The Returning Scholars Fellowship Program, as part of a conscious strategy to combat “brain drain” in the social sciences and humanities, supports talented young scholars who, after earning a postgraduate degree abroad, seek university positions and academic careers in their home countries. The program supports scholars from the aforementioned countries who have received (or will receive by the start of the fellowship) eligible degrees in the following fields: anthropology, area/cultural studies, economics, gender studies, history, human rights & public law, international relations, journalism/media studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, public policy/ environmental studies, public policy/public health, social work, and sociology. The program does not support scholars in philology, the visual and performing arts, and business.

Eligibility: The competition is merit-based, and priority is given to individuals who most closely match the profile of an “ideal” candidate. Specific eligibility factors include the following: Citizen of a country in which the program operates; an internationally recognized postgraduate degree (awarded by September of the year of application) from a reputable institution of higher education (typically North America, Western Europe, or Australia). A PhD or local equivalent is strongly desired, as the applicant must be qualified to teach in a local university department. Master’s degree recipients with an interest in pursing doctoral degrees are welcome to apply; commitment to a career in higher education in the region, and a strong drive to participate in reform efforts in the field; desire to take advantage of opportunities for professional development and building academic cooperation and networks.

Duration: Fellowships begin in August or September 2011 and last one academic year.

Site: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Ukraine.

Deadline: April 11, 2011

For further information: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/hesp/focus/afp/grants/rsfp