Opportunities for Visiting Scholars/Research Fellows at CHRGJ: 2012-14, An Overview of the Center’s Work in the Years Ahead

Each biennium the CHRGJ adopts a theme which is intended to be the principal focus of its research and scholarship activities. This emphasis is designed to build upon other work being done at NYU and to facilitate a more intensive focus on a specific range of issues by a community of scholars with a common interest in the theme under review. The Center thus seeks to build its activities – conferences, workshops, panels, student research, and hosting visiting scholars-in­residence and student scholars-in-residence – around this theme.

The Center will continue to be involved in a limited number of other research themes, and a broad range of projects will continue to be undertaken each year by the Law School’s two human rights clinics.

The 2012-14 Theme: “Human Rights Fact-finding, Methods, and Evidence.”

Human rights fact-finding is at the core of most human rights work. The gathering of evidence of alleged human rights abuses is one of the most indispensable techniques used by human rights advocates, and forms the basis of human rights reporting, advocacy campaigns, and litigation. There has been a huge increase in the number and variety of fact-finding mechanisms established in recent years, and fact-finding methods have become increasingly diverse, complex, multidisciplinary, and sophisticated. While various groups have produced fact-finding guidelines, training materials, and ‘how to’ manuals, there has been all too little probing or critical analysis of the basis, forms, nature, methods, or effects of human rights fact-finding. To address this gap, the Center is undertaking a two-year project to identify and analyze key topics in international human rights fact-finding, and to further knowledge about complex, under-studied, and contentious issues in this area, including the use of multi-disciplinary approaches such as the use of indicators and a mix of quantitative and qualitative investigative methodologies. The Center’s program includes plans for an annual international conference; the publication of an edited text of new scholarship about fact-finding; a series of interdisciplinary academic-practitioner workshops; hosting scholars and student-scholars in residence conducting research and writing on this and related themes; and research collaborations with the Center’s Global Justice Clinic (GJC) and International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC).

Application Guidelines for Scholars in Residence/Fellowships at CHRGJ

The CHRGJ welcomes applications from scholars and professionals around the world who are interested in a mutually beneficial exchange with the Center. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and required time commitments can be flexible, though a one-year commitment is strongly preferred. There are three primary vehicles for becoming a CHRGJ Scholar in Residence or Human Rights Fellow:

–The Hauser Global Law School Program Human Rights Fellowship:

CHRGJ will accept three scholars per year through NYU’s Hauser Global Law School Program. Scholars interested in applying for this opportunity may refer to the following guidelines, deadlines, and application procedures:

http: //www.law.nyu.edu/global/hauserscholarsprogram/hauserresearchscholars /index.htm

Please note on your application that you are interested in a placement with the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. Also note that preference will be given to those scholars who propose to work on scholarship related to the Center’s 2012-14 theme. A stipend of up to $20,000 will be provided to those chosen for the fellowship.

Please mail your application materials as specified in the link above to the Hauser Global Law program, copying CHRGJ’s Executive Director, Veerle Opgenhaffen: opgenhaffen@exchange.law.nyu.edu at your earliest convenience to be considered for this program.

-The CHRGJ Scholars in Residence Program:

The Center accepts applications from interested scholars, professionals, and researchers to become Scholars in Residence at CHRGJ year-round. The Center will provide office space, access to the law school’s resources, a collegiate academic atmosphere, and the opportunity to mentor or work with interns, staff, and visiting scholars through collaborative work on projects, workshops, conferences, and other activities. In exchange, we expect visiting scholars to feed richly into our work through engagement with our theme and projects and through producing tangible scholarly outputs affiliated with the Center’s public materials and activities.

