Human rights committee offers grants

The University Committee on Human Rights has announced that it will offer grants to support innovative or cross-disciplinary research in the field of human rights studies. The awards are made possible through the generosity of Harvard Law School alumni Rita and Gustave Hauser.

The grants are intended to either encourage the development of new perspectives in established disciplines or facilitate innovative cross-disciplinary work. Because funding is limited, proposals for teaching, training, and public outreach will not be considered.

Research proposals can be empirical, philosophical, or prescriptive; they can draw on such diverse disciplines as history, philosophy, economics, law, sociology, medicine, political science, public policy, international relations, or any of the other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences that can advance knowledge about human rights issues.

Most awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000, though proposals for support up to $25,000 will be considered. Proposals may come from individuals or teams, but the principals must include a faculty member who holds the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor.

The University Committee on Human Rights is a cross-faculty committee appointed by the Provost. The Committee, which includes representatives of eight faculties, will select the recipients. Questions and proposals should be directed to Assistant Provost Sean Buffington, at Holyoke Center 880, sbuffing@harvard.edu, or (617) 496-5775. Proposals must be submitted via e-mail or on paper no later than the end of the day on March 23.