1. When is the application deadline? Applications must be completed online by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on September 15, 2019. The reference letters must also be submitted online by the deadline.
2. How can I obtain an application packet? No paper applications are used in this application process. The application is to be filled out online and can be accessed at http://soap.ssrc.org/. Program staff may be contacted at abe@ssrc.org or by phone at (212) 377-3672 in New York. The Tokyo office may be contacted at abetokyo@ssrc.org; fax: 03-5369-6142; or phone: 03-5369-6085.
3. Is there a citizenship requirement? This fellowship opportunity is available to US and Japanese citizens, as well as to nationals of other countries who can demonstrate serious long-term affiliation with the journalistic communities of the US or Japan.
4. Can I apply for this fellowship if I am not a US citizen or a Japanese citizen? You are welcome to apply if you can demonstrate that you are part of a US or Japanese journalistic community.
5. Is there an age limit? No.
6. Can I reapply for the fellowship if I was awarded an Abe Fellowship in a previous year? No. Previous recipients of the Abe Fellowship for Journalists may not apply for a second award. You may, however, apply for the longer term, Abe Fellowship. (http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/abe-fellowship/)
7. What is the period of support that the fellowship provides? The fellow must spend 6 weeks conducting research overseas.
8. Must the fellowship period be continuous? Yes.
9. Can I conduct my research during the fellowship period in countries other than Japan and the US? Yes.
10. How can I tell if my topic is within the scope of the Program? See the Abe Fellowship for Journalists Detailed Application Criteria on the Abe Fellowship Program Web site under the headings The Abe Fellowship Research Agenda and Policy Relevance or contact program staff. Information about the program can be found online at http://www.ssrc.org/fellowships/abe-fellowship-for-journalists/.
11. What is the dollar amount of the award? The stipend is $23,500 which includes one roundtrip ticket, funds to prepare for overseas fieldwork, and support for fixer services, research assistance, transcription and interpretation.
12. Does the award include supplemental support for family members? Although fellows may be accompanied by family members, the program is unable to provide supplementary support.
13. When may I activate the fellowship? Abe Fellows must activate the fellowship between April 1 and December 31, 2020.
14. What are the selection procedures? Abe Fellows are selected by the members of the Abe Fellowship for Journalists Selection Committee, which uses established peer review procedures.
15. How many awards are offered in a given year? Four awards are made each year.
16. May Abe Journalist Fellows accept other support while holding the Abe Fellowship for Journalists? Concurrent funding associated with a named grant or fellowship, such as the Fulbright, is strictly prohibited. Abe Journalist Fellows may, however, receive salary support from their employers, but cannot carry out assignments while supported by AFJ.
17. Does the fellowship provide income replacement? No, the Abe Fellowship for Journalists does not provide income replacement.
18. Must I be formally affiliated with institutions at my research sites overseas? No, although affiliation with a local press club is recommended.
19. Does SSRC sponsor Abe Fellows for visas? No.
20. How many references do I need and whom should I ask to write it for me? Two. One reference must be from your editor. The remaining reference may come from someone who is familiar with your work or from someone who knows you very well and can speak to your capability to carry out the research project. Follow the instructions on the “Reference” section of the online application to send an electronic request to the person who will submit your reference. The referee must submit the reference using the online system by 5:00 p.m.(Eastern Standard Time) on September 15, 2019.
21. When are applicants notified of decisions? Decisions are announced by the end of November.
22. May I submit my application by fax or email? No. Applications sent by fax or email will not be accepted. Applicants must supply the necessary information by using the online application system at http://soap.ssrc.org. Reference letters must also be submitted online by the September 15 deadline.
23. How can I find out whether the program has received my application? You will receive an automated email confirming the receipt of your application. If you do not receive this email upon submission, please contact program staff at abe@ssrc.org or (212) 377-3672.