The Kennan Institute offers four types of grant opportunities. Galina Starovoitova Fellowships on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution are available to citizens of the Russian Federation who have successfully bridged the worlds of ideas and public affairs to advance human rights and conflict resolution. Title VIII Research Scholarships are available to scholars who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents in pre-tenure positions. Fulbright-Kennan Research Scholarships are available to scholars in Russia and Ukraine, and Short-Term Grants are available to researchers of any background in any country. The Kennan Institute offers paid research assistant positions lasting three to nine months for undergraduate, graduate, and prospective graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
In addition, Woodrow Wilson Center Fellowships are also available to scholars studying Russia, Ukraine and other states in the region.
Galina Starovoitova Fellowships on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution
Title VIII Research Scholarships
Fulbright-Kennan Research Scholarships
Short-term Grants
Summer Research Scholarships
Research Assistantships
Galina Starovoitova Fellowship on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution
Galina Starovoitova Fellowships on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution were established following U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s 25 January 1999 speech in Moscow, in which she announced funding for a memorial fellowship at the Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in honor of Galina Starovoitova. The Fellowship is funded and administered in cooperation with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.
Galina Starovoitova was a leading human rights advocate and a deputy in the Russian lower house of parliament (Duma). She won her Duma seat from St. Petersburg in Russia’s December 1995 legislative elections. Starovoitova served in the Congress of Peoples’ Deputies during 1989-91 and was a presidential advisor on ethnic relations until 1992. She was also a co-founder of the Democratic Russia movement. In 1989, Galina Starovoitova was a visiting scholar at the Kennan Institute. She was also a fellow in the Jennings Randolph fellowship program at the United States Institute for Peace during 1993-94, where she completed research on self-determination movements in the former Soviet Union, and a visiting professor at Brown University.
In keeping with both the legacies of Woodrow Wilson and Galina Starovoitova, the Starovoitova Fellowship will be available to prominent scholars and policy makers from the Russian Federation who have successfully bridged the worlds of ideas and public affairs to advance human rights, the rule of law, conflict resolution, the free press, and civil society. Applicants with outstanding capability and experience from a wide variety of backgrounds (including government, journalism, the professions, NGOs, and academia) are eligible for appointment. For academic participants, eligibility is limited to the postdoctoral level, and normally it is expected that academic candidates will have demonstrated their scholarly development by publication beyond the Kandidat dissertation. For other applicants, an equivalent level of professional achievement is expected. Applicants must be eligible to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
Under the terms of the grant, the Galina Starovoitova Fellowship offers a monthly stipend, research facilities, computer support, and research assistance. Grant recipients are required to be in residence at the Kennan Institute in Washington, D.C. for the duration of their grant. Starovoitova Fellows are expected to hold public lectures on the themes of conflict resolution and human rights while conducting research on a specific topic. In addition, Starovoitova Fellows will actively participate in discussions with the public policy and academic communities, including giving speeches and lectures at other institutions and taking part in meetings and conferences. Download application.
The Kennan Institute will hold one round of competitive selection for two (one six month and one three month) Starovoitova Fellowships in the 2010-11 program year. The deadline for the submission of applications and supporting material is April 16, 2010. Applications must be submitted by mail; forms submitted by electronic mail will not be considered. Decision on appointment will be made in July 2010; the Fellowship can be commenced as early as September 2010. The Fellowship provides a stipend of $1,700 per month, plus transportation costs and a housing allowance.
Starovoitova Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are reviewed by the Kennan Institute’s Advisory Council, and the highest ranked candidates are interviewed in Moscow by a panel of Kennan Institute staff and outside experts. Recommendations from the Advisory Council and interview panel are presented to the Director and Deputy Director of the Wilson Center for final approval. The basic criteria for selection are:
- the potential contribution of the scholar to the intellectual life of the Institute and the policymaking community;
- potential of the project to advance human rights and conflict resolution in the Russian Federation;
- policy relevance;
- applicant’s scholarly promise, achievements, and ability to complete the project;
- need for the scholar to have access to the resources of Washington, D.C.
