Kyrgyzstan History Project: Call for Applications

February 19, 2016

Kyrgyzstan History Project: Call for Applications

Toward an Inclusive Society

The Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP), in partnership with the Central Asian Studies Institute

at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), OSCE Academy in Bishkek, the French

Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC), Bishkek Humanities University and Osh State

University is pleased to announce a call for applications for Central Asian nationals to join an

innovative History Project that seeks to explore aspects of Kyrgyzstan’s history as a multi-ethnic

and multi-faith society and to identify potential lessons for fostering greater inclusion today.

Background

The Global Centre for Pluralism is an applied knowledge organization based in Ottawa, Canada

that facilitates dialogue, analysis and exchange about the building blocks of inclusive societies.

Founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Centre

was created to advance respect for diversity through the policies and practices of greater inclusion.

Overview

The Project has three components: a research paper, a research mentorship, and a final workshop.

Research paper: Based on the quality of research proposals received, the Centre will award a

small number of research grants to support the production of original research papers (7500 words)

on aspects of Kyrgyzstan’s history as a diverse society. The topics of the papers will be proposed

by applicants. Research mentorship: To support the production of these papers, each successful

applicant will be matched with an international or local mentor who will guide them through the

research and writing process and encourage them to engage critically with the past. Final

workshop: Participants will present and discuss the results of their research at a workshop in

Bishkek with project partners, mentors and invited stakeholders, with the aim of extracting

applicable lessons from the past for Kyrgyzstan today as it seeks to foster greater inclusion.

Duration and timeline

Project participants and mentors, will be selected in March and April 2016. Following a one-day

introductory workshop in Bishkek in the first week of May, successful applicants will conduct

their research and begin drafting their papers with advice from their mentors from May to August.

Drafts of the research papers are due by end of August, with final papers submitted by end of

September for peer review by an international advisory committee. Participants will be asked to

revise the papers based on the reviews and submit a final paper with an accompanying abstract in

October. The final workshop will take place in November. Travel expenses to both workshops for

successful applicants will be covered by the project.

Papers

Each paper will examine some aspect of Kyrgyzstan’s past as a multi-ethnic and/or multi-faith

society, with a focus on identifying and understanding the sources of inclusion and exclusion in

Kyrgyzstan and how these have evolved over time. The completed research papers should be a

maximum of 7500 words. At the discretion of the Centre, following discussion at the workshop,

selected papers may be published on one or more partner websites.

Research Grant

Each successful applicant will receive a research grant of USD$750. Applicants may also apply

for an additional research grant of up to USD$750 for field research or other research-related

expenses. Applicants should submit a detailed budget proposal describing the proposed nature,

location and duration of the research that itemizes the related expenses.

Eligibility and selection

This call for applicants is open to Central Asian nationals, with preference given to individuals

residing in the region. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in a related subject; a

graduate degree (or the equivalent) is preferred. Well qualified candidates from a range of

professional settings are encouraged (government, civil society, universities). Candidates must

ensure they are able to participate fully in each aspect of the project and meet the required time

commitments. Candidates are expected to be proficient in one of the following languages: Kyrgyz,

Russian or English. Applications will be reviewed by an international advisory committee.

Applications

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Applications must be submitted in Kyrgyz,

Russian or English. They must include:

A completed application form
A curriculum vitae including academic qualifications and relevant professional experience

(maximum 2 pages)

A research proposal that includes: the historic case, problem or question that will be

examined and why it is significant; a plan for how the research will be conducted; and what

contribution this will make to both the study of history in Kyrgyzstan and to an understanding

of the nature of Kyrgyzstan’s experience with diversity (max. 750 words)

A detailed budget outlining the expected research activities and costs up to USD$750.00.
One academic or professional reference. Applicants should complete Section A of the

Reference Form and send it to their chosen reference to complete. References must submit

the Reference Form electronically directly to the Global Centre for Pluralism.

Please send completed applications to the Global Centre for Pluralism via Asel Abdyramanova at:

assel.kubanysh@gmail.com. For further information, please contact Ms. Abdyramanova.

Submission deadline: March 18, 2016

For more information on project partners, please visit:

 Central Asian Studies Institute: https://auca.kg/en/casiabout/

 French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC): www.ifeac.hypotheses.org

 OSCE Academy: www.osce-academy.net

 Bishkek Humanities University: http://www.bhu.kg

 Osh State University: http://www.oshsu.kg

 Global Centre for Pluralism: www.pluralism.ca

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