Institute of East Asian Studies

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Be either (1), an American citizen or U.S. permanent resident; or (2), a citizen or permanent resident from a European country, including the United Kingdom.

• Hold a faculty, research, or administrative position at a U.S. or Europe based institution of higher education OR have equivalent experience as a mid-career specialist in the private or public sector.

Program Timeframe:

• Three years, from June 2026 to June 2028.

Program Costs:

• All travel-related expenses (economy class flights, lodging, and meals) will be covered by the grant. 

Program Expectations & Commitments:

• Applicants must commit to attend all three in-person meetings, which typically occur over a one- to two-week period within the first two weeks of June. The meetings are as follows*:
  

• Virtual Meet and Greet (January 2026 or February 2026, half day).

• Taipei (June 2026, one week).

• Europe (June 2027, two weeks).

• Washington, D.C. (June 2028, one week).

*Note:  The first meeting is planned for Taiwan and will occur sometime between May 31 and June 14, 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed). While these dates are the current target, they may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, other opportunities to convene, publish, and/or participate in public engagements may arise throughout the program period. Though these opportunities are encouraged, they are not a requirement of the program. 

• Submit a 2-3 page reflection following each of the three meetings.

• Develop a short policy paper (3-5 pages) on a topic of the applicant’s choosing as it concerns U.S.-Taiwan, European-Taiwan, or U.S.-Taiwan-European relations. Participants will be expected to submit their policy papers for publication, and will be encouraged to seek out