For application forms and further information, please click here or write to:
Galina Starovoitova Fellowship
Kennan Moscow Project
Pochtovyi Iashchik 90
Moscow, 123001, Russia
Tel: (495) 232-3496
Fax: (495) 232-3497
E-mail: [email protected]
Title VIII Research Scholarships
Title VIII Research Scholarships lasting three to nine months are available to academic participants in the early stages of their career (before tenure) or scholars whose careers have been interrupted or delayed. For non-academics, an equivalent degree of professional achievement is expected. Eligibility is limited to the postdoctoral level for academic participants, although doctoral candidates in the process of completing a dissertation may apply (the dissertation must be successfully defended before taking residence at the Kennan Institute). Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Research proposals examining the countries of Central Eurasia are eligible. Those proposals related to regional Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, Belarus, the Caucuses, and contemporary issues are particularly welcome. The Title VIII Research Scholar grant offers a stipend of $3,300 per month, research facilities, computer support, and some research assistance. Grant recipients are required to be in residence at the Institute in Washington, D.C. for the duration of their grant.
One round of competitive Title VIII Research Scholar selection is held per year. The deadline for receipt of applications and supporting materials is December 1, 2010. Application materials must be submitted by mail; materials sent by electronic mail or facsimilie will not be considered. Decisions on appointment will be made in mid-February; grantees are able to commence their appointments as early as July. If you plan to apply, please e-mail [email protected] to inform us of your intention.
Research Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are reviewed by the Kennan Institute’s Advisory Council at its annual meeting. Recommendations from the Advisory Council are approved by the Director and Deputy Director of the Wilson Center. The Council bases its recommendations on the following criteria:
- the potential contribution of the scholar to the intellectual life of the Institute and the policymaking community;
- importance and originality of the project;
- policy relevance;
- applicant’s scholarly promise, achievements, and ability to complete the project;
- likelihood that the finished product will advance basic understanding of the topic;
- need for the scholar to have access to the resources of Washington, D.C.
Continuation of the Research Scholar program in 2010-11 is contingent on future funding. The Research Scholar Program is supported by the Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union (Title VIII) of the United States Department of State. For application forms and further information, click here or write to:
Title VIII Research Scholarship
Kennan Institute
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20004-3027
Tel: (202) 691-4100
Fax: (202) 691-4247
E-mail: [email protected]
Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarships
Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarships are available to scholars from Russia and Ukraine to conduct research for six months in the fields of the humanities and social sciences. Preference is given to applicants whose research informs discussion of key public policy issues, enhances development of scholarship in the former Soviet Union, and fosters communication between the world of scholarship and the world of public affairs. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a particular need to be in Washington, D.C. The Wilson Center devotes significant attention to the exploration of broad thematic areas. Primary themes are: 1) governance, including such issues as the key features of the development of democratic institutions, democratic society, civil society, and citizen participation; 2) the U.S. role in the world and issues of partnership and leadership; and 3) key long-term future challenges confronting the U.S. and the world. Research in these areas is particularly encouraged.
Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarships are available to researchers and lecturers from academic and higher educational institutions and research centers who are actively involved in academic and research work. Eligible candidates include scholars and researchers who have at least two years postdoctoral (post-Kandidat) academic and research experience. Applicants must be eligible to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Eligible applicants may receive more information, including application forms, from the Kennan Institute and the Fulbright offices in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Deadline for Russian Applicants: July 15, 2010. Deadline for Ukrainian applicants: October 2010.
The Kennan Institute does not accept applications for Fulbright-Kennan Scholarships. Applicants must submit an application for a Fulbright Scholarship to the Fulbright office in Moscow or Kyiv and indicate Kennan Institute as their choice of institution. Applications are evaluated by the Fulbright Program in consultation with Kennan Institute staff.
The Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarship is administered jointly by the Kennan Institute and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, and offers a monthly stipend, research facilities, computer support, and research assistance. Scholars are required to be in residence at the Kennan Institute/Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. for the duration of the scholarship. Fulbright-Kennan scholars who are awarded grants should be able to commence their six-month appointments in September or March of each year.
While conducting research, the Fulbright-Kennan scholars are expected to hold public lectures on their proposed research topics and actively participate in discussions with the public policy and academic communities, including meetings, conferences, and other activities organized by the Kennan Institute and the Woodrow Wilson Center.
Short-Term Grants
The Kennan Institute offers Short-Term Grants (up to one month’s duration) to scholars whose research in the social sciences or humanities focuses on the former Soviet Union (excluding the Baltic States), and who demonstrate a particular need to utilize the library, archival, and other specialized resources of the Washington, D.C. area. Policy-relevant research is preferred. Academic participants must either possess a doctoral degree or be doctoral candidates who have nearly completed their dissertations. For non-academics, an equivalent degree of professional achievement is expected.
