Pakistan Scholar Program: 2014-2015 Information and Application

How to Apply

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Fellowship Fund for Pakistan are pleased to announce the 2014-15 competition for the Wilson Center's Pakistan Scholar Program. One Pakistan Scholar, who must be from, and based in, Pakistan, will be selected each year. Successful applicants will spend 9 months in residence at the Woodrow Wilson Center, in the heart of Washington, D.C., where they will carry out advanced, policy-oriented research and writing.

This scholar program is made possible by generous financial support provided by the Fellowship Fund for Pakistan, a charitable trust based in Karachi.

PLEASE NOTE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS BELOW. THIS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENTS. APPLICANTS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 8 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL OR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE, AND THE TERMINAL DEGREE IN THEIR FIELD.

Current Wilson Center Pakistan Scholar

Khurram Husain, 2013-14

Previous Wilson Center Pakistan Scholars

Simbal Khan, 2012-13
Zahid Husain, 2011-12
Huma Yusuf, 2010-11
Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, 2009-10
Amb. Riaz Mohammad Khan, 2008-09
Dr. Samia Altaf, 2007-08
Khaled Ahmed, 2006-07
Dr. Mushtaq Khan, 2005-06
Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, 2004-05

The Wilson Center

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is Washington's only independent, wide-ranging, non-partisan institute for advanced research where vital current issues and their historical and cultural background are explored through research and dialogue. Created by the Congress of the United States as the nation's official memorial to its twentieth-eighth president, the Center seeks to commemorate through its residential fellowship program both the scholarly depth and the public policy concerns of Woodrow Wilson.

Eligibility

This competition is open to men and women who are from, and based in, Pakistan. Applications will be accepted from individuals in academia, business, journalism, government, law, and related professions. Candidates must be currently pursuing research on key public policy issues facing Pakistan, research designed to bridge the gap between the academic and the policymaking worlds.

The Wilson Center customarily expects its visiting scholars to possess the terminal degree in their field. For academics, such as university professors, the terminal degree generally means a Ph.D. But other professions have different terminal degrees; for journalists or businesspeople, it could well be a B.A. In exceptional cases, the Wilson Center will waive the terminal degree requirement for highly qualified and unusually talented applicants. But under no circumstances will the Pakistan Scholar competition be open to anyone currently pursuing a graduate degree or working on a doctoral dissertation.

In addition, applicants must have at least eight years of professional or research experience. Preference will be given to applicants who have published scholarly books or substantial articles in academic or policy-related journals or newspapers.

Applicants must be completely fluent in both written and spoken English.

Length of Appointment and Responsibilities

Pakistan Scholars will be in residence at the Woodrow Wilson Center for the U.S. academic year, September 2014 - May 2015. While at the Wilson Center, Pakistan Scholars will be expected to carry out a full schedule of rigorous research and writing based on the topic outlined in the research proposal submitted at the time of application. They will also be expected to participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by the Center's Asia Program, and in other ways to participate in the intellectual life of the Wilson Center and the larger community of South Asia observers in Washington.

Stipend

The stipend provided to Pakistan Scholars is $5,000 per month. In addition, the Wilson Center will also pay a portion of health insurance premiums for the scholar, and provide assistance for travel from Pakistan. The scholars will be provided with suitable work space, a Windows-based computer, and where feasible, a part-time research assistant.

Procedures for Applications

Applicants should submit the following materials to the address given below, and electronically to Rahimvirani@lucky-cement.com by April1, 2014:

A) completed Application Form. (Please scroll down to the bottom of this webpage to download the form. You can use your computer to type directly onto the form.)

B) a brief (3-5 single-spaced pages) description of their proposed research project, its scholarly contribution, and its policy relevance. Project descriptions should include:

- a detailed explanation of the research topic;
- discussion of the project's originality;
- discussion of the methods, approaches, sources, and materials to be used, and, where appropriate, the importance of Washington-area resources; and
- discussion of the significance of the project as well as its relevance to contemporary Pakistan-related policy issues.

C) a c.v. or resume

D) two letters of recommendation

Applicants should request that the two letters of recommendation be sent to the address below by the application deadline. Recommendation letters should address the quality of the research proposal; the significance of the proposed research; the capabilities and achievements of the applicant; and the relevance of the project to contemporary Pakistan-related policy issues.

Application letters and letters of recommendation should be mailed to the following address by April 1, 2014:

Fellowship Fund For Pakistan
Attention: Mr. Rahim Virani
c/o Lucky Cement Ltd.
6-A, Mohammad Ali Housing Society
Karachi 75350 Pakistan

e-mail:Rahimvirani@lucky-cement.com

Applications submitted via electronic mail will be considered only if followed by a hardcopy sent by mail or courier.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WHO ARE SHORTLISTED WILL BE CONTACTED. Decisions on the shortlist should be made by May 1st.

For inquiries about this fellowship competition, please send emails to shaheensheikh1@gmail.com or asia@wilsoncenter.org