The Takshashila Institution has announced its Network for Advanced Study of China (NASC) Fellowship, a programme that aims to create knowledge of China by nurturing new generations of analysts in academia, armed forces, think tanks, media and industry.
NASC invites applications from researchers with any background, including from universities, research institutes, media, government services and industry, who are enthusiastic about undertaking fresh research on China.
The application window for the Pioneer NASC Fellowship Cohort is open and the concept notes of research papers have to be submitted by May 31. The research proposal submission deadline is June 20. As per the schedule, the evaluation and selection of fellows will be carried out on July 1 and the NASC fellowship will begin on October 1. Researchers have to submit the draft papers on October 14 and 15,
A two-day residential workshop will also be organised in Bengaluru. This will feature sessions on understanding China, conducting open source research, and research methodologies, along with brief presentations by the fellows on their papers.
The NASC Fellowship offers opportunities for fellows to work under the co-guidance of foremost experts and work towards a publication in the leading journals and publications in the field. In addition, a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh will be awarded to each of the five best papers determined by the jury.
The programme will end in March or April 2024 after which a two-day workshop will be conducted where presentations will be given by fellows on their research.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective fellows must either be working or studying in India or have at least an undergraduate degree and be proficient in English.
Prospective fellows must submit a brief research proposal (2000 words max) demonstrating their interest and capability to complete the project. The proposal submission process begins on April 17 and ends on May 31. The proposal should clearly state the current gaps in research and how the author(s) would approach the issue.
Along with the research proposal submission, the author(s) must also send a past writing sample, either published or unpublished, on any topic that is more than 1000 words. Up to three authors can submit a joint proposal.
Post-screening process
After evaluation and screening, selected applicants will be invited to join the fellowship, assigned mentors and projects. The best research outputs will be rewarded with cash prizes and commendations.
“The multi-year programme will create a cross-disciplinary community of scholars and a body-of-knowledge that will inform policy, strategy, economics, technology and society,” said Nitin Pai, Co-founder and Director, Takshashila Institution.
“NASC fellows will undertake research in one or more of the following areas including inner-party politics & governance, economy; defence, geopolitics; environment; education; technology; society and urbanisation,” said Manoj Kewalramani, Fellow, China Studies at The Takshashila Institution.
Courtesy : The Indian Express