Individual Advanced Research Opportunities (IARO)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Deadlines and Application Materials
Eligibility & Fellowship Details
Reporting
A Note About Funding Sources

If your question isn't answered here contact IREX directly at iaro@irex.org.

DEADLINE AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Must my application ARRIVE at IREX by November 17?
Yes. All application materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received by IREX/Washington, DC by the November 17 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. IREX encourages applicants to begin obtaining letters of recommendation and transcripts well before the application deadline, as these materials can often take up substantial time to gather.

May I fax my application?
No. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

May I send my application by e-mail?
Yes. Applications will be accepted via e-mail at: iaro@irex.org if they are formatted as one PDF document containing all required application components. Any other format will not be accepted. In order to ensure the proper processing of your application, please include your last name in the email subject line (example: IARO Application for Jones) and please follow-up with a phone call to confirm the receipt of the application.

I am a graduate student affiliated with an overseas university that does not provide transcripts. What should I do?
The Selection Committee relies on transcripts to provide background information on a graduate student's coursework. If you are affiliated with a university that does not provide transcripts, provide instead a list of classes together with a letter from your advisor at that university clearly outlining your program and performance.

Are faxed references acceptable?
In rare cases, IREX will accept faxed references, provided that there is no way an original signed letter can be submitted on time (e.g. when a reference is out of the country and very difficult to reach). In this case, applicants should contact IREX beforehand to discuss the situation.

Are e-mailed references acceptable?
No. References must be received by mail.

Will I be required to take a language examination?
No. For each relevant language, applicants must obtain one Language Proficiency Reference Form filled out by their academic advisor, language instructor, or other reference qualified to evaluate the applicant's language skills, detailing how their language skills are sufficient in the host-country language for undertaking the proposed research.

When are selections made?
The selection committee typically meets in or around early February to select grantees; awards will be announced by the end of March.

ELIGIBILITY & FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

May I apply for research in more than one country?
Yes. Applicants may apply for up to a maximum of three countries, with a minimum of one month’s stay per country.

I would like to conduct research pertaining to Europe/Eurasia in archives located in North America and Western Europe. May I apply for research outside of Europe/Eurasia when the nature of my proposal warrants it?
No. Funding is available for research only in the countries listed. No funding is available for research outside of these regions.

Does the grant pay for a research assistant or translators?
No. Money from this program cannot be used to pay for research assistants, translators, or other staff. It is assumed that the grantee will have the necessary language skills for individual research.

Can I use the grant for write-up time or language study?
No. This program does not pay for write-up time or language study.

Does it matter what airline I use on my trip?
Yes. Due to federal funding restrictions all grantees must fly with an American air carrier from the United States to their destination, or closest point if their destination is not served by an American carrier. In addition, grantees must book their tickets through IREX Travel at least eight weeks before departure.

I found cheaper tickets on a non-US carrier. May I use this for my dependents?
Yes. Because IREX does not pay anything toward dependents' plane tickets, they are free to use a non-US carrier.

I am not a US citizen, but am a permanent US resident. Am I eligible?
Yes. Non-US citizens are eligible for the IARO program provided they are permanent residents. Proof of residency will be required before grant monies will be disbursed.

Are applicants required to be affiliated with a US university?
No. In most cases, applicants have a full-time affiliation with a college or university and are faculty members, master’s students, or doctoral candidates who will have completed all requirements for the PhD except the dissertation by the time of participation. Independent scholars or recipients of professional or graduate degrees (MFA, JD, MA, MS, MD, MLIS, MBA, MPA) also qualify. Inquiries about eligibility are welcome.

At the time of application I will still be a graduate student; however, I expect to receive my PhD before the beginning of my grant. Should I apply as a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher?
Any student pursuing an advanced degree at the application deadline (November 17) will be considered a graduate student during the application process.

REPORTING

What type of reporting is required by IREX?
All grantees must submit final research, administrative, and handbook reports to IREX after the completion of their grant. Grantees are also required to submit a workplan within one month of the start of the grant and an interim research report.

What should be included in my reports?
In general, reports should discuss your ongoing research, its impact on the field, the relevance of your research to issues affecting US foreign policy in the region, methodology used, successes and failures, shifts in focus, academic climate in your host country, living conditions, and suggestions for future grantees and IREX. These reports are used as sources of information for future grantees and for funding agencies. Grantees should be candid and as detailed as possible. IREX will provide detailed instructions on reporting requirements to all grantees.

A NOTE ABOUT FUNDING SOURCES
Funding for the 2008-2010 Individual Advanced Research Opportunities is provided by grants from the Department of State (Title VIII Program). Information contained here is subject to change based on available support and priorities as determined by either IREX or its funders.