The Institute of International Education (IIE) is accepting applications for the Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) aimed at providing fellowship grants for scholars whose lives or careers are threatened in their home countries.
The fellowships support temporary academic positions at universities, colleges and other higher learning institutions in safe locations anywhere in the world. Fellowship periods of up to one calendar year are intended to allow the scholars to continue their important work pending improvement in conditions allowing their safe return home. Fellowships may be renewed for a second and final year. Since 2002 we have received more than 3000 requests for assistance from scholars in 100 countries. 416 scholars from 45 countries have been awarded fellowships and placed at institutions in 40 countries around the world.
Eligibility
Professors, established researchers and other senior academics from any country, field or discipline may qualify. Applications are reviewed for academic qualifications, the quality/potential of the candidate’s work, and the urgency of threats faced. Preference is given to scholars
- who are facing immediate, severe and targeted threats to their lives and/or careers in their home country or country of residence;
- with a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field who have extensive teaching or research experience at a university, college or other institution of higher learning;
- who demonstrate superior academic accomplishment or promise;
- whose selection is likely to benefit the academic community in the home and/or host country or region.
Selection Criteria and Provisions
- Applications from female scholars and scholars who are members of ethnic, racial, cultural or religious minority groups, or those otherwise underrepresented in their field, are encouraged.
- Fellowships are approved by the SRF Selection Committee which convenes at least three (3) times per year.
- Awards are issued for up to US $25,000, plus health insurance. The final fellowship award is dependent upon the location of the host institution, the cost of living, and the value of any additional contributions from the host institution or other source.
- Host academic institutions agree to accept the fellowship funds and disburse the funds to the scholar. In most cases, host institutions are required to match the SRF fellowship award through partial salary/stipend support, research materials, and other in-kind assistance.
Direct application & third-party nomination
Candidates may apply directly or be nominated by a third-party. Although the SRF invites applications from individual scholars, it does not provide awards directly to individuals. Fellowships are awarded to the host institution, which in turn issues the fellowship award for direct support of the scholar grantee.
Deadlines and Emergency Applications
Applications and nominations are accepted at any time throughout the year, on a rolling basis. Applications will be considered by the SRF Selection Committee at least three (3) times per year, generally in January, April, and October. Non-emergency applications must be received at least 4 weeks before a committee meeting in order to be considered. Decisions will be announced approximately two (2) weeks after each Selection Committee meeting.
Emergency applications will be considered earlier if a candidate’s circumstances do not permit waiting for the next scheduled meeting of the Selection Committee.
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
