MiReKoc MIGRATION RESEARCH PROGRAM AT KOÇ UNIVERSITY CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS, 2009-2010 The Migration Research Program at Koç University (MiReKoc), established August 2004 as a jointinitiative grant-giving program by Koç University and the Foundation for Population, Migration, and Environment (based in Zurich), is now inviting applications for funding for 2009/2010 in the form of research proposals for projects investigating Turkey-related migration issues. MiReKoc pursues the following aims: developing the research capacity on migration issues in Turkey; providing collaboration among researchers and strengthening Turkish research capacities in these fields; connecting the migration issues in Turkey and in the near abroad, such as neighbouring areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa; advancing incorporation of scholarly migration research findings into the policy-making process; providing a better understanding of how migration issues are interrelated to various social, economic, cultural, and political issues in both domestic and international, or local and global settings. Facilitating research of migration issues at the theoretical and empirical level from different disciplinary angles, the Program promotes multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research practices. However, in either case originality is the main concern. As both quantitative and qualitative research is considered equally important, the Program encourages use of a diverse range of research methods such as survey research, ethnographic research, fieldwork, and archival research. The main disciplines contributing to the Program to date include economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, history, law, demography, urban studies, geography, psychology, and education. Within the context of the purposes and concerns cited above, the Program puts forth an annual call for research grant applications. In the period of 2009-2010, MiReKoc is offering two types of research grant: for Thematically-open (T-O) Research, and Thematically-focused (T-F) Research projects.
The T-O Research Grant is open to any project focusing on Turkey-related migration issues that fits with MiReKoc s general mandate of migration research. Accordingly, the Program encourages research proposals on various newly emerging migration topics, as well as topics which are better documented and researched, but require some new inquiry, with clear justifications. For the T-F Research Grant, the Program encourages submission of research proposals that particularly address the following issues in the field of migration related research and policy making: Xenophobia, human rights abuse and discrimination against internal and international migrants in Turkey Both internal and international migrations have significant consequences for the migrant receiving communities in Turkey. It is within this context that migrants face particular problems of racism, discrimination and xenophobia. How can we conceptualize and classify xenophobic discrimination, behaviour and actions against internal and international migrants in Turkey? How is it possible to develop intercultural understanding in order to raise public awareness of discrimination and racism issues in the country? What are the links between racism or xenophobia and immigration or the presence of migrants? How can the rights and dignity of different types of migrants such as ruralurban migrants, labour migrants, irregular migrants, transit migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey be protected? Legal frameworks and policy practices regarding immigration and asylum flows in Turkey and the effects of these entry policies and practices on the integration of immigrants in the country Intensifying international migration poses several major policy dilemmas for many societies; most countries of the world are becoming more multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multilingual. What is the relationship between integration policies and the legal framework on international migration and asylum flows in Turkey? What are the main policy dilemmas that challenge international migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey? What are the current problems arising from implementation of the policies on international migration and asylum flows in Turkey? Return migration to Turkey Since the beginning of labour migration from Turkey in the early 1960s, the country has been faced with the return migration of its expatriated citizens. Attention paid by a number of scholars to links between development and migration has highlighted the need to examine the phenomena of return migration. In addition to this, return migration in the age of globalization often implies a type of circular migration and/or the back and forward movement of a floating population. Today, in Turkey we still need to know who returns, when and why, and any distinction between various types of returnees.
