A distinguished group of 21 young scholars will debate and sketch possible and/or desired futures for Asian Studies research in the Humanities. Participants will address some of the challenges and opportunities Humanities scholarship is facing in this particular field of study (in terms of both topics and research communities). The discussions will be animated by six more senior colleagues from the field.

During thematically defined break-out sessions and more broadly conceived plenary sessions, participants will work towards setting up a global network of scholars in Asian Studies in the Humanities. Furthermore, topics of common interest to be further developed will be identified. These will be used as input for future Humanities policy and funding discussions, as well as policy briefings at the level of ESF, its member organisations and beyond.

The ESF Standing Committee for the Humanities (SCH) and the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation (CCK-F) invite the next generation of leading scholars in the Humanities (“early career researchers”) to participate in a three-day “new horizons” workshop in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 – 30 May 2009.

Documentation requested (compiled in one document)

- One-page presentation letter
- Full CV (max. 2 pages)
- Statement of past and current research (max. 1 page)
- References to 3 publications (incl. links to self-archived / online texts)
- Statement on the theme of the call (max. 1 page).

N.B.: The working language for application, selection, the event itself and follow up documents is English. Short-listed candidates are asked to indicate availability (at short notice) for a telephone interview in that language to verify their ability to actively participate in discussions (see timeline below).

Selection criteria and process

- Formal eligibility
- Scientific track record; scientific potential (solid grounding in disciplinary work)
- Originality of prospective thinking as expressed in the “statement” and in publications

The selection will be carried out by a dedicated SCH Panel.

Timeline for application and selection

Mid-November 2008 Call published and circulated
18 December 2008 Deadline for submission of online
application: http://www2.esf.org/WD110AWP/WD110Awp.exe/CONNECT/Humanities_Spring?id=183
By 25 February 2009 Short-listing of suitable candidates
By 4 March 2009 Telephone interviews
By 15 March 2009 Notification of successful applicants
By 22 March 2009 Acceptance letter to be sent by selected applicants to ESF

The ESF award will cover travel costs, meals, accommodation.

For on-line applications go to: http://www2.esf.org/WD110AWP/WD110Awp.exe/CONNECT/Humanities_Spring?id=183