The goal of these projects is to provide faculty with structured time to meet, talk, and develop ideas around essential questions of democracy. Workshops and seminars can take place over time or during a concentrated period. No final product will be required but the Ash Center hopes such meetings will identify possible research directions for new projects. The Center seeks to enhance intellectual exploration, encourage the participation of junior faculty, and provide the means to bring leading scholars from different institutions to the Kennedy School for discussion and stimulation.

How to Apply

The call for applications is now closed for 2013 grants.
For 2014 grants, please submit a brief application with the name and contact information of the faculty seminar/workshop leader; a one page description of the purpose of the seminar, with significance or potential for further scholarship; and a list of potential participants, with a brief description of the special expertise or perspective each would bring to the meetings. Please submit a detailed budget up to $10,000 that can include meals, materials, administrative support, audio visuals, and travel expenses for non-Harvard faculty.

Please email your proposal by April 1, 2014* to Juanne Zhao, Program Assistant, Democratic Governance Program at the Ash Center (Juanne Zhao@ harvard.edu). Questions should be directed to Bruce Jackan, Associate Director for Democracy, Students, and Fellows programs (Bruce_Jackan@harvard.edu).
*Date subject to change

2012 Faculty Workshop Grantees

• Candelaria Garay, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, HKS - Social Mobilization, Electoral Competition, and Social Policy Expansion in Latin America
• Jane Mansbridge, Adams Professor of Political Leadership and Democratic Values Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy, HKS - Getting to Yes in Politics
• Pippa Norris, Paul. F. McGuire Lecturer in Comparative Politics, HKS - Innovations Strengthening Electoral Integrity in Campaign Finance and Electoral Malpractice in Hard Places. More»
• Muriel Rouyer, Visiting Professor of Public Policy, HKS - How Can Europe Help the U.S. Understand Transnational Democracy? Case Study: Nantes, European Green Capital, 2013