American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences sponsors the Visiting Scholars Program for Post-Doctoral and Junior Faculty Fellowships to stimulate and support research conducted by scholars and practitioners who show promise of becoming leaders in their field, especially those who work on multidisciplinary topics.  The VSP offers opportunities for them to carry out their individual research as well as to collaborate with Academy Fellows on shared scholarly or policy-related interests.  Additionally, it also helps to create a national network for scholars in the early stages of their career, assisting them in their research and professional development.  Finally, it has established the House of the Academy as an active research center for intensive scholarship by individuals from diverse disciplinary, institutional, and geographic backgrounds.

Proposals should focus on some aspect of the political, social, or cultural development of America from the founding period to the present.  Studies that adopt a multidisciplinary or comparative perspective are encouraged.  Applicants may submit proposals that are directly relevant to the projects described below or that build on themes underlying the importance of these areas of study:

• Science and Global Security
• Social Policy and American Institutions
• Humanities and Culture
• Education

Eligibility:  open to doctoral and post-doctoral students and untenured junior faculty meeting the following criteria:

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident or current employees of an academic or professional organization in the U.S.;
• if applicant is a graduate student, must complete all requirements for the degree by August 1, 2009;
• otherwise, must have completed the J.D., Ph.D. or equivalent professional training (e.g. public policy) within the last ten years.

Stipend and terms of the award:  $40,000 to post-doctoral students; up to $60,000 to untenured junior faculty, with the caveat that it does not exceed 50% of current salary.  Additionally, the Academy also will provide office space, computer services, library privileges, and information on locating housing.  If necessary, health insurance can be arranged but the Academy is unable to accommodate a full institutional benefits package.

Fellows are expected to be in residence at the Academy for the full academic year or September-May. 

Full details regarding the Visiting Scholars Program and application requirements can be found in the Fellowship Guidelines and Application packet on the Academy's web site.

Deadline:  online application due October 17, 2008