Deadline: Continuous basis

Applications are now open for the 2024 grant from the Institute of International Education's Academic Redemption Fund (IIE-SRF) . IIE-SRF is the only global programme that organises, funds and supports scholarships for threatened and displaced scholars at partner higher education institutions around the world.

These one-year fellowships support temporary academic positions at higher education institutions anywhere in the world where IIE-SRF fellows can safely continue their work. In most cases, IIE-SRF fellows are eligible to apply for a second and final year of fellowship support. Since 2002, the IIE-SRF has received more than 3,000 requests for assistance from scholars from more than 100 countries. They have awarded IIE-SRF scholarships to 1,059 scholars from 62 countries, placing them in 470 host partner institutions in 55 countries around the world.

Brotherhood

The IIE-SRF scholarship package includes the following:

• One year of research and/or teaching at a higher education institution in a secure location anywhere in the world;
• a scholarship of up to US$ 25,000 (most awards are eligible for renewal for the second and final year);
• individual health insurance cover;
• funding to move to the host institution;
• support for professional development through resource guides and access to academic networks; CV and cover letter review; reference letters; career guidance and advice on post-fellowship opportunities; and (in some cases) financial support for conference attendance and language training;
• opportunities through IIE-SRF or partner events, media or other venues to share or promote your academic work and/or talk about your home country;
• dedicated support from IIE-SRF and its partners - before, during and after the scholarship.

Eligibility

• The IIE-SRF accepts applications from professors, researchers and public intellectuals who face threats and cannot continue their work in their home countries.
• Academics from any country and in any academic field or discipline can qualify.
• Preference is given to academics who:
  • hold a Ph.D. or higher degree in your field and have significant teaching and/or research experience at a university, college or other higher education institution;
  • have an established track record of published research;
  • demonstrate superior academic performance or promise;
  • are facing or have recently fled immediate and specific threats to their lives and/or careers in their countries of origin or countries of residence;
  • will benefit their home and/or host academic communities.

They encourage applications from women and members of ethnic, racial, cultural or religious minority groups, or those who are otherwise under-represented in their areas.

Selection criteria

Candidates are assessed on the basis of their academic qualifications and experience, the quality and/or potential of their work and the urgency of the threats they face.

Application

The necessary application materials include:

• Application form
• Current CV or resume.  Make sure your CV includes the following information:
  • Academic degrees (institution awarding the degree, field and date the degree was awarded);
  • Current position (location, dates of employment, job title and responsibilities);
  • Previous academic positions (in chronological order, including location, dates of employment, job title and responsibilities);
  • A detailed list of your academic publications (journal articles, books, chapters, exhibitions, etc.) including full citations with name of publication, authors, title of work, date of publication and page numbers, if possible;
  • Other relevant academic work (including supervision of master's and doctoral theses, presentations at conferences, scholarships/honours/awards, professional affiliations, etc.)
• Academic statement.  Provide a full statement detailing your academic and professional background and experience, including a full description of your academic research interests. Be sure to include a description of the activities you have carried out in your academic positions, as well as an explanation of the activities (research, teaching, publishing, etc.) you would carry out during a fellowship. Your academic statement should be at least one page long.
• Personal affirmation.  Provide a full statement explaining why you are requesting support from the IIE-SRF. Include a clear and detailed account of the threats or risks you have been facing and the reasons why you cannot continue your work in your home country at this time. Your personal statement should be at least one page long.
• Reference letters.  The IIE-SRF requires a minimum of three (3) reference letters containing the elements listed below. In some cases, additional letters may be requested. Letters from colleagues inside and outside your home country are preferred. Please note that the IIE-SRF requires original reference letters. Letters should not use identical text, and each reviewer should speak about their specific knowledge of your academic background and/or circumstances. When possible, ask your referees to write their letters on official letterhead and send them to the IIE-SRF directly at  srf@iie.org .
  • Two (2) academic/professional reference letters from academic or professional colleagues who can speak in detail about your research, publications, teaching or other academic experience. Where appropriate, the letters should describe their expertise and unique contributions to specific intellectual questions or issues.
  • Two (2) personal letters of reference from colleagues or other people who are aware of your circumstances and can describe the threats you have faced.
• A copy of your doctorate or higher degree.
• Samples of his most current research publications.
• If you have already secured the commitment of a university or other institution to host your scholarship, please provide a letter from the host indicating their intention to host should you be awarded. Please note that this  no is a requirement.

To begin assessing an application, the IIE-SRF must receive the application form, an up-to-date CV, an academic statement and a personal statement. Other materials can be sent later.

Send all application materials by e-mail to  srf@iie.org .  If you don't have access to e-mail, you can send your materials by fax or post.

Address:

Scholar Rescue Fund
Institute of International Education
One World Trade Centre, 36th Floor
New York, New York 10007
USA

Fax: +1-212-205-6425