Fellowships for Policy-Relevant Research in Central Asia & the South Caucasus, apps now available

[Sheila Dawes]

American Councils (ACTR) is pleased to introduce new applications for its 2007-2008 Special Initiatives Research Fellowship. Applications for spring and summer programs are due October 1; applications for fall and academic year programs are due January 15. Applications are now available at www.americancouncils.org.

The Special Initiatives Research Fellowship, available through American Councils, offers post-doctoral scholars and faculty up to $35,000 for field-based, policy-relevant research in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Applicants may apply to conduct research in more than one country, but must plan to spend at least four months in the region overall. 

In addition to financial support, the American Councils Special Initiatives Fellowships provide visas, international travel, and insurance. American Councils regional offices located throughout Central Asia and the South Caucasus provide ongoing logistical support - including assistance with visa registration, housing, and medical care - to U.S. scholars in the field. 

Eligibility: Applicants to the Special Initiatives Fellowship must: 
--Hold a Ph.D. in a policy relevant field 
--Possess sufficient language ability to carry out their proposed research 
--Plan to spend at least four months conducting research in the region 
--Plan to begin their projects no later than June 1, 2007 if applying on the October 1, 2006 deadline (spring and summer programs) and no later than December 31, 2007 if applying on the January 15, 2007 deadline (fall and academic year programs) 
--Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. 

Application Instructions: To apply, scholars must submit an original and five copies of the following: 
--An application form 
--A two to three-page research proposal and bibliography 
--A one-page research synopsis in the host-country language
--A policy-relevance essay
--A list of proposed archives (if relevant) 
--Curricula vitae or resume 
--Budget form
 
In addition, applicants must submit one copy of: 
--The inside page of their U.S. passport, valid for at least six months after their scheduled return to the U.S. 
--Two letters of recommendation (reference writers may send letters directly to the American Councils Outbound Office). At least one letter of recommendation must directly address the applicant's language skills and ability to conduct research in the host country.

Applications for spring and summer programs are due October 1; applications for fall and academic year programs are due on January 15.

For more information, please contact: 

Outbound Programs/ Title VIII Research Scholars
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 833-7522
Email: outbound at americancouncils.org 
Website: www.americancouncils.org 

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