The Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University and the Borders in Globalization SSHRC Research Program at the Centre for Global Studies at the University of Victoria invite emerging scholars and policy professionals to apply for a Visiting Research Fellowship. This joint appointment between two universities with established border studies programs offers a unique opportunity to conduct cross-border, policy-relevant research in the Cascadia border region.

Known as a leader in cross-border governance and innovation, the Cascadia region offers an incredible opportunity for border scholars to engage in globally relevant research in a beautiful natural landscape. The region spans the Canada – U.S. border between British Columbia and Washington State, and is situated between the Cascade Mountain Range and the islands of the Salish Sea.  

Fellowship applicants can request up to 6-month residencies, based at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and/or at the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia.

This fellowship is designed to support policy-relevant research in the Salish Sea and Cascadia region, to enhance the network of scholars and policymakers who work in this border zone, and to share comparative and regional research findings with other border zones.

The thematic focus of this fellowship is broad, but must relate to the Salish Sea and Cascadia border region. Topics might include, but are not limited to: regional cross-governance, migration and market flows, private/public sector infrastructure projects, cross-border trade and transport (marine and ground), security, sustainability, and border culture and history.

Up to $10,000 USD per fellowship, dependent on length of stay. Office spaces are located on two scenic campuses near the shores of the Salish Sea: Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC. Fellows will receive university privileges, regional travel support to visit both universities, and enhanced opportunities for networking and exchange through participation in events and programming at both campuses.

The Cross-Border Research Fellowship has two tracks: Scholars and Policy Professionals.

For the Scholars track, we welcome applications from visiting professors, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced PhD Candidates.

For the Policy Professionals track, we welcome applications from public agency employees, government researchers, nonprofit representatives, and members of civil society.

As a fellow, you will be expected to:

•  Conduct work at one or both host universities

•  Participate actively in activities in both host programs

•  Deliver at least one public seminar or lecture on your research

•  Acknowledge both host programs in all publications arising from the fellowship and notify the programs of any presentations, books, or articles for inclusion in our databases and communications

•  Scholars track: publish a report or article on the Cascadia or Salish Sea border region, relevant to your topic and field

•  Policy Professionals track: organize a symposium and/or public event to discuss the Cascadia or Salish Sea border region, relevant to your topic and field

Please use this form to submit your application. Applications are due December 15, 2017, 23:59 PST.

Applications will be vetted by an interdisciplinary and international review committee made up of teams from both host universities. The committee will make the final selection based on the academic merit of the proposal, the view of the referees, and the applicant’s record of academic achievement or contribution to border policy and research.

If you have questions about the fellowship or submission process, please email Natalie Baloy (Natalie.Baloy@wwu.edu) and Nicole Bates-Eamer (nbeamer@uvic.ca).

Border Policy Research Institute: www.wwu.edu/bpri

Borders in Globalization: www.biglobalization.org/about

Centre for Global Studies: www.uvic.ca/research/centres/globalstudies/