The work of IIE’s Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) would not be possible without the support and partnership of the academic community. Combined with matching contributions from host institutions, SRF fellowships support temporary academic positions at universities, colleges and other academic centers in safe locations anywhere in the world, for up to one calendar year. These visiting positions are intended to allow the scholars to continue their important work in a safe location, pending improvement in conditions to allow their safe return home.
Benefits to both the scholar and the visiting institution are immeasurable. In short, by providing an open space for scholars to pursue their work, universities and other institutions of higher learning will have the opportunity to strengthen existing faculty or to expand into new areas, however each institution might wish.
SRF works with each host institution to arrange a fellowship term that works best for the scholar-grantee and the institution. Scholars are invited to a department or school to conduct research, perhaps teach or co-teach a course, or participate in a guest lecture series. Fellowships can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months. Grantees are eligible to apply for a renewal award, of up to one additional year of fellowship support.
- Financial support equal to or greater than the fellowship award. This support generally takes the form of a stipend or other direct funding for the visiting scholar such as housing, airfare and meal programs. In-kind contributions – office space, computers, language or other training fees, etc. – are encouraged for a complete scholar support package;
- University visa sponsorship (generally J-1, visiting scholar visa); and
- Faculty mentoring and staff assistance in adjusting to the university;
- Assistance to find suitable housing when possible;
- Access to university facilities and libraries.
++Eligibility, criteria, and award levels differ slightly when hosting Iraqi grantees.
Click for more information on the Iraq Scholar Rescue Project »
