Founded in 1919, the Institute of International Education (IIE) is a private nonprofit leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. In collaboration with governments, foundations and other sponsors, IIE creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from all sectors. These programs include the flagship Fulbright Program and Gilman Scholarships administered for the U.S. Department of State. IIE also conducts policy research, provides resources on international exchange opportunities and offers support to scholars in danger.
IIE provides a valuable program for international scholars in the US who face persecution in their home countries due to the nature of their research. The University of Arizona has been honored to host one of these distinguished scholars in the past and would like to remind the research community of this program. The work of these scholars greatly enriches research collaboration on campus and beyond. Around the world, scholars have long suffered harassment, torture and persecution as a result of their work. In the worst cases, scholars pay with their lives for their dedication to scholarship and freedom of thought. IIE, an independent nonprofit, has participated in the rescue of persecuted scholars since its founding in 1919. In 2002, IIE launched the Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) as a formalized response to this ongoing international dilemma.
The Scholar Rescue Fund provides fellowships for established scholars whose lives and work are threatened in their home countries. These fellowships permit professors, researchers and other senior academics to find temporary refuge at universities and colleges anywhere in the world, enabling them to pursue their academic work and to continue to share their knowledge with students, colleagues, and the community at large. During the fellowship, conditions in a scholar’s home country may improve, permitting safe return to help rebuild universities and societies ravaged by fear, conflict and repression. If safe return is not possible, the scholar may use the fellowship period to identify a long-term opportunity.
Read this article in University World News regarding the 10th anniversary of the Scholar Rescue Fund.
Fellowships support visiting academic positions ranging from three months to one calendar year with the possibility of a second year renewal. Awards are issued for up to US $25,000, plus individual health insurance coverage. Fellowships are disbursed through host academic institutions for direct support of scholar-grantees. In most cases, host campuses are asked to match the SRF fellowship award by providing partial salary/stipend support and/or housing, material support for researching/publications, and other in-kind assistance.
As a world-class research institution, we strive to bring the best talent to collaborate with our faculty. The International Faculty & Scholars office (IFS) is pleased to share this opportunity with The University of Arizona community. More information regarding this program is available by contacting Amber Tetreau-Segura at amts@email.arizona.edu.
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) is pleased to announce a call for applications for threatened academics whose lives and work are in danger in their home countries. Fellowships support temporary academic positions at safe universities and colleges anywhere in the world.
Who can apply:
Professors, researchers, and lecturers from any country or field may apply. Please refer eligible candidates and forward this announcement to any academic colleagues who may be interested.
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Qualifying applicants are currently facing or have recently fled from direct and immediate threats.
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Professors, established researchers, and other senior academics from any country, field, or discipline may qualify.
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Preference is given to scholars with a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field, who have extensive teaching or research experience at a university, college, or other institution of higher learning.
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We strongly encourage applications from female scholars and under-represented groups.
Students or professionals seeking funding to pursue academic studies or training are not eligible.
To apply for a fellowship:
http://www.scholarrescuefund.org/pages/for-scholars.php
To host a SRF scholar:
http://www.scholarrescuefund.org/pages/for-hosts.php
Learn more about the Scholar Rescue Fund
International Faculty & Scholars is the primary administrative unit on campus providing services to visiting international professors and research scholars participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. IFS works closely with UA departments to assist with the administrative processes involved in bringing international scholars and researchers to campus.
