Research Innovation & Collaboration and Exchange (RICE) 2024 Fellowships Program

The East-West Center (EWC) will provide RICE Fellowships for scholars, policy experts, non-government organization / civil society organization (NGO/CSO) members, researchers, or journalists from the Indo-Pacific Region, including the United States, to undertake research or other projects on topics related to the domestic/international governance, environmental issues, political economy issues around trade, technology and integration, and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Program Elements

RICE Fellows will undertake research or other projects at the EWC in the Honolulu or Washington, DC offices. The length of the RICE Fellowship will be based on the project as will the associated stipend, support, and travel funding. In some cases, a recipient may be permitted to work at another location, provided sufficient project-relevant justification is presented. 

During the Fellowship terms, participants will pursue their project interests while taking advantage of the resources and access of the East-West Center’s Honolulu and Washington, DC offices. Moreover, participants will have opportunities to collaborate with EWC researchers to enhance and advance their projects. Emphasis for selection will be toward proposed collaborations and exchanges which create or strengthen networks, partnerships, and shared outcomes. All project outcomes (e.g., EWC/Co-Branded publications, reports, videos, websites, databases, etc) will be co-branded between EWC and the applicants home institution, and preference will be given to outcomes which are sustainable. RICE Fellowships may include a monthly stipend and travel expenses depending upon the project proposed.

Examples of possible projects might encompass:

• Development of an EWC-Partner Organization publication or seminar series;

• Creating a new website or database (e.g., see North Korea in the World or Asia Matters for America); or

• Creating an exchange program for rising experts and leaders.

We urge innovative, collaborative exchange projects that convene impactful dialogues among peoples and products as well as develop and equip leaders.

Application Requirements

• A completed online application form

• A full CV

• Two letters of reference

• A 2-page statement outlining the proposed work. The proposal must include a summary of the project to be pursued (e.g, a research publication or other product as outlined above); a schedule and identified milestones to complete the project; an explanation of how the collaboration with EWC will further the proposed work (e.g., access to research experts, dialogs with key partners, convening for critical dialogue, etc); and the connections between the project and the mission and strategic pillars of the East-West Center.  Proposals should focus on bringing individuals and organizations from the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific together to share perspectives, consider common challenges and opportunities, and create collaborative outcomes.

• Budget for the work, including requested stipend, travel, housing, other costs.

NOTE: RICE funding subject to availability of EWC funds

Eligibility Information for Applicants

• Applicants must be nationals of a country from the Indo-Pacific or the United States and eligible to receive a fellowship stipend.

• Applicants must possess a minimum of a completed Master’s degree. Research applicants should have completed a PhD, while policy experts, NGO/CSO leaders, and journalists, among others, should have demonstrated experience in their professions.  Preference will be given to candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to conduct research, projects, and network in Honolulu or Washington, DC.

• Due to EWC funding regulations, non-US citizens or permanent residents who are selected as RICE Fellows will require East-West Center J-1 visa sponsorship during their residency. Acceptance of the fellowship will subject fellows to Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or the two-year home country residency requirement before the fellow may apply for a change of status in the United States, permanent residency, or an H, L, or K visa.

RICE Fellowship participants must adhere to the East-West Center’s public health and COVID safety regulations.

Views expressed in RICE products and outcomes such as seminars, publications, website and similar will reflect those of project participants and not necessarily the EWC.

The Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation (HPF) Doctoral Research Award at the East-West Center is an award of up to $20,000 to promote educational access for Native Hawaiians or support outstanding doctoral students to conduct high quality research that advance commitment or contribution to the study of issues important to the Native Hawaiian community.  

Award funds may be used for tuition and/or institution fees, books, living expenses, equipment, travel supplies, software, and other expenses that are directly related to conducting their research.  The award period is up to six months and residency at the East-West Center is highly encouraged.  EWC will facilitate connections between the Awardee and its rich network of scholars who can provide support as they write their research findings.  Students may be studying at universities other than the University of Hawai‘i, as the Award is intended to support research by doctoral students, especially those who may need to be in Hawai‘i or need residency at the EWC in Honolulu.  At the conclusion of their research, the Awardee is encouraged to share their research findings with the EWC and the community for broader impact. 

Important Application Guidelines:
You must submit your scholarship application by 11:59PM (Hawaii Standard Time) on May 31 and should have the following documents on hand to upload to your online application:
 

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Thesis or Dissertation Research Prospectus
• A scanned copy of your official transcript for each higher education institution attended [UH students may submit an unofficial transcript generated via star.hawaii.edu]
• Two Letters of Recommendation,  one of which from your graduate advisor at your home institution confirming advancement to candidacy or thesis 
• Detailed budget

 
For more information, please visit the East-West Center website, or email scholarships@eastwestcenter.org.
 

Please Note:
 

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 For inquiries, please contact the EWC Award Services Office at scholarships@eastwestcenter.org.
 Please include in your message your (1) full name and (2) award for which you are applying.