Short-Term Grants provide a stipend of $3200 for 31 days ($103.22/day).
The Kennan Institute cannot provide office space for Short-Term scholars. Travel and accommodation expenses are not directly covered by this grant. There is no official application form for Short-Term Grants. The applicant is requested to submit a concise description (700-800 words) of his or her research project, curriculum vitae, a statement on preferred dates of residence in Washington, D.C., and two letters of recommendation specifically in support of the research to be conducted at the Institute. All of these materials may be submitted via e-mail except for the letters of recommendation. The letters should be sent, with signature, either by fax or post. Applicants should also note their citizenship or permanent residency status in their materials. Applications should be submitted in clear dark type, printed on one side only, without staples.
Grant recipients are required to be in residence in Washington, D.C. for the duration of their grant. Four rounds of competitive selection for Short-Term Grants are held each year. Closing dates are March 1, 2010, June 1, 2010, September 1, 2010, and December 1, 2010. Applicants are notified of the competition results roughly seven weeks after the closing date. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for Short-Term Grants. NOTE: Future Short-Term Grants for non-US citizens will be suspended until further notice. Please check the KI website for updated information on the Short-Term Grant Program for non-US citizens.
Short-Term grant applications are reviewed by at least three members of the Kennan Institute’s Advisory Council. The Director of the Kennan Institute selects grant recipients based on the recommendations of the Council. Selection is based on the following criteria:
- the potential contribution of the scholar to the intellectual life of the Institute and the policymaking community;
- importance and originality of the project;
- policy relevance;
- applicant’s scholarly promise, achievements, and ability to complete the project;
- likelihood that the finished product will advance basic understanding of the topic;
- need for the scholar to have access to the resources of Washington, D.C.
The Short-Term Grant Program is supported by the Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the former Soviet Union (Title VIII) of the U.S. Department of State and the Kennan Institute endowment. Continuation of the Short-Term Grant Program in 2010-2011 is contingent on future funding.
Please send all application materials to:
The Kennan Institute
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027.
For more information, please e-mail
[email protected], call (202) 691-4100, or fax (202) 691-4247.
Summer Research Scholarships
2 month duration
*AWARDS ARE LIMITED TO SCHOLARS WHO ARE U.S. CITIZENS OR PERMANENT RESIDENTS UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THEIR SCHOLARSHIP*
Scholars who conduct research in the social sciences or humanities focusing on the former Soviet Union (excluding the Baltic States), and who demonstrate a particular need to utilize the library, archival, and other specialized resources of the Washington, D.C., area can apply for the new Summer Research Scholarships. The summer grants must be used between May-September 2011, and grant applicants are required to hold an MA degree or higher. The Summer Research Scholarships will provide a stipend of $6400 for 62 days ($103.22/day).
The Kennan Institute provides a work space and research assistant for each Summer Scholar. Travel and accommodation expenses are not directly covered by this grant.
Applicants are required to submit a concise description (700-800 words) of his or her research project, curriculum vitae, a statement on preferred dates of residence in Washington, D.C., and two letters of recommendation specifically in support of the research to be conducted at the Institute. All of these materials may be submitted via e-mail except for the letters of recommendation. The letters should be sent, with signature, either by fax or post. Applicants should also note their citizenship or permanent residency status in their materials. Applications should be submitted in clear dark type, printed on one side only, without staples. The selection criteria for Summer Research Scholarships follow the same procedures as the Short-Term Grants. Closing date is December 1, 2010.
The Summer Research Scholarship Program is supported by the Program for Research and Training on Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the former Soviet Union (Title VIII) of the U.S. Department of State.
Contact Information:
Fellowships and Grants
Kennan Institute
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20004-3027
Tel: (202) 691-4100
Fax: (202) 691-4247
E-mail: [email protected]
Research Assistantships
The Kennan Institute offers paid research assistant positions for undergraduate, graduate, and prospective graduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Each research assistant works with a scholar in residence at the Institute over a period of three to nine months. Applicants should have a good command of the Russian language and ability to conduct independent research. This position offers a flexible schedule of 15 hours per week and a metro subsidy for conducting off-site research.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing your availability to work in Washington, D.C. and your research interests and strengths to:
Research Assistant Coordinator
Kennan Institute
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004-3027
For more information, contact Joseph Dresen at (202) 691-4245 or [email protected]. You may also fax your resume and letter to (202) 691-4247.
For information on other internships offered by the Woodrow Wilson Center, click here.