New Century Scholars Program (NCS) is a global platform that annually brings together 25-30 research scholars and professionals from the U.S. and participating countries around the world. Through a series of three plenary seminar meetings and a Fulbright exchange visit, scholars engage in collaborative thinking and multidisciplinary research on a theme of global significance. Individuals in all disciplines are welcome to apply as long as they are conducting current research directly relevant to the theme and are open to exploring international and interdisciplinary approaches to their investigations. Participants may be academics or professionals in the academic, public or private sectors in Romania

Theme: The University as Innovation Driver and Knowledge Center

Applicants must meet the following nomination and selection criteria:

• Academic degrees, status and position;
• National and international reputation in his/her field;
• Professional accomplishments demonstrated through publications, research grants, and other professional achievements;
• Merits of the research proposal and its relevance to the NCS research topic;
• Potential of the applicant’s proposed research to contribute to a better understanding of the topic on both national and international levels;
• Potential of the applicant’s proposed research to contribute to a high-level interdisciplinary discussion of the research theme;
• Justification for the proposed international visit and its significance for advancing understanding of the subject;
• Ability of the applicant to carry out the project;
• Oral fluency in English.

Each candidate will be required to submit:

• An NCS application cover page (http://www.cies.org/NCS/2009_2010/VS_2009_10_App.pdf);
• A project abstract;
• A proposal and one-page bibliography of relevant sources;
• A CV and publications list;
• Two letters of support (http://www.cies.org/NCS/2009_2010/VS_2009_10_App.pdf));
• Letter of invitation from the prospective host institution.

Grant duration: May 2009 – April 2010

Application deadline: October 31st, 2008 (postmarked)

NCS applications must be sent by mail to the U.S. Fulbright Commission in Romania, st. Nicolae Costinescu, nr. 2, cod 011878, sector 1, Bucureşti. Applications sent by e-mail will not be accepted.

Note: The selection will be based primarily on the applicants’ potential to contribute to the overall program objectives, rather than on a need or desire to receive further training or exposure to developments and trends in their particular field.