I am excited to announce the formation of a new research group: the Research on Comics, Con Events, and Transmedia Lab.
Grounded in the critical communication studies tradition, the RoCCET Lab will develop a distinctive industry- and audience-oriented approach to comics studies. Taking comic books and comics culture as a point of departure, it will be a hub for research on the changing nature of industry–audience relations within the context of contemporary transmedia entertainment. The lab will also serve as the new home of the Comic Cons Research Project.
There’s still a lot of work to be done building the lab, but its core will be outstanding student researchers. With the support of an Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and matching funds from Carleton University, I am launching the RoCCET Fellowships program to recruit and support graduate students in the lab.
RoCCET Fellows will receive a mix of fellowships, research assistantships and scholarships to support their studies. The total estimated value of a RoCCET Fellowship is $10,200 (MA) or $34,500 (PhD). Fellows are expected to participate actively in lab activities and will receive a $500/term fellowship for up to two years (MA) or five years (PhD). During their studies, they will be eligible for research assistantships valued at $7,200 (MA) and $27,000 (PhD), gaining hands-on research experience working on lab projects. This funding is over and above scholarships and teaching assistantships provided as part of their offer of admission, and successful candidates who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for $2,000 (MA) or $8,000 (PhD) in additional top-up scholarships from the Faculty of Public Affairs and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs. Interested candidates will submit an application for admission to the graduate programs in Communication & Media Studies with a statement of interest related to
comic books and graphic novels
fan studies
convention cultures
popular media industries
and/or transmedia entertainment
The RoCCET Lab is committed to principles of equity and social justice. We especially invite women, candidates of colour, and those identifying as LGBTQ2S to apply. Fellows will be expected to agree to a statement of values and abide by a code of conduct to ensure a safe, supportive working environment for all lab members and guests.
☛ To apply, see the full call: RoCCET Fellowships 2020
