MASA forum: activities: funding your dissertation
How to Fund Your Dissertation Research: Crafting A Proposal That Succeeds
A 2002 AAA SMA Special Event Panel
In November of 2002 at the AAA Conference in New Orleans, SMA hosted a panel that discussed how graduate students could obtain funding for their dissertation research. The following information is based upon the panel’s discussion of funding programs and also incorporates additional information from their websites.
NSF | Wenner-Gren | SSRC | NIH | Q&A
National Science Foundation
Stuart Plattner: Program
Director of Cultural Anthropology at NSF
General Overview
The National Science Foundation awards dissertation grants to students whose
research proposals clearly express an approach that advances science. Within
the field of anthropology, NSF solicits research proposals that are theoretically
substantive and contribute to the understanding of human and cultural variation.
In order to demonstrate how you will advance science in cultural anthropology
you must address the literature, demonstrate your familiarity with the concepts
within the field of anthropology, and exhibit how this work will contribute
to the scientific advancement of the discipline.
Review Process
NSF reviews approximately 140 dissertation proposals and funds around 30.
In 2002 NSF reviewed approximately 45 cultural anthropology proposals. Those
who review proposals tend to be generalists within the field of anthropology.
Three members from the panel will review a single proposal and rate it on
a scale of 1 to 5 (excellent-poor). The highest-ranking proposals will be
discussed for funding. In 2002 the review panel discussed the top 25 proposals
and funded 8.
Tips:
- Most important thing to remember is that the individual reviewing your proposal is reading 20 to 25 other proposals. Thus, it is essential to pay attention to the formatting guidelines so that it is easier to read. If it looks dense and is difficult to read then you put yourself at a disadvantage.
- The proposal must be well written! Manipulate the English language so that your proposal flows and is interesting. Plattner encourages students to use writing labs and have fellow students critique your proposal!
- Proposals receive funding if they have a high scientific merit. These proposals exhibit 1.) The “power of theory”, student training, and proposed method 2.) Broader Impact- Discuss why society should benefit from this research.
- Theory: You should begin your proposal with a theoretical question, a hypothesis. Convert your theoretical question into a series of questions that you plan to examine.
- Research Design: Tell the reviewer what you are going to do and where you are going to do it. You must attempt to justify the location of your research and in a theoretical way. It is important to make the argument that the location of your research is the “best place in the world to do it!” You must also explain how you are going to analyze the data and how you are going to report your findings when you are done.
- Realize that unsuccessful proposals are the ones that sound as if they already know the answer.
- Make sure to spell check and critically read your proposal several times before submitting the final draft.
For more information on advice from NSF Reviewers refer to the NSF website: http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/bcs/anthro/cultdadv.htm
Wenner-Gren
Dr. Pamela Smith: International Programs Administrator
General Overview:
Wenner-Gren supports research projects solely within the field of anthropology.
The organization receives approximately 900 applications a year and funds
approximately 15% of the applicant pool. In 2002 Wenner-Gren distributed
130 awards and 40 went to cultural anthropology. Out of these 40 proposals
7 were focused on topics related to medical anthropology and 5 of those
went to students.
Tips:
- Follow the included instructions within the Application Packet.
- The questions within the application are what Wenner-Gren views as important. Do not use another proposal to address the questions.
- Follow Directions!
- Do not leave blank spaces within the application.
- Avoid jargon and trendy phases that do not have meaning.
- Paramount: Have an important question, not just a research topic.
- Next Major Point: Clearly expressing your methodology is also very important. Explain what evidence you will collect, how you will collect it, and how you will answer your question. Address Methodological issues: For example- sample size, data techniques, population, archives (whether or not you have permission to use archives), etc.
- Address how your research project contributes to Anthropology.
- Start Early! Give yourself plenty of time! Have fellow students read your proposal and give your proposal to your supervisor at least a month before it is due.
- Put the application in an envelope and mail it! Don’t miss the deadline.
