Pre-proposals due February 13, 2009

CALL FOR RESEARCH CIRCLE PROPOSALS

Research Circles—up to two awards annually

The International Institute, with generous support from the Division of International Studies andGlobal Studies, announces a competition for Research Circles in International Studies.Individuals and groups are invited to submit proposals indicating their interest in the ResearchCircle initiative in International Studies. Proposed initiatives may build on the work of existingResearch Circles of the International Institute or they may be an entirely new initiative, as longas they meet the criteria below. Please note, however, that the Research Circle competition is notintended to provide institutional funding for existing or proposed centers.The Research Circles bring together scholars from several disciplines working on broad thematicissues of contemporary and historical concern with special emphasis on topics that encouragetrans-area studies and collaboration among Institute member programs. These initiatives maytake various forms and may include a combination of activities, including organizing lectures,thematic workshops, conferences or film series, developing graduate seminars, publishingresearch, and sponsoring visiting scholars. Proposals indicating potential for future extramuralgrants will be given priority. We have the expectation of concrete outcomes from the ResearchCircles. Although existing Research Circles are eligible to reapply, applications for continuedsupport should demonstrate a history of such outcomes, including publications, new curricula, orextramural support.The International Institute Research Circles join together groups of faculty, graduate students,and staff to advance research on particular intellectual themes of international relevance.Research Circles will be funded for three years, with starting dates staggered. Up to twoproposals will be selected for the first year. The maximum total grant per proposal will be$64,000 with an approximate division of up to $16,000 in the first year, up to $32,000 in thesecond year and up to $16,000 in the third year. A call for proposals for additional circles willbe made each spring as long as the program remains active. Global Studies will serve as theadministrator of the Research Circles unless a specific request is made otherwise.Please note that applicants can apply as the leader or co-leader of one Research Circle. It isunlikely that the committee will fund two circles that involve similar participants. Applicants tothe Research Circle competition may apply for one Institute Seminar Series as well.

How will proposals be evaluated and selected?

A five-member faculty review committee will review and recommend to the director the mostpromising proposals. Four members will be nominated by the International Institute StrategicPlanning Committee and approved by the International Institute Academic Planning Council.The Associate Dean of the Division International Studies will serve as the fifth member of thecommittee. Faculty serving in leadership roles in Research Circle applications may not serve onthe committee. In evaluating pre-proposals and final submissions, the faculty review committeewill consider such factors:

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The importance and originality of the topic and expected outcome of the project

Please see reverse side