeavours to strengthen the integrity and accountability of public administrations.

Eligibility and Application

Candidates interested in pursuing research that aligns with the objectives of the qAID project and who have a strong foundation in related fields such as law, political science, public administration, or European studies are encouraged to apply. The selection process will prioritise innovative research proposals that promise to contribute significantly to the study and improvement of AID systems in the European context.