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?