Title: Graduate Research Fellowship Program: Tomorrow's Research Community. Series: Solicitation Author: National Institute of Justice Published: National Institute of Justice, December 1998 Subject: Research and Evaluation 4 pages 7,000 bytes ------------------------------- Figures, charts, forms, and tables are not included in this ASCII plain-text file. To view this document in its entirety, download the Adobe Acrobat graphic file available from this Web site or order a print copy from NCJRS at 800-851-3420 (877-712-9279 for TTY users). ------------------------------- NIJ Fellowship Opportunities Graduate Research Fellowship Program: Tomorrow's Research Community ------------------------------- Graduate Research Fellowships The National Institute of Justice's Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides dissertation research support to outstanding doctoral students undertaking independent research on issues in crime and justice. Students from any academic discipline are encouraged to apply. The National Institute of Justice encourages diversity in approaches and perspectives in its research programs. It awards these fellowships to expand the pool of research talent by attracting doctoral students who can contribute critical and innovative thinking to pressing justice problems. NIJ asks dissertation advisers to bring this program to the attention of their most promising students early in their dissertation development. The subject of the proposed doctoral dissertation should constitute the research for this fellowship. This research must focus on a topic relevant to filling key gaps in scientific knowledge, especially those relevant to criminal justice policy or to the concerns of criminal justice agencies and other agencies focusing on crime and justice problems. NIJ is particularly interested in applications from candidates working in areas related to the long-range goals of the Institute's research, evaluation, and science and technology programs (see NIJ's Prospectus, NCJ 167570, available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)). NIJ seeks applicants who have completed all doctoral degree requirements except the research, writing, and defense of a dissertation. At the conclusion of the grant period, the dissertation must be completed and submitted as a final product. ------------------------------- Application Information Application Procedures. Proposals not conforming to the application procedures specified below will not be considered. Each applicant should submit a proposal that is up to 10 double-spaced pages in length and includes the following information: --A discussion of the proposed project, including information on the proposed research strategy, data sources, and analysis plan. --A task plan with a timeline of critical milestones. --A discussion of how the final product will contribute to policy and practice in crime and justice. Applicants should also provide as separate enclosures: --A background statement that includes information on their education, employment experience, publications, and the current stage of their degree program. Official transcripts for graduate work should be included. --A statement of support from their dissertation chair that evaluates the proposed project and the potential of the candidate to succeed in the program, describes the adviser's role in monitoring the project, and provides evidence of both the department's and the adviser's track record with respect to Ph.D. candidates' completion of their degrees. The statement should also ensure that the dissertation research has begun or is about to be undertaken, that the student has the full support of the dissertation committee, and that the chair will review and sign all progress reports and the final product submitted by the applicant to NIJ. The application package must include the appropriate Federal application forms and budget justifications. These documents and guidance for their completion are available from NCJRS at 800-851-3420; the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center at 800-421-6770; or, in electronic form, from the National Institute of Justice on the World Wide Web at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij, under "Funding Opportunities." Selection Criteria. NIJ's Graduate Research Fellowships are highly competitive. All applications will be reviewed by an external review panel and NIJ's professional staff. Review criteria include significance and timeliness of the topic, relevance to NIJ's mission, the applicant's academic track record and accomplishments, and the likelihood of completing the degree. Funding decisions are made by the NIJ Director on the basis of peer reviews and consultations with NIJ staff. Eligibility Requirements. Individuals may not receive awards directly; grant awards will be made only to educational institutions. To be eligible to administer a Graduate Research Fellowship grant on behalf of a doctoral candidate, an institution must be fully accredited by one of the regional institutional accreditation commissions recognized by the U.S. Commissioner of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Award Amounts. A $15,000 stipend will be awarded to successful applicants for costs associated with the doctoral dissertation. It is anticipated that up to 15 awards will be made annually. Allowable Expenses. Applicants must submit a budget that includes a narrative stating what expenses will be incurred by the student during the designated stipend period. No indirect costs incurred by the sponsoring university or institution are covered by this program. Awards cover major project costs, such as supplies, reproduction, computer time, and necessary local and out-of-town travel (reimbursed at the sponsoring university's or agency's rate), including one trip to Washington, D.C., to present dissertation findings at an NIJ staff seminar. ------------------------------- Application Submission Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year. However, during calendar years 1999 and 2000, proposals will be reviewed three times a year, in February, June, and October, with funding decisions made within 60 to 90 days of the review date. Proposals must be received by January 15 to be reviewed in February; by May 15 to be reviewed in June; and by September 15 to be reviewed in October. Extension of these deadlines will not be granted. A total of 3 copies (an original and two copies) should be submitted. Applications should be sent to: Graduate Research Fellowship Program National Institute of Justice 810 7th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20531 Staff Contact. Applicants are encouraged to contact the National Institute of Justice well in advance if there are any questions about eligibility for funding. To obtain further information about topic viability, applicants may contact Cynthia Mamalian at 202-514-5981. NCJ 172869