Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Fellowships

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Deadline: 28 February 2012
Open to: PhD candidates writing their thesis, those who have recently received their PhD, those who want to be involved in democracy and human rights projects in Taiwan, or to experienced democracy and human rights practitioners
Fellowship: a monthly stipend covering living expenses in Taiwan and a reimbursement for a round-trip ticket from the applicant’s current location to Taiwan

Description

Every year, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy grants a limited number of fellowships to scholars and practitioners from outside Taiwan who wish to pursue research related to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights. The TFD divides its fellowships into four categories: Dissertation Fellowships, for PhD candidates writing their thesis; Postdoctoral Fellowships, for those who have recently received their PhD; Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowships, for those who want to be involved in democracy and human rights projects in Taiwan; and International Visiting Fellowships, for experienced democracy and human rights practitioners.

TFD Fellows may reside in Taiwan for up to one year to conduct research topics of their own choice that are related to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights. There is no minimum length for fellowships, but please remember that all Fellows are responsible for completing their projects successfully within the time allotted to them. Please also note that all fellowships must end in or before December of the same calendar year in which they begin. No fellowships may span 31 December / 1 January.
Likewise, TFD Fellows are responsible for the following items:

  • planning and coordinating all research activities, including making contact with interviewees, arranging for translation services, and designing an appropriate timetable for the Fellow’s research
  • submitting a progress report every two months
  • submitting a written, academic report of the results of the project by the end of the fellowship, in addition to a public, oral presentation at the TFD on the results of the project
  • obeying all laws of the Republic of China, as well as any legal fees or penalties that result from a failure to obey those laws
  • all travel arrangements to and from Taiwan, including visas
  • housing and transportation in Taiwan
  • all expenses beyond the Fellow’s stipend and airfare reimbursement
  • consulting with TFD staff before traveling outside of Taiwan during the period of the fellowship

The TFD staff is more than happy to provide assistance and answer questions when necessary, but please remember that the TFD is not responsible for coordinating its Fellows’ research projects. Fellowship applicants who are ultimately granted fellowships typically have clear project plans, have done background research on their topic before applying, and are ready to begin their projects when they arrive.

Eligibility

If you meet the following 4 criteria, you are eligible for a Dissertation Fellowship:
  1. You are enrolled in a full-time PhD program or equivalent in a field related to your proposed research topic
  2. You will have completed all your PhD requirements by the appropriate date
  3. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
  4. You are not a citizen of Taiwan
If you meet the following 4 criteria, you are eligible for a Postdoctoral Fellowship:
  1. You have a PhD in a field that is relevant to your proposed research
  2. You received your PhD no more than seven years ago
  3. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
  4. You are not a citizen of Taiwan
If you meet the following 3 criteria, you are eligible for a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship:
  1. You have at least an MA in a field that is relevant to your proposed project
  2. You intend to undertake a project designed to promote democracy or human rights in Taiwan
  3. You are not a citizen of Taiwan
If you meet the following 3 criteria, you are eligible for an International Visiting Fellowship:
  1. You are a practitioner devoted to the promotion or building of democracy or human rights
  2. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights or engage in a democracy or human rights promotion project
  3. You are not a citizen of Taiwan

Application

If you are applying for a Dissertation Fellowship:
–        Submit a Dissertation Fellowship application form, containing:

  •     Contact information
  •     Doctoral studies information
  •     Description of research plan
  •     Curriculum vitae

–        Submit 2 references
–        Do not forget to submit proof that you have completed all your PhD requirements, except the dissertation, by the appropriate date indicated in the “Calendar” section

If you are applying for a Postdoctoral Fellowship:
–        Submit a Postdoctoral Fellowship application form, containing:

  •     Contact information
  •     Doctoral studies information
  •     Description of research plan
  •     Financial information
  •     Curriculum vitae

–        Submit 2 references

If you are applying for an International Visiting Fellowship:
–        Submit an International Visiting Fellowship application form, containing:

  •     Contact information
  •     Description of research plan
  •     Curriculum vitae

–        Submit 2 references

Writing samples, such as previous research papers or publications, are welcomed but not required.

For more information, please visit The Official Website

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