The Ronald and Eileen Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia at the University of Michigan invites applications for Weiser Professional Development Awards from faculty and artists at institutions of higher education in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kaliningrad (Russia), Kazakhstan, Kosovo*, Kyrgyzstan, FYR of Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Applicants are invited to propose projects in any field of research or teaching with a faculty partner at the University of Michigan. Candidates must have excellent oral and written English language skills.

The 2018 awards support short-term research visits of 4 weeks or 3 months to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and include round-trip airfare, housing, health insurance, and a modest per diem. The Weiser Center will grant 5-7 awards for travel to Ann Arbor in February-April 2018 or September-November 2018.

Selection of 2018 awardees will be made through a competitive review of proposals at the University of Michigan. These awards are made possible thanks to a gift from Ambassador Ronald Weiser, U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia from 2001-04, and his wife, Eileen Lappin Weiser.

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• Your CV
• A copy of your doctoral diploma or highest professional degree
• A copy of your passport photo page
• A two-page personal statement describing: a) the research or collaborative project you plan to pursue at the University of Michigan, b) your reason for applying for this opportunity, c) how this opportunity will benefit your home institution, and d) your reason for selecting a 4-week or 3-month visit
• An invitation from the University of Michigan school, department, and/or faculty partner with whom the research will be conducted; email invitation is acceptable. (For more information about U-M departments and programs, consult umich.edu.)
• One letter of recommendation from the rector or dean of your institution
• A copy of your TOEFL score report (if you have taken the exam in the last three years)

Application Deadline: September 15 (earlier for applicants wishing to work with U-M Law School faculty - see FAQs for details)