Professional Development Projects

The Professional Development Fund (PDF) is intended to facilitate the professional development of Academic Fellowship Program (AFP) Returning Scholars by covering costs associated with their participation in academic conferences or expenses related to other activities contributing to their scholarly development, such as:

• visiting academic research centers or libraries;
• establishing mentorship relations with academics from another university;
• consultations with other scholars in the field on developing new courses, writing doctoral dissertations or research papers; or
• any other activity contributing to fellows' professional development. 

The Professional Development Fund is not intended to support textbook production or technical training that is not subject specific or content oriented or that focuses on building generic academic, professional or managerial skills.  The PDF should be utilized in a manner that relates to department development goals.  Returning Scholars are expected to consult with their departmental International Scholar about possible approaches for the PDF.

Central European University (CEU) Library/Research Visits are offered within the AFP Professional Development Fund.  AFP encourages Returning Scholars conducting research to apply for a CEU library/research visit trip and take advantage of the wide range opportunities provided by the CEU in Budapest, which holds the largest collection of English-language materials in the social sciences and humanities in Central and Eastern Europe.  While preparing their applications, fellows are advised to consult the online CEU library catalogue.

Application Requirements and Procedure

If support is intended to cover costs of conference participation, the conference must be important for the fellow’s own professional development and relevant to AFP's mission.  The conference also must be held under the auspices of a recognized university or academic association that selects conference presenters in an open and competitive process.

If support is requested for other activities related to the fellow’s professional development, the application must clearly justify the expense by proving the significance and relevance of the activity to the fellow (i.e., how this activity augments the fellow’s professional development plan).

Applications for activities scheduled during the 2010-11 academic year will be accepted from August 1, 2010 until June 30, 2011. All activities must be completed no later than August 31, 2011.  Fellows must apply at least six weeks (42 calendar days) before the date of travel. Applications must include:

• a letter of endorsement from the home university with permission for being absent for the period of the PDF event.and an agreement  to make up any missed teaching time (absence from the home university must not exceed ten days);
• a one-page proposal (statement of purpose) outlining the importance of the proposed activity to the fellow's own professional development and its relevance to AFP;
• if support is requested for conference participation, proof that the fellow’s paper was selected for presentation (such as e-mail confirmation from the organizers, official acceptance letter, or listing in conference program). If funds are requested for other activities (study/research visits, establishing a mentorship, etc.) letters of endorsement and letters of invitation must be attached;
• an abstract, full text, and short (2-3 pages) summary of the applicant’s research paper (if funds are requested for conference attendance).  For research or study trips and library visits, the fellow must provide an agenda listing details of pre-arranged academic consultations with relevant professors/ experts. Letters of confirmation (electronic version is acceptable) from the professors should be attached;
• PDF Budget Form, with all three sections (Detail, Summary and Request) completed in detail. The budget template is posted on the AFP Webfolio.

The completed Application Form and Budget Form (available for download below) and other required documents should be sent by e-mail to the Regional Coordinator.  Besides the document requirements listed above, the PDF Selection Committee reserves the right to request any other additional materials in order to make a final decision.

Selection

AFP Regional Offices receive and review applications on a rolling basis.

After preliminary approval by the Regional Offices, applications are sent to an AFP International Scholar in the same discipline for review.  One or two International Scholars in each discipline will be selected to review, assess and provide feedback on the PDF applications.

Applications recommended by both the Regional Office and International Scholar are sent to the Administrative Coordinator in Budapest, who serves as the final checkpoint before the applications are sent to AFP/HESP Professional Development Selection Committee in Budapest for final decisions.

Professional Development Fund Grantee Responsibility

The grantee agrees:

• to immediately obtain brochures and other AFP materials necessary for representing AFP during the proposed activity and to clearly identify him/herself as an AFP/HESP Fellow;
• to acknowledge AFP support in any resulting papers or publications; and
• to arrange a presentation on AFP activities, if possible and appropriate, and to disseminate AFP promotional materials.

Recipients of the award must submit a financial report and return any unspent funds to their regional office no later than four weeks after the event or not later than August 31, 2011.  Reports must be submitted by e-mail to the AFP Administrative Coordinator (tmikola@osi.hu ).