Turkish citizens who are residents of Turkey are eligible to apply for the grants. Temporary residence outside Turkey does not preclude eligibility. Research proposals may include non-turkish researchers as co-investigators (any non-turkish researcher may apply, if s/he collaborates with a Turkish researcher residing in Turkey). The Program language is English 1. Researchers will be asked to submit their proposals by April 17 2009, using the MiReKoc Grant Application Form. Researchers may ask for suggestions and/or advice from the MiReKoc Secretariat to improve and resubmit their proposals. After a blind-review process by scholars in the field, the MiReKoc Scientific Advisory Committee will choose roughly 2-7 of the best complete research proposals, assessing in terms of scientific contribution, policy relevance, and feasibility. The individual research funds will be ranged from minimum USD 5 000 to USD 45 000. Researchers must indicate the possibility of finding additional matching-funds from other institutions, including their own, for the project submitted. The research projects to be funded will be announced late June 2009. For further information, contact the MiReKoc office: MiReKoc, Dept. of International Relations, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu 34450 Sarıyer Istanbul Turkey, tel: +90 212 338 1635, +90 338 1689, fax: +90 212 338 1642 or consult our web site: http://www.mirekoc.com, e.mail: mirekoc@ku.edu.tr. Address : MiReKoc, Department of International Relations, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu 34450 Sarıyer İstanbul Turkey Telephone : ++ (90 212) 338 16 35 ++ (90 212) 338 16 89 Fax : ++ (90 212) 338 16 42 E-mail Website : mirekoc@ku.edu.tr : http://www.mirekoc.com 1. Only in some exceptional cases -the researcher with very limited English proficiency- may apply with a proposal written in Turkish and may write their research report in Turkish. However the researcher should provide MiReKoc with a very detailed English summary of their research proposal and research report.
MiReKoc MIGRATION RESEARCH PROGRAM AT THE KOÇ UNIVERSITY GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MiReKoc GRANTS The main funding for MiReKoc is provided by the Swiss Foundation for Population, Migration and Environment (FPME) and Koç University. The responsibility of running this program falls under the MiReKoc Administration in the Department of International Relations of Koç University. Some additional funding is also provided by other institutions. In previous rounds, the following organizations made some financial contributions to MiReKoc s operations: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation, (TESEV), The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), International organization for Migration (IOM), Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation (OSIAF). The program language is English. The program calls for applications for research grants annually. In this application round, there are two types of research grant being offered: The thematically-open (T-O) research grant The thematically-focused (T-F) research grant The T-O Research Grant is open to any project concerning Turkey-related migration issues, which fits with MiReKoc s general mandate of migration research. The T-F Research Grant addresses specific issues and topics in the field of migration related issues in Turkey. These issues and topics are determined annually by the Scientific Advisory Committee of MiReKoc. Eligibility: Turkish citizens who are residents of Turkey are eligible to apply for the grants. Temporary residence outside Turkey does not preclude eligibility. Any non-turkish researcher may apply for a MiReKoc grant, if s/he collaborates with a Turkish researcher residing in Turkey. Non- Turkish scholars and Turkish scholars living abroad permanently should have at least one Turkish co-investigator residing in Turkey. Grant-giving procedure: 1. Mid January: Every round, the call for proposals for the MiReKoc grants is announced in January. 2. Mid April: For every round, the deadline for sending proposals to MiReKoc administration is mid to late April. 3. May: The proposals are sent for a blind-review process. 4. June: The Scientific Advisory Committee meets to make decisions about the grants. 5. Late June: The successful proposals are announced.
The research funds are ranged from minimum 5 000 USD to maximum 45 000 USD, hence annually two to seven research projects may be supported. Project applicants will need to find some matching-funds. The project grants do not support purchase of equipment such as PCs, printers, or arrangement of meetings. Grants allow some contribution to Universities general research funds (i.e. overheads, but the institutions of the researcher will be advised to waive the overhead as their institutional support to the researcher). The principal researcher of each project is responsible for the administration of his or her budget. The payments are made to the principal researcher in two instalments, 3/5 after the approval of the proposal, and 2/5 after the approval of the final research report. The principal researcher is asked to present progress reports for the ongoing research every four months. The payment is made to the principal researcher after the submission of a research budget detailing the way the funds will be spent. If the principal researcher publishes an article in a peer-reviewed journal within the first-twelvemonth period after the submission of the final report of the project, there will be a 500 USD payment as royalty/honorarium. Only one article out of each research project will be rewarded in this context. Research Proposals: Applications are to be submitted by writing a research proposal which includes all of the information and details necessary for the Scientific Advisory Committee to understand the research ideas and plans. There is a formatted MiReKoc Grant Application Form which must also be submitted. The proposal should discuss the following issues: the main objectives of the research the theoretical framework a literature review the intended methodology It should also include the significance of the expected results and their policy implications, plans for the dissemination of research results, and the utilization of other research facilities from other sources. The proposal should contain a clear and detailed time schedule and a tentative and itemized budget, including details and letters of commitment from organizations providing matching funds. The researcher s Curriculum Vitae should also be provided.
