CAORC Multi-Country Research Fellowship Program 2009 - 2010: The Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) Multi-Country Fellowship Program supports advanced regional or trans-regional research in the humanities, social sciences, or allied natural sciences for U.S. doctoral candidates and scholars who have already earned their Ph.D. Preference will be given to candidates examining comparative and/or cross-regional research. Applicants are eligible to apply as individuals or in teams. Approximately ten awards of up to $10,000 each will be given to scholars who wish to carry out research on broad questions of multi-country significance in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and related natural sciences. Scholars must carry out research in two or more countries outside the United States, at least one of which hosts a participating American overseas research center. Given changing travel restrictions and/or security warnings to many countries, applicants should contact CAORC before preparing a proposal.

SSRC Academia in the Public Sphere: The SSRC is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support public engagement by academic experts on Islamic traditions and Muslim societies. The grants program seeks to encourage projects permitting the dissemination of academic research on Islamic traditions and Muslim societies to targeted constituencies, with particular emphasis on media and policymakers. With this program the SSRC looks to nurture the public relevancy of area studies research by promoting strategic partnerships that will break down barriers and build connections between academic researchers, journalists, policymakers, and practitioners. The SSRC also seeks to assist faculty in developing the necessary skills they require to be able to engage specialized nonacademic audiences on the topic of Islam in the world.