CALL FOR PROPOSALS:

RESEARCH CIRCLES IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

The International Institute, with generous support from the Division of International Studies and a contribution from the Global Studies Program, announces a competition for Research Circles in International Studies.  Individuals and groups are invited to submit proposals indicating their interest in the initiative. Proposed initiatives may build on the work of existing research circles of the International Institute or they may be an entirely new initiative, as long as they meet the criteria below. Proposals will be due May 1, 2007, and the announcement will be made by June 1, 2007.  Circle activities may start after July 1, 2007.

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 two proposals 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 the second year and up to $16,000 in the third year.  A call for proposals for additional circles will be made each spring as long as the program remains active.

The Research Circles bring together scholars from several disciplines working on broad thematic issues of contemporary and historical concern with special emphasis on topics that encourage trans-area studies and collaboration among institute member programs.  These circles may take various forms and may include a combination of activities, including organizing lectures, thematic workshops, conferences or film series; developing graduate seminars; publishing research; and sponsoring visiting scholars.  Proposals indicating potential for future extramural grants will be given priority. We have the expectation of concrete outcomes from the research circles. 

We encourage proposed research circles to partner with an Institute member program for administrative services. In lieu of an appropriate and/or willing program, the Global Studies Program has offered administrative assistance to research circles.

How will proposals be evaluated and selected?

A faculty review committee nominated by members of the International Institute Academic Planning Council, appointed by Dean Gilles Bousquet, director of the International Institute, will review and recommend to the director the most promising proposals.  In evaluating pre-proposals and final submissions, the faculty review committee will consider such factors:

• The importance and originality of the topic and expected outcome of the project
• The interdisciplinary makeup of the initiative leaders and efforts to cross disciplinary boundaries
• The extent to which the initiative has the potential to attract extramural support
• The extent to which the initiative will support or enhance graduate student training
• The potential to link UW faculty and students to counterparts elsewhere, particularly overseas
• The degree to which proposals reflect an interest in involving both junior and senior faculty, as well as graduate students

What should be included in the proposal?

1. A cover sheet with name of faculty leader or co-leaders of project; contact information; project title; Institute program affiliation(s); name, email address and phone number of administrative contact
2. Names and qualifications of at least two initiative faculty leaders (CVs attached)
3. Theme to be explored and its significance
4. Possible activities of project and expected outcome in terms of publications, courses, curriculum initiative, external grant, etc.
5. Names of participants on campus
6. Names of partners at other institutions in the US and overseas
7. Information on other possible sources of funding, intramural and extramural
8. Preliminary budget (see attached guidelines)

Year 1: Preparation: build goals, strategy, and create group identity
Year 2: Performance: events, lectures, and/or conferences
Year 3: Follow-up: grant proposal, publication suppor

9. Letter of support from at least two partnering Institute programs

The Research Circle description (#3- #7) should be no more than 6 pages, single spaced.

Where can additional information and advice on the Research Circles competition be obtained?

Contact:

Aili Mari Tripp, Associate Dean, Division of International Studies,
262-5805 or tripp@bascom.wisc.edu
or
Joan Raducha, Associate Dean, Division of International Studies, 262-1335 or raducha@bascom.wisc.edu

See Funding Guidelines for additional budgetary information.

Find out more about the International Institute on its web page 
http://www.intl-institute.wisc.edu/

Where should the proposal be submitted?

Please submit the proposal electronically to tripp@bascom.wisc.edu and raducha@bascom.wisc.edu no later than 4 p.m., May 1, 2007.  If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 24 hours, please call 262-5805.