Research Innovation & Collaboration Exchange (RICE) Program

Key Program Elements

• RICE recipients will undertake projects involving research, convening, and publications projects in collaboration and coordination with the EWC in the Honolulu or Washington, DC offices. The duration as well as the associated stipend, support, and travel funding for RICE recipients will be based on discussion and mutual agreement between EWC and the RICE recipient based on the project proposal. Recipients will work mostly at their home locations with possible travel to Honolulu or Washington, DC if funding permits and as relevant to proposed project activities and outcomes.
• During the program, participants will pursue their proposed project, advance their leadership skills, and take advantage of the resources and access of the East-West Center’s Honolulu and Washington, DC offices. Moreover, recipients will have opportunities to collaborate with EWC researchers and staff to enhance and advance their projects. Emphasis for selection will be toward proposed collaborations and exchanges which create or strengthen individual/institutional partnerships, expand networks, and EWC and individual/institutional partner outcomes.
• All project outcomes (e.g., EWC/Co-Branded publications, convenings, reports, videos, websites, etc.) will be co-branded between EWC and the applicants home institution, and preference will be given to outcomes which are sustainable. RICE funding may include a monthly stipend and travel expenses depending upon the project proposed.

Funding Information

• The East-West Center funds multiple RICE projects between $10,000 – $35,000 and in the $30,000 to $80,000 ranges.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be nationals of a country from the Indo-Pacific or the United States and eligible to receive a stipend.
• Applicants must possess a minimum of a completed Master’s degree. Research applicants should have completed a PhD, while policy experts, NGO/CSO leaders, and journalists, among others, should have demonstrated experience in their professions. Preference will be given to candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to conduct research, projects, and network in Honolulu or Washington, DC.
• Due to EWC funding regulations, non-US citizens or permanent residents who are selected as RICE recipients will require East-West Center J-1 visa sponsorship during their residency. Acceptance to the program will subject fellows to Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or the two-year home country residency requirement before the fellow may apply for a change of status in the United States, permanent residency, or an H, L, or K visa.

Application Requirements

• A completed online application form
• A full CV
• Two letters of reference
• A 3-page MAXIMUM project proposal outlining the projected work. The proposal must include a summary of the project to be pursued (e.g., a research publication and other outcome(s) as outlined above); a schedule and identified milestones to complete the project; an explanation of how the collaboration with EWC will further the proposed work (e.g., access to research experts, dialogues with key partners, convening for critical dialogue, etc.). If residency at EWC in Honolulu and/or Washington is proposed, a clear justification of the necessity of such residency should be explained. Preference will be given to candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to conduct research, projects, and network in Honolulu or Washington, DC
• Budget for the work, including requested stipend, travel, housing, other costs.

For more information, visit East-West Center.