Thanks to a recent collaboration between the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) and the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), a new fellowship opportunity has been created for researchers interested in community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. This exciting opportunity is now open for applications, and we encourage all interested individuals to apply.
The IAF is a US-based agency that has been supporting community-led development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean for over 50 years. Their mission is to empower grassroots organizations and communities to create sustainable solutions to their own development challenges. The SSRC, on the other hand, is an independent, international nonprofit organization that promotes social science research and education. By joining forces, these two organizations have created a unique fellowship opportunity that will support research on community-led development in the region.
The new fellowship, called the IAF-SSRC Collaborative Research Fellowship, aims to support research that will contribute to a better understanding of community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes research on the impact of community-led initiatives, the challenges and opportunities faced by these initiatives, and the role of local communities in shaping their own development. The fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines, including but not limited to anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and public health.
One of the key features of this fellowship is its focus on community-led development. This approach recognizes the importance of involving local communities in the development process, rather than imposing top-down solutions. By supporting research on this topic, the IAF and SSRC hope to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
The fellowship will provide up to $15,000 in funding for research projects that are 4-6 months in duration. This funding can be used for a variety of research-related expenses, such as travel, data collection, and publication costs. In addition to financial support, fellows will also have access to a network of experts and resources through the IAF and SSRC, as well as opportunities to present their research at conferences and workshops.
This fellowship is open to researchers from all countries, including those in Latin America and the Caribbean. However, preference will be given to researchers who are citizens or permanent residents of these regions. This is in line with the IAF’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and promoting local leadership in development.
The application process for the fellowship is now open and will close on October 1, 2021. Interested individuals can apply through the SSRC’s online application portal. The application requires a research proposal, CV, and two letters of recommendation. The selection process will be based on the quality and relevance of the proposed research, as well as the applicant’s qualifications and potential for contributing to the field of community-led development.
We are excited to see the impact that this fellowship will have on the field of community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. By supporting research in this area, we hope to generate new knowledge and insights that will inform and improve development practices in the region. We also believe that this fellowship will create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among researchers, practitioners, and community members.
If you are a researcher interested in community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean, we encourage you to apply for this fellowship. This is a unique opportunity to receive financial support and access to resources that will help you advance your research and contribute to positive change in the region. We look forward to receiving your applications and working together towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to the IAF and SSRC for their collaboration in creating this fellowship. We believe that this partnership will have a significant impact on the field of community-led development and we are excited to see the results of the research that will be supported through this fellowship. Let us all work together towards a brighter future for Latin America and the Caribbean.
