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Stanley Graduate Awards for International Research 2010-2011

Funded in part by the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization

Deadline

February 24, 2010

Award Overview

The Stanley Graduate Awards for International Research are the University of Iowa's premier awards for international study. They are intended to assist University of Iowa graduate students in pursuing foreign research and career interests.

  • Approximately twenty awards will be made to UI students in the early stages of conducting research abroad for masters theses or doctoral dissertations.
  • Each award provides $2,000 in travel money. Qualified masters and doctoral students (see eligibility below) in all academic fields — natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and professional studies — are encouraged to apply. The 2010 award can be used in the summer of 2010 or during the 2010-2011 academic year. Recipients will be notified in late March 2010 and must use the award by May 2011.

Eligibility

  • All University of Iowa graduate and professional students in good academic standing are eligible to apply for Stanley Awards. Awards will be made primarily to M.A./M.S. students who are proposing to conduct research abroad for their theses. Proposals are also welcome from Ph.D. or professional students who would benefit from a period of preliminary research abroad.
  • Doctoral candidates planning to graduate in May, August, or December 2010 are not eligible to apply for a Stanley Award. Masters candidates planning to graduate in May 2010 are also not eligible to apply; those anticipating an August or December 2010 graduation should contact the International Programs Grants Office concerning eligibility.
  • Preference may be given to students who have not received any research funding during the past year.
  • Former Stanley Award recipients are ineligible to reapply.
  • U.S. students are not required to have previous overseas experience.
  • Strong preference will be given to applicants proposing research in countries other than their own.
  • Applicants for 2010 are expected to propose spending a minimum of one month and in most cases, will not exceed three months in the field.

Application Process

The selection committee is seeking proposals that:

  • Provide adequate evidence of academic and linguistic (if applicable) preparation
  • Have clearly defined academic and personal objectives
  • Contribute to student's overall academic program
  • Demonstrate the adequacy of the research or fieldwork design
  • Are well-written and complete

See the Application Form and the FAQ for details.

Since IRB approval is important for ALL student research projects and must be obtained PRIOR to receiving funding,
**PLEASE SEE THE IRB INFORMATION PAGE**

Recipient Requirements

  • Must submit a written report within six weeks of their return from conducting research abroad
  • Will be asked to present their research to the University community and may be asked to participate in the IP Student Funding Expo.
  • Are expected to credit the fellowship on their theses/dissertation.

Application forms are also available from the International Program Grants Office, 1111N UCC, tel. (319) 335-2823 or 335-0659. The office is happy to offer guidance in preparing your application.

Please consider the environmental impact of your international travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my budget is more than the $2000 award amount? Will I still be funded the maximum amount possible?

Decisions about the amount of funding are based on reasonableness and justification of the budget items listed in the application. In many instances, the proposed budget will probably exceed the funding limit, and reviewers will need to exercise discretion with regard to the amount of funding provided. If a budget is reasonable and is presented logically, the usual $2000 will likely be awarded.

Who makes up the Stanley Review Committee?

The Stanley Review Committee is comprised faculty members from a variety of disciplines and International Programs' staff. Students may not contact committee members; all questions should be directed to the International Programs Grants Office.

How many awards are given each year to graduate students? How many will be awarded this year?

In 2008, 22 graduate and professional students received the Stanley Graduate Award.  26 Stanley Graduate Awards were given to graduate students in 2009.

When will the awards be made?

International Programs tries to inform applicants quickly concerning the results of the competition to enable them to make plans efficiently. We will make every effort to announce the results of the competition 3-5 weeks following the deadline for submission. This means that for the graduate student competitions, which have a submission deadline of February 2010, applicants should be notified in late March 2010.

How is the money disbursed?

When a student has a travel itinerary and definite dates for travel, he/she notifies the IP Grants Office by e-mail or letter and sends a copy of the receipt for travel.  We will notify the UI Scholarship office to disburse the funds.  If you have a direct deposit set up through the Office of Financial Aid your award will be automatically deposited to your account, otherwise a check will be mailed to you. 

Is there a required interview process?

The committee assumes that graduate students already have some research/fieldwork experience and have developed projects, and therefore does not routinely require an interview. It is not unusual, however, for the Grants Coordinator to request a meeting with a finalist before the final selection is made.

Do I have obligations as a Stanley Award recipient?

All recipients are required to file a report of the activities that were funded. The report must be filed within 6 weeks of the student’s return from abroad. In all instances, the report must be in the IP Grants Office no later than April 15 of the year following the awarding of the funds. (If you received an award in Spring 2009, you must file your report by April 15, 2010.) Failure to file a report may require you to return the funding. (If you are still abroad working on your project in April 2010, please notify our office so we can make arrangements for late submission of the report.)

All recipients are required to present the results of their research to the UI community in a class, seminar, or other appropriate venue. Opportunities for seminar presentations can take many forms; the International Programs Grants Office can provide information about options or in some instances can facilitate opportunities for presentations.  Recipients may also be asked to participate in the IP Student Funding Expo.