Fellowship introduction

The applications for Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) Fellowships are now open for multiple deadlines. Annually, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy awards a limited number of fellowships to scholars and experts from outside Taiwan who plan to undertake research relating to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights.

Moreover, TFD Fellows may reside in Taiwan for about one year to conduct research topics of their own choice that are related to Taiwan’s democracy and human rights. Fellows are responsible for concluding their projects successfully within the time allocated to them, and fellow’s projects must end by the end of the year in which the fellowship is awarded.

The TFD offers four categories of fellowships:

1. Dissertation Fellowships, for Ph.D. candidates conducting their thesis project;
2. Postdoctoral Fellowships, for those who have recently completed their Ph.D.;
3. Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowships, for those who want to contribute to democracy and human rights projects in Taiwan; and
4. International Visiting Fellowships, for proficient democracy and human rights practitioners.

Applicants can choose one of the fellowship categories related to their proposed research project and apply for that accordingly.

Fellowship details

Application deadlines: there are three deadlines for applying to these fellowships according to different starting times:

1^st deadline: For research projects starting between January and April 2021, the deadline is October 15, 2020.

2^nd deadline: For research projects starting between May and August 2021, the deadline is February 15, 2021.

3^rd deadline: For research projects starting between September and December, the deadline June 15, 2021.

 Awarding institution: Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD)

Starting time: 2021

Duration: up to one year

Benefits

The TFD will offer the following benefits to each of its Fellows:

• a monthly allowance intended to assist with living expenses in Taiwan
• funding for a round-trip ticket from the applicant’s country to Taiwan
• shared office space at the TFD, including computing facilities and internet access
• use of the TFD office for events related to the Fellow’s research (with permission from the TFD on a case-by-case basis)
• access to the TFD’s pool of research materials
• access to the TFD’s network of scholars
• assistance in contacting persons relevant to the Fellow’s research when required
• TFD business cards

Responsibilities of fellows

TFD Fellows are responsible for the following items:

• Planning and organizing all research activities, including contacting interviewees, arranging for translation services, and designing a suitable timetable for the Fellow’s research
• submitting a progress report bimonthly
• submitting a written, academic report of the results of the project by the conclusion of the fellowship, in addition to public, oral presentation at the TFD on the results of the project
• abiding by all laws of the Republic of China,
• all travel arrangements to and from Taiwan, including visas
• accommodation and transportation in Taiwan
• all costs other than the Fellow’s stipend and airfare reimbursement
• And consulting with TFD staff before traveling outside of Taiwan during the period of the fellowship.

Eligibility criteria

A- Criteria for a Dissertation Fellowship:

1. You are enrolled in a full-time Ph.D. program or equal program  in a field relating to your proposed research topic
2. You will have accomplished all your Ph.D. requirements by the appropriate date
3. You intend to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
4. You are not a Taiwanese citizen  

B- Criteria for a Postdoctoral Fellowship:

1. You hold a Ph.D. in a field that is relevant to your proposed research
2. You completed your Ph.D. no more than seven years ago
3. You wish to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights
4. You are not a national of Taiwan

C- Criteria for a Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship:

1. You are a practitioner dedicated to promoting or building of democracy or human rights (and have an MA in a pertinent field or at least two years of relevant work experience) while applying
2. You aim to undertake a project designed to promote democracy or human rights in Taiwan
3. You are a non-Taiwanese national

D- Criteria for an International Visiting Fellowship:

1. You are an experienced scholar or practitioner in the field of democracy or human rights
2. You plan to undertake research related to Taiwan’s democracy or human rights or involve in a democracy or human rights advancement project
3. You are not a national of Taiwan

Evaluation process

Following the receipt of the original copies of all your application materials, including your references, the TFD will notify you that all documents have been received. Your application will then be reviewed, and the TFD may contact you to arrange a time to conduct a phone interview.

Notification of results to applicants

• For applicants applying within the first deadline: no later than January 2021
• For applicants applying within the second deadline: no later than May 2021.
• For applicants applying within the third deadline: no later than September 201.

How to apply?

To apply for TFD Fellowships, applicants should send their applications, including the application form and necessary documents, to the Foundation via email as per the instructions given below.

Required documents

• A hard copy of the application form
• Dissertation Fellowship Application Form
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Form
• Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellowship Application Form
• International Visiting Fellowship Application Form
• Curriculum vitae
• Two recommendation letters from two referees

Submission email: fellows@tfd.org.tw

Instruction for sending reference letters:

Ask the referees to directly email the reference letters as PDF files with the original signature to fellows@tfd.org.tw prior to the deadline. Furthermore, writing samples, such as previous research papers or publications, are welcomed but not mandatory.

 Note: should you have any questions regarding the application; you can email to fellows@tfd.org.tw.

For further information on the fellowship and on how to prepare your application well, please refer to the original link