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Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa

       

       

Southern Voices Network: African Research Scholars Program

Deadline: April 8, 2013

Number of visits: 2455

Application Packet

Sponsored by
The Africa Program and
The Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity
at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Supported by Carnegie Corporation of New York

Background

One of the goals of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and The Wilson Center’s Africa Program and Leadership Project is to “help define what peacebuilding and statebuilding looks like from African perspectives.” In an effort to support the achievement of this goal, the Africa Program and Leadership Project are pleased to announce the new Southern Voices African Research Scholars Program. Over the course of the new program, we will select a total of 8 scholars from our Southern Voices network organizations who will participate in a 3-month resident scholar program in Washington, DC. The first residential term will take place from September 1, 2013 to November 30, (Fall) 2013 with 3 scholars; the second will be January 1, 2014 to March 31, (Spring) 2014 with 3 scholars; and the final term will be May 1, 2014 to July 31, (Summer) 2014 with 2 scholars. During their tenure, the scholars will focus on a new or ongoing research project in their area of expertise, linking it to the concepts of peace-building and state-building.

The scholar program is competitive, with final selections for each group of scholars determined by an expert review committee. During their tenure, the scholars would be required to finish one major research or policy paper, and deliver a series of presentations to policy audiences on his/her findings. Other requirements of a scholar’s tenure include guest blog posts or webinar series, and meetings with various U.S. policymakers, Washington-based academics, experts, think-tank personnel, and interagency government representatives working on the specific issues addressed by the scholar. He or she would also be encouraged to publish articles and policy briefs while at the Center.

The scholar will have invaluable access to broad research facilities through the Wilson Center, including our own extensive library, the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Smithsonian Institution. The Wilson Center will facilitate placement of the scholar as a presenter at seminars and conferences in institutions located in the DC area who focus on African-related issues. The scholar will receive a stipend, which will cover all expenses related to living, travel and health insurance. Once selections are made for each residential term, the scholar will be connected with a representative from the Wilson Center’s ‘Scholars and Academic Relations Office’ who will assist with the necessary arrangements. Please note that all foreign scholars are required to obtain a J-1 visa in order to participate in the program.

Eligibility and Criteria for Selection

The Southern Voices African Research Scholarship is available only to African researchers who are affiliated with one of our Southern Voices member organizations, with preference given to junior and mid-level scholars. Selections will be made by a review committee comprised of Steve McDonald, director of the Africa program at the Wilson Center, a representative of the Center’s Scholars and Academic Relations Office, and two independent academic experts in Washington, DC. The reviewers will score the application based on quality and level of policy impact. English fluency will be required and applications should be submitted in English only.

A scholar can apply to all terms until he or she has been selected for one. Once a scholar has been selected, they are not eligible to apply again. The application process will take place 6 months prior to each term. We are currently taking applications for Fall 2013 only. Applicants should not apply now if they are seeking appointment in either Spring 2014 or Summer 2014.

Procedure and Deadline for Application

Applicants should submit the following materials electronically to Alyson.lyons@wilsoncenter.org or by fax to the “Southern Voices African Scholar Program,” with attention to Alyson Lyons at (202) 691-4001. Applications should include the following:

1) A completed application form (attached below);
2) A detailed abstract for the proposed research or policy paper, its scholarly contribution and its policy relevance. The abstract should be no more than 1,000 words and incorporate elements such as:
a. A detailed description of the topic and its policy relevance beyond the interests of the specific field of study;
b. The originality of the proposed study;
c. The basic ideas and hypotheses;
d. Methods or approach used;
e. Materials that will be drawn upon and, where appropriate, the importance of Washington-area resources;
f. A brief discussion of how you or your project will foster communication between the world of ideas and world of public affairs.
3) One recommendation letter from a colleague or superior at the applicant’s affiliated organization; and
4) A current resume or C.V.

 

Southern Voices Network : African Research Scholars Program

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