MiReKoc MIGRATION RESEARCH PROGRAM AT THE KOÇ UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDELINES, 2009-2010 The proposed research must focus on Turkey-related migration issues. The amount of the grant awards normally range from USD 5 000 to 45 0000. Applicants will have to arrange some matching-funds from other institutions, including their own. Funds supplied by MiReKoc may be used for expenses directly related to the project, such as fieldwork expenses (personnel, travel and per diem), research materials, data set, stationery, and all other research-related expenses. MiReKoc does not supply funding for large-size research equipment such as a computer, printer or camera. Researchers may ask for an honorarium-type payment for their labour. Some limited amount of overheads may be paid to researchers institutions (but these institutions will be advised to waive the overhead as part of their institutional support to the researcher). The proposals should be submitted via the formatted MiReKoc Grant Application Form. If selected, advice and technical support may be provided in order to further develop the proposal. The main aim of the proposal is to introduce the basic idea, explain its scientific contribution and policy relevance, and show its feasibility in methodological and data terms. Note that the proposed research should be completed within maximum one year after approval of the proposal, with progress reports presented every four months. An itemized and detailed budget is required. Each complete proposal will be reviewed by the MiReKoc Secretariat, and those which meet minimum standards will be forwarded to experts for blind-review evaluation. Finally, the MiReKoc Scientific Advisory Committee will select the roughly 2-7 best complete research proposals to be funded. Application Procedure Applicants are encouraged to consult with the MiReKoc Secretariat and website before submitting their proposal. The initial application procedure involves submission of two hard copies of a concise proposal accompanied by a diskette, in the template of the formatted MiReKoc Grant Application Form and written in English. The proposal should include statements on the items specified below. Care should be taken to provide enough information so that the project s merits can be objectively evaluated. This is especially true in the design and methodology section. 1. A Short Abstract. 100 to 250 words 2. Background Statement. A brief statement justifying the proposed project and assessing the project s scientific merit, and potential policy implications. 3. Hypothesis / Research Question. The central question to be asked and answered. 4. Aims. The specific objectives of the project. 5. Design and Methodology or Project Plan. A detailed explanation of the procedures to be followed in accomplishing the objectives of the project including, if applicable, descriptions of all details of empirical research or fieldwork.
6. Time Schedule. A brief time schedule for completion of the project. 7. Budget. A proposed budget with detailed categories of expenses. The MiReKoc budget accounting system requires that the receipts and invoices (and similar documents) of expenses must be submitted to the MiReKoc administration and honorarium payments are subject to a tax cut of nearly 20%. 8. Literature References. Bibliographical references for literature cited in the proposal. 9. Résumé. Abbreviated résumés or biographical sketches of key project personnel, containing pertinent references if applicable. Each résumé should not exceed three pages. The deadline for the submission of proposals for the 2009-2010 period will be April 17, 2009. The proposals will be submitted to: Contact Address : Prof. Dr. Ahmet İçduygu, Director : MiReKoc, Dept. of International Relations, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu 34450 Sarıyer Istanbul Turkey Telephone : ++ (90 212) 338 16 89 Fax : ++ (90 212) 338 16 42 E-mail : aicduygu@ku.edu.tr Contact Address : A. Biriz Karaçay, Administrator : MiReKoc, Dept. of International Relations, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu 34450 Sarıyer Istanbul Turkey Telephone : ++ (90 212) 338 16 35 Fax : ++ (90 212) 338 16 42 E-mail : atokat@ku.edu.tr