Social
Science Research Council
Dr. Beverlee Bruce: Program Director
While SSRC awards various types of dissertation grants one of the most applicable grants for anthropologists is the International Dissertation Fellowship Research (IDFR). The IDFR is a popular program and is extremely competitive. They receive approximately 800 applications and fund 50 research proposals. Many of the applicants whose focus is related to medical anthropology are receiving funding. In 2002 IDFR received 98 medical anthropology related proposals and funded 23.
General Overview:
- IDFR proposals are interdisciplinary. While it is important to fully grasp and utilize the concepts from within the discipline of anthropology and to clearly address how anthropology will help you answer your research question, the SSRC wants you to extend beyond your own discipline. The proposal must be international in focus and also should be interdisciplinary.
- Comparative work is encouraged, however, you must make a solid case for such research.
- The director of the program and program officer read every single proposal. They send “questionable” proposals to “screeners” within the field of anthropology, who have knowledge and expertise regarding your topic.
Tips:
- Your research question must be clear. You should also clearly situate your research question within the context of the region you will be working in. Furthermore, you need to be familiar with the literature and its significance to your research topic.
- You must be familiar with the culture, the history, and the language of the region in which you will be conducting research.
- You should also address how the specificity of your focus will shed light on broader topics and its’ significance on humankind.
- Refer to the SSRC online guide to proposal writing.
National
Institute of Health
Dr. Fred Altman: NIMH Fellowship Program
Tips:
- You want your application to be focused towards the institution in which you are applying to, whether it is NIMH, NIH, or NIDA. Thus, make sure it is inherently clear that your research question fits the focus of the institute.
- Remember that your application is reviewed based on the quality of science you demonstrate within your proposal. Be certain to exhibit how your research proposal contributes to the development of science.
- Read the application’s directions fully. If you have questions call the institute you are applying to.
- Follow Instructions!
Panel Discussion: Question/Answer Period
1. Do I have to be a citizen to be eligible to receive a grant
from your organization?
• No: SSRC, Wenner-Gren
• Yes: NSF (you have to be enrolled in a US institution), NIH/NIMH/NIDA
(you must either be a citizen or a permanent resident)
2. What is the best way to contact your organization for information?
• NSF: E-mail
• SSRC: Specifically stated not to call that e-mail was the most appropriate
form of communication.
• NIH: E-mail or Call
• Wenner-Gren: E-mail or Call
3. Can I defer my grant acceptance?
• NSF: Yes it is possible to defer, but if you wait longer than a
year it would be problematic.
• NIH/NIMH/NIDA: Yes. You can defer up to a year and in some cases
longer.
• Wenner-Gren: Yes.
• SSRC: Negotiable. If the reasons are personal that deferment may
be questionable, however, if your research location is within a conflict
zone then deferment can be negotiated.
4. Does it matter if you are affiliated with an organization while
you carry out your research?
• Wenner-Gren and SSRC: It is not an issue if you working with an
NGO or within an academic setting, their concern is focused on your abilities
as an individual investigator.
• NIH/NIMH/NIDA: It does not matter if you are affiliated with an
organization or where you are working as long as you are a US citizen.
• NSF: You must be affiliated with an academic institution. However,
if you are affiliated with a foreign academic institution then you may be
able to get additional funding from the International Office.
5. Does your organization follow-up on a student’s progress?
• SSRC: They trust you do what you say you will do.
• NSF/NIH: They deal directly with institutions, therefore they do
not follow-up on student progress.
6. Application Requirements?
• NSF: They do not require reference letters nor do they ask for transcripts.
• SSRC: Transcripts from graduate institutions and reference letters
are required.
• NIH: Three references are required and relevant test scores should
also be submitted.
• Wenner-Gren: They specifically request that you do not send transcripts
and reference letters.
Final Comment:
Extensively research the website of the institution you are applying to.
The websites are rich sources of information and often answer questions
regarding the application process. More importantly the websites provide
insight into the types of research that is funded by that particular institution.
Finally, if you have questions do not hesitate to contact the program. Good
Luck!