The Center for Contemporary History and Policy at the Chemical
Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia, PA seeks proposals for summer
fellows in the Environmental History and Policy Program. While in
residence, 2010 fellows will pursue research projects contributing to
the program’s core project, “Controlling Chemicals.” The main outcome
is the completion of a white paper suitable for publication in the
program’s series, Studies in Sustainability. Fellows are expected to
consider audiences which can benefit from their work, as well as an
alternative distribution method to complement CHF’s efforts. For
example, options may include conference participation or a
contribution to an external publication.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Chemicals provide the material backdrop of our everyday lives. The
Environmental History and Policy Program’s “Controlling Chemicals”
explores the dynamic ways in which governments, industries,
scientists, and citizens all play an essential role in developing
processes to create a balance in our chemical society.
The Studies in Sustainability series serves as a forum for discussion
about the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in
transforming chemistry into a tool for sustainability. The series,
which highlights the intersecting roles played by emerging science,
innovation, regulation, standards, and civil action, aims to publish
and make immediately available dynamic new research. Forthcoming
published reports from the 2009 fellows include research on pesticide
policies in the 1970s, the regulation of emerging nanotechnologies,
and the role of NGOs in supporting chemical and nanomaterial
regulatory reform.
RESEARCH AND PROPOSALS
Summer fellows are tasked with developing materials appropriate for
the “Controlling Chemicals” project. Each fellow will create a white
paper (5000-7500 words) on a topic related to his/her own work, with
consideration for how the topic can reach non-academic audiences and
address existing research gaps/opportunities in the field. Of
specific interest are proposals for projects which build on materials
available at CHF, which contribute to an ongoing project, or which
extend our research into new areas of interest.
SUGGESTED THEMES AND TOPICS
Chemical regulations (International, Federal, State)
Natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale
Climate change and energy
The role of standards and standards making organizations
Green chemistry
Emerging science and health (e.g., endocrine disruption, human
biomonitoring, and environmental basis of disease)
We welcome applications/project proposals from researchers at all
stages of their careers and from a diversity of fields: STS,
sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy, environmental or science
policy, science and engineering. Because the fellowship is limited
to10 weeks, preference will be given to proposals suggesting projects
which are already underway by the applicant and which provide a loose
timeline for how proposed research can be completed during the
residency.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
FELLOWSHIP OUTCOMES
Each fellow’s research should result in a paper suitable for
publication in the Studies in Sustainability series after the 10-week
term. Both print and electronic versions will be produced and fellows
retain the copyright to their materials.
DURATION, COMMUNITY, AND SUPPORT
In an effort to foster an atmosphere of collaboration and community,
summer fellows serve in residence for the 10 weeks, with access to
working space, a flexible schedule, and CHF research libraries and
tools. Fellows are also welcomed into the broader CHF community of
short- and long-term fellows and scholars, providing valuable
networking opportunities.
• Fellows receive a modest stipend to support individual
expenses. No other support (e.g., travel) is available.
• While CHF cannot guarantee housing for fellows, we offer
support in searching for appropriate accommodations, as well as
insider tips about living in Philadelphia.
APPLICATION
To apply, please send 1) a two page cover letter, to include: a
description of the proposed project, its fit within your current
research activities, and a brief description of how the project
addresses current research gaps or opportunities, attracts interested
audiences, etc; and 2) a one page CV. For graduate students, please
arrange to have one letter of recommendation sent directly to the CHF.
Proposals (and recommendations) should be submitted electronically to
Elizabeth McDonnell (emcdonn…@chemheritage.org). Please direct
questions to Jody Roberts, program manager
(jrobe…@chemheritage.org). All materials should be submitted by 1
March 2010. Decisions will be made no later than 15 March 2010.
For additional information: www.chemheritage.org