There is no application form to fill out; simply follow all of the guidelines outlined below to apply:

1. Provide your most recent curriculum Vitae, a cover letter, and two references.

2. Provide a 3-5 page proposal outlining the research project you intend to undertake while at CHRGJ. The statement should explain how the project will add to the body of human rights knowledge and scholarship at the Center; outline your qualifications to complete this research; and describe the methods and timeframe you will use to carry out the project. Please make sure to emphasize any relevance your project may have to the Center’s 2012-14 theme; although the Center welcomes proposals on any human rights-related topic, strong preference will be given to those candidates whose work feeds directly into the theme and related project areas the Center is known for. Please also highlight any additional resources you are prepared to provide as a Scholar in Residence (e.g. willingness to mentor interns, guest lecture, take part in Center conferences, workshops, and events etc.,)

Please also note in your statement whether you will be seeking any financial or visa assistance. The Center’s capacity to provide funding is very limited and will be provided on a discretionary basis, depending on the strength of the applicant and any capacity the Center has to provide remuneration. Note that even in cases where the Center does provide a small stipend, this will likely be insufficient toward covering the costs associated with living in New York City and therefore applicants are strongly encouraged to seek external sponsorship and funding for their time with the Center. CHRGJ will also provide some assistance in those cases where the scholar requires a visa to work in the US. For general information about document requirements for different kinds of visas available for scholars at NYU, please see: http://www.nyu.edu/life/student-life/international-students-and­scholars/scholars/immigration-matters-.html. Once appointed as a Scholar in Residence, you will prompted to provide various materials to Center staff who will help you to process your immigration requirements. Please be prepared to allow several weeks to months for this process to be completed and begin your application process as early as possible to guarantee a timely start to your visit.

3. Send your complete application materials electronically, marked “Application/CHRGJ Scholar in Residence” to CHRGJ’s Executive Director Veerle Opgenhaffen at opgenhaffen@exchange.law.nyu.edu. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications that do not follow the guidelines outlined above will not be considered.

-NYU-Scholars at Risk/Vivian G. Prins Fellowships

NYU School of Law now has the option of hosting scholars at risk through its SAR/ Vivian G. Prins fellowship. Please note that applications must be submitted by CHRGJ, based on our recommendation/nomination of those applicants it wishes to invite for sponsorship as visiting fellows with the Center. For details, please see: http://scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Documents/2012-2013_Prins_Application.pdf

If you are interested in applying please follow the following steps:

1. Provide your most recent curriculum vitae and two references.

2. Provide a cover letter describing your background and qualifications for placement as a scholar at risk with the CHRGJ.

3. Provide a 3-5 page proposal outlining the research project you intend to undertake while at CHRGJ. The statement should explain how the project will add to the body of human rights knowledge and scholarship at the Center; outline your qualifications to complete this research; and describe the methods and timeframe you will use to carry out the project. Please make sure to emphasize any relevance your project may have to the Center’s 2012-14 theme; although the Center welcomes proposals on any human rights-related topic, strong preference will be given to those candidates whose work feeds directly into the theme and related project areas the Center is known for. Please also highlight any additional resources you are prepared to provide as a Scholar in Residence (e.g. willingness to mentor interns, guest lecture, take part in Center conferences, workshops, and events etc.,)

4. Send your complete application package electronically to CHRGJ’s Executive Director Veerle Opgenhaffen at opgenhaffen@exchange.law.nyu.edu. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications that do not follow the guidelines outlined above will not be considered. Please DO NOT contact the Scholars at Risk Program directly with your application, as the program requires an institutional nomination from the Center directly.

About the Scholars at Risk Felowship:

Fellowships are available to support temporary visits to NYU of up to one year by professors, lecturers, researchers, and other intellectuals who have shown potential as important contributors to their discipline and community, and who suffer intimidation or persecution in their home country or country of current residence.

Fellowships are expected to last for a maximum of one year. Fellows will be appointed through the inviting host center, department, or school. Award amounts will vary based on the fellow’s level and needs, as well as other available support. Total fellowship awards will be in the range of $50,000 – $70,000 per annum (including fringe benefits and any additional host support).

Deadline and application:

Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are committed. The fellowships are provided by the Provost’s Office, thanks to the generous support of the Vivian G. Prins Foundation, to support the work of the Scholars at Risk Network, an international network of higher education institutions working to promote academic freedom and to defend threatened scholars worldwide. Scholars at Risk is headquartered at NYU.

Other Opportunities for Fellowships offered through CHRGJ are available here.