The Dissertation Fieldwork Grants 2023 program presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scholars and researchers to secure funding for their doctoral research endeavors. With a commitment to promoting academic excellence and advancing knowledge in various fields, this grant aims to support innovative and impactful research projects worldwide. In this article, we will provide information on the details of the Dissertation Fieldwork Grants 2023.
Dissertation Fieldwork Grants
Dedicated to advancing anthropological knowledge, the Dissertation Fieldwork Grants 2023 program offers to fund doctoral or thesis research projects. With a primary goal of furthering understanding of the human experience, this grant program aims to facilitate vibrant and impactful work in the field. It embraces diverse methodologies, research locations, topics, and subfields, harboring no preferences. Moreover, the Foundation strongly encourages proposals that foster interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating multiple subfields and pioneering novel approaches and ideas.
Scholarship Benefits and Details
The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant offers a maximum funding amount of $25,000, which serves as the upper limit for financial assistance. These grants are one-time awards and cannot be renewed for subsequent years. The duration of the grant is flexible and applicants have the freedom to seek funding for specific research phases, such as two separate summers, if it aligns with their research design.The Wenner-Gren awards do not provide funds to cover institutional overhead costs or any fees associated with the administration of grants and fellowships.
Scholarship Deadlines
The application deadlines for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant vary based on project start dates. The deadline for projects commencing between January 1 and June 30 of the following year is May 1. Alternatively, the deadline for projects starting between July 1 and December 31 of the next year is November 1. The application portal opens two months before each deadline to ensure sufficient time for applicants.
After the submission deadline, they allocate approximately six months to review and evaluate all applications thoroughly. This comprehensive review process enables them to make a well-informed decision and select the most deserving recipients for the grant. Ultimately, they strive to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process before reaching a final decision.
Scholarship Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program (or an equivalent program outside the United States). This ensures that individuals at different stages of their academic journey can apply and benefit from the grant opportunity.
- The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant welcomes applications from qualified students of any nationality or institutional affiliation. This inclusive approach fosters diversity and allows researchers from various backgrounds to contribute to the field.
- As part of the application process, applicants must designate a dissertation advisor or another scholar from their institution who will serve as their project supervisor. This ensures a structured and supportive framework for the research endeavor.
Scholarship Requirements
- To be eligible for an award, applicants must complete all the doctoral degree requirements specified by their program, except the dissertation/thesis, before the start date indicated on their application form. This requirement ensures that applicants have progressed sufficiently in their academic program and are ready to embark on their research projects.
- Documentation is required to validate the completion of coursework and examinations. Successful applicants must provide proof from their department or academic institution attesting to fulfilling these requirements. This verification process ensures the credibility and readiness of the recipients.
Scholarship Reapplication Process
- Applicants unsuccessful in their previous application are encouraged to reapply for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant in subsequent cycles.
- As part of the resubmission, applicants are expected to address the concerns and feedback provided by the reviewers in their previous applications.
- Also, applicants should clearly explain how they have incorporated the reviewers’ suggestions and incorporated any necessary changes into their research plans. This demonstrates their commitment to improving their proposal and addressing potential shortcomings identified during the review process.
Scholarship Evaluation Criteria
When evaluating applications, the reviewers assess various aspects of the proposed research, considering its quality, potential contribution to anthropological knowledge, and alignment with the principles outlined in their mission. These principles emphasize the importance of fostering an inclusive vision of anthropology.
To ensure a comprehensive and diverse perspective, applicants are expected to draw inspiration from a broad range of scholarly work, including relevant literature in English and other languages. It is advisable to refer to the “Motion of the 32nd RBA: Diversify Information and Education about the Global Anthropologies of Foreign Researchers and Anthropology Students” for further guidance.
Successful proposals exhibit the following features:
- Well-defined research question: The proposal should clearly articulate the specific research question or objective the applicant aims to address through their study.
