Call for Scholarships to Attend International Drug Policy Reform Conference

The Global Drug Policy Program of the Open Society Institute invites applications from economics graduates to attend the bi-annual meeting of the Drug Policy Alliance in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to be held on November 12-14, 2009. These scholarships are a part of the Global Drug Policy program’s activities to develop policy-related research on the application of economic analysis to drug policies worldwide.

In a panel discussion, leading economists in drug policy issues will identify important issues where economics has a role both in analyzing and finding solutions. The Conference is one of the most important forums for the discussion of all aspects of drugs and drug policies, with a focus on the USA, but with many sessions that discuss the drug policy issues of other countries. Applicants are urged to consult the website of the Conference at www.reformconference.org.

The Global Drug Policy Program proposes to invite graduate students of economics from any countries to apply for a limited number of scholarships [6] to attend the Conference. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a brief report on issues raised at the Conference, and in particular those relating to the panel session of economists, which in their judgement would benefit from the application of economic analysis and economic methodologies. There is a possibility of subsequent small-scale funding for pieces of research, although there is no intention of supporting graduate studies.

All costs, travel by the least expensive air transport or other mode where feasible, subsistence and Conference fees will be met by the Global Drug Policy Program.

Applicants should be currently registered for a graduate program in economics [Masters or PhD] or have recently completed such programs. A full CV should accompany all applications which must be made by email to the GDPp by September 15, 2009. The application must be accompanied by a brief statement of no longer than 2 pages of why you want to attend the International Drug Policy Reform Conference and what you understand to be the critical issues for policy makers in your own country relating to drugs and drug policies. 

Applications should be sent before September 15, 2009 to:

Tamas Varga, Program Officer of the Global Drug Policy Program
1051 Budapest, Október 6. u. 12
+36-1-327-3100
tvarga@osi.hu