Dear Colleagues, 2010 Long term Research Grant for Outstanding Scholars The Strategic Initiative for Korean Studies (SIKS) in the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) has announced a new grant available in 2010: The Laboratoryfor the Globalization of Korean Studies. SIKS is accepting applications until *June 21, 2010*. This program is not only for Koreanists, but also for outstanding scholars of disciplinary studies and other area specialists for comparative studies. The Laboratory for Globalization of Korean Studies grant enables research units to conduct long-term research projects, whereby a “Lab Director” and a small number of “Lab Fellows” (researchers) carry out research for publishing top-quality monographs. As a research unit with distinguished scholars playing key roles, the lab would be an integrated model of education and research. Scholars and academics in any fields that are directly or indirectly related to Korean studies are eligible for the grant. SIKS welcomes a diverse array of research projects including interdisciplinary research, comparative studies, and developing theories in Korean studies. Scholars in disciplinary studies and specialists in other areas such as China, Japan, or other countries may apply for comparative studies on Korea. SIKS strongly recommends that all qualified scholars apply this year because it is not sure certain whether there will be any new openings next year. Each lab will be supported with up to 300 million KRW (about US$260,000) annually for up to five years, depending on the result of an interim evaluation. The total over five years will be up to 1.5 billion KRW (about US$1.3 million). Following the initial five-year period, support may be granted for another five years. For members of a lab, visiting scholarship, research leave, summer salary and class-buyouts, and the like are allowed, if applicants’ universities have these systems. Successful candidates will have a strong academic record of published journal articles and at least one book and belong to an academic institutionor organization that is capable of carrying out such research. Applicants should provide a promising research abstract that will enhance and improve Korean Studies. Further information on the Laboratory for the Globalization of Korean Studies and the application process is available at: http://siks.aks.ac.kr/. To access the site in English, click on “English” at the top of the Web site. The on-line application period is open from June 8 until June 21, 2010. Inquiries, should be directed to Ms. Hyun-ah Kim at global@aks.ac.kr<http://us.mc544.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=global@aks.ac.kr> . Strategic Initiative for Korean Studies Do Hyun HAN, Ph.D. Director, Strategic Initiative for Korean Studies Professor of Sociology Academy of Korean Studiesecclehan@aks.ac.kr