Hi all,
As I noted a couple of days ago, the University of Lethbridge has given
me $5,000 to use for Global Outlook DH. The money is budgeted primarily
to fund research projects (under the terms of the grant, these research
projects must assist me in my research, but since GlobalOutlookDH is one
of my research projects, this requirement is easily satisfied).
When we were setting GO::DH up, we though that the best use of the money
might be to set up a competition for students and perhaps post-docs and
junior faculty to propose research topics that they would investigate
concerning global access to and participation in the Digital Humanities.
We would then commission the best proposals and pay a consultant's fee
upon submission of the completed report (again a requirement of the grant).
I'd like to start this programme up. But as always, I think it is
worthwhile consulting with this group first as to the viability of this
plan and for advice on both the size of the awards and the parameters of
the competition.
I was thinking that a prize of $500 per successfully completed project
would be a reasonable amount for each prize. Because I want to keep some
money back to assist the web-team in case they need design assistance or
similar, I would at this amount be able to offer 8 prizes. What do
others think?
In terms of the parameters of the competition, I was thinking of
something like the following in terms of language:
"Call for proposals: GO::DH is soliciting proposals for research on
topics involving global access to and use of technology in the arts,
humanities, and Cultural Heritage sectors.
Possible topics might include: the use of technology in a single
project, institution, region, country, or economic region; comparative
studies of the use of technology in such contexts in different regions
and/or types of economy; barriers to or opportunities for inter-regional
collaboration and cooperation; and infrastructure issues. Other topics
focussing on the interests of Global Outlook DH are equally welcome.
The form the research may take is also open: theoretical or historical
analysis, case study, policy proposals, are all also possible forms and
formal experimentation is welcomed.
A maximum of 4 projects will be commissioned in Spring 2013 (a second
competition planned for Fall 2013). To apply, submit a CV and 200 word
abstract explaining the proposed topic and format by XXX to YYY.
Preference in the competition will be given to students, post-doctoral
fellows, junior faculty members at institutions of higher learning, and
scholars and researchers not associated with universities."
I'm sure this needs a lot of work. But what to people think about the
broad outline? Any suggestions?
--
Daniel Paul O'Donnell
Professor of English
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge AB T1K 3M4
Canada
+1 403 393-2539