New Competition for Japan Scholars

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is pleased to announce a new Wilson Center Japan Scholar Program. Successful applicants will spend 2-4 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 designed to bridge the gap between the academic and policy communities.

Eligibility

This competition is open to men and women currently residing in Japan (citizen or legal permanent resident), or of Japanese citizenship. 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 Japan, including U.S.-Japanese relations and East Asian political, security, and economic issues.

Applicants must have the terminal degree in their field (for academics, this generally means a Ph.D., but other professions have different terminal degrees), and at least eight years of professional or research experience. Preferences will be given to applicants who have published scholarly books or substantial articles in academic or policy-related journals or newspapers.

Scholars must be able to hold a valid passport and J-1 visa and are required to have health insurance. Scholars in residence at the Center for more than three months may obtain insurance through the Center. For shorter term scholars, the Center can suggest insurance companies that can provide the appropriate health insurance.

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

Benefits/Responsibilities of Japanese Scholars

This is a residential scholarship. Scholars will be provided a monthly stipend, plus partial help with transportation and health insurance expenses, and office or library carrel space available 24 hours a day. In addition, scholars will be provided with a part-time research assistant when feasible and Windows-based personal computers. The Wilson Center Library provides access to digital resources, its book and journal collections, and to the Library of Congress, university and special libraries in the area, and other research facilities.

While at the Wilson Center, Japan 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 Asia observers in Washington.

Although scholars are responsible for locating their own housing in the Washington, D.C. area, the Center provides written material to help facilitate the search process.

Selection Criteria

a) significance of the proposed research, including the importance and originality of the project;
b) quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity and scope;
c) capabilities and achievements of the applicant; and
d) relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues pertaining to Japan.

A panel of experts will have responsibility for reviewing all applications and making recommendations for appointment to the Wilson Center’s president.

Procedures and Deadline for Applications

Applications for Scholars seeking appointment are welcome at any time, although preferred times for starting an appointment are the beginning of January, June, or September. Applicants should specify the precise time period for which they seek appointment, and should submit all application materials at least 6 months (8-9 months is preferable) prior to the time they wish to take up residence at the Center. Under normal circumstances, applicants will be informed of the disposition of their application within 90 days of the Center receiving the completed application and supporting letters of recommendation.

Applicants should submit the following materials to the address given below, and electronically to asia@wilsoncenter.org.

a) 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 Japan-related policy issues.

b) a c.v. or resume

c) two letters of recommendation

Applicants should request that the two letters of recommendation be sent to the address below. 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 Japan-related policy issues.

Application letters and letters of recommendation should be mailed to the following address:

Asia Program Japan Initiative Scholarship
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20004-3027

E-mail: asia@wilsoncenter.org

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