The Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies at the University of Virginia invites scholars whose work focuses on Africa and/or the African Diaspora to apply for a two-year predoctoral research fellowship, beginning August 15, 2008. Applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, December 1, 2007; application materials (including three letters of reference) must be received by Friday, December 7, 2008, for full consideration.

TERMS: Predoctoral fellowships cover two years, beginning August 15, 2008, and carry an annual stipend of $20,000, plus health insurance. Please note: Individuals may not apply for the Woodson predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in the same year.

ELIGIBILITY: The competition for the Woodson Institute fellowship is open to qualified candidates without restriction as to citizenship or current residence. Applicants for the predoctoral fellowships must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation prior to August 1, 2008.

CONDITIONS: The predoctoral fellow must be in residence at the University of Virginia for the duration of the award period. Fellows are expected to make periodic presentations of their work to the Woodson fellows and the larger academic community. Fellows may accept no employment, fellowships, or consulting obligations during the Woodson fellowship period without the approval of the Director.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Applicants must submit the following materials in the number of copies indicated:

1. Completed summary sheet. (Original Only). This form is available on-line as an .html (text) document.

2. Letter of application stating interest in the program. (8 copies)

3. Curriculum Vita, which should include the following: personal information; date(s) and location(s) of degree(s) earned; honors and awards; lectures and conference presentations; publications; names of referees. (8 copies)

4. A project description not to exceed seven double-spaced pages. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS EXCEEDING SEVEN DOUBLE-SPACED PAGES WILL NOT BE PASSED ON TO THE COMMITTEE. The project description should have a title. It should indicate the nature of the research to be completed during the period of the fellowship award as well as the significance of this work. The project description should include a detailed research plan giving concrete objectives to be achieved during the award period. For predoctoral candidates, these objectives must include award of the Ph.D. For postdoctoral candidates, the objectives should include a statement of publication plans of the results of the proposed research and writing. (8 copies)

5. Three confidential letters of reference to be sent directly to the Woodson Institute by persons qualified to evaluate proposal for which support is being sought. (Original only)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, December 1, 2007; application materials (including letters of reference mailed under separate cover) must be received by Friday, December 7, 2007, for full consideration.

Applications and supporting materials should be sent to:

Selection Committee
Predoctoral Research Fellowships
The Carter G. Woodson Institute
108 Minor Hall
P.O. Box 400162
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4162

REVIEW PROCEDURES: All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed by a local committee supported by such outside consultants as may be required. Proposals will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

1. The significance of the proposed work
2. The qualifications of the applicant
3. Familiarity with existing relevant research literature
4. The research design of the project
5. The promise of completion within the award period

Preference will be given to applicants whose field research is already substantially completed.

NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified by mail of the decision on their applications, and should receive those notifications in early March 2008.

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