In Support of Visiting Scholars in the Social Sciences from Arab Universities

The School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, DC, under the auspices of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is offering support for visiting social science scholars from Arab universities. The fellowships are geared to encourage innovative research on urban governance, urban development, local government, and social justice and the built environment in the Arab region.

Visiting scholars may spend three to four months in residence, during which they will be expected to conduct their own research and prepare their work for publication. Areas of inquiry include but are not limited to research that focuses on participatory governance, urban development, participatory urban planning, local government reform, public service provision, the political problems of mega-cities, asset-based approaches to urban development, urban mobilization, municipal elections, and public space in the Middle East and North Africa. Visiting scholars will also collaborate with Professor Diane Singerman on a project related to these themes.

In addition to developing and submitting their own research for publication, the scholars will be expected to:

• Present a final paper on a selected subject relevant to Urban Development and Local Governance.
• Collaborate with Professor Diane Singerman to research and produce selected policy briefs on urban governance issues for an ongoing project at American University.
• Present their own research at selected talks and seminars in Washington D.C. and engage with American University faculty and students.

Eligibility Requirements

Visiting scholars must be a faculty member or advanced PhD student at a university in the Arab World in a social science discipline focusing on the thematic research areas discussed above. Fluency in English is a must.

Logistical Arrangements

• The fellowship will cover economy class round-trip air fare and will provide the visiting scholars with a monthly stipend to cover expenses (housing, required health insurance, etc.) while in residence in Washington, D.C. The stipend will depend on the fellow's qualifications.
• The fellowship period will typically be three to four months. The visa and travel arrangements typically take two to three months from the date of acceptance of the fellowship to complete.
• American University, in Washington, DC will provide visiting scholars with a university ID, access to the university library, online access, and a work space.
• Scholars will enter the U.S. with a J1 visa. They are responsible for contacting the U.S embassy and applying for the visa. AU will issue some of the documents required for obtaining the visa.

Application Procedure and Deadline

Inquiries and application materials should be emailed to: carnegiefellows@american.edu.

• Proposal describing the research project to be undertaken at American University and its relevance to critical issues and debates in the Middle East, as well as a timeline for the fellowship activities and a publication agenda.
• Curriculum vitae and a statement about how a fellowship at American University may benefit, deepen, or extend his/her own research.
• Sample of written work (preferably published work, or academic papers for PhD students).

The application deadline for fellowships is closed.