- Detailed evidence description: The applicant should provide a thorough and detailed description of the evidence they plan to seek during their research. This demonstrates a clear understanding of the data or sources necessary to address the research question.
- Feasible research plan: The proposal should outline a feasible and well-thought-out plan for gathering and analyzing the identified evidence. This includes an explanation of the research methods, fieldwork logistics, and potential challenges that may arise.
- Applicant’s qualifications: It is essential to discuss the applicant’s qualifications and expertise relevant to the proposed research. This helps establish their capability to successfully carry out the study and handle any potential challenges or complexities.
- Potential to advance anthropological knowledge: The proposal should provide a compelling account of how the research project has the potential to contribute to and advance anthropological knowledge. This includes discussing how the findings may transform or inform debates within the field.
Application Procedures
To ensure your application is well-prepared, please carefully follow the provided instructions. Utilize all available space to provide a thorough description of your project.
The application requires the following information:
- General information about yourself and your project.
- An abstract summarizing your proposed project.
- Responses to six specific questions regarding your project.
- A resubmission statement if you previously had a Dissertation Fieldwork Grant application declined.
- A detailed Plan A budget representing the best-case scenario under Covid-19 conditions.
- A detailed Plan B budget representing the worst-case scenario under Covid-19 conditions.
- A bibliography relevant to your proposed project.
Also, the application requests you to list the permits and permissions required for your project, along with the estimated dates for acquiring them. All applications must be submitted in English. Applicants are required to submit all forms and materials online. The online portal for applications opens two months before the application deadline. Before submitting your application, you have to review the U.S. tax information provided on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant?
The Dissertation Fieldwork Grant is open to doctoral students enrolled in a doctoral program (or equivalent if outside the U.S.), regardless of their nationality or institutional affiliation.
What are the key evaluation criteria for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant?
The reviewers assess the quality of the proposed research, its potential contribution to anthropological knowledge, and its alignment with the mission of fostering an inclusive vision of anthropology.
Can I reapply if my previous Dissertation Fieldwork Grant application was declined?
Yes, unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply. However, as part of their resubmission, they should address the concerns raised by the reviewers in their previous application and outline any changes made to their plans.
Are there specific requirements for research in certain areas, such as primatology or language structure?
For research focused on primatology or primate conservation, applicants must demonstrate the broader anthropological relevance of their work. Similarly, research on language structure and endangered languages should be grounded in anthropological concerns.
When are the application deadlines for the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant?
The application deadlines vary depending on the project start dates. The deadline for projects starting between January 1 and June 30 of the following year is May 1, while the deadline for projects starting between July 1 and December 31 of the following year is November 1.
How long does it take to receive a decision on the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant application?
The review process typically takes around six months after the submission deadline. Applicants will be notified of the final decision within that time frame
Are there restrictions on the duration of the grant or the research phases covered?
There is no specific limit to the duration of the grant, and applicants may request funding to cover distinct research phases as part of their research design. For example, they can request support for multiple summers if necessary.
Does the Dissertation Fieldwork Grant cover institutional overhead or administrative fees?
No, the Wenner-Gren awards do not include funds to cover institutional overhead or any fees related to the administration of grants and fellowships.
Can I submit my application materials in a language other than English?
No, all applications must be submitted in English. Non-English materials will not be considered during the review process.
What should I do if I have technical difficulties submitting my application online?
If you encounter issues with the online submission system due to inadequate internet access, contact the foundation at least one week before the deadline to arrange an alternative submission method.
What additional documents or materials should I include with my application?
Applicants should only submit the documents and materials specifically requested in the application guidelines. Additional materials such as transcripts, reference letters, manuscripts, publications, photographs, or recordings should not be included as they will not be used in the review process and cannot be returned.
References
- https://wennergren.org/program/dissertation-fieldwork-grant/
- https://www.wemakescholars.com/scholarships-for-nigerian-students-to-study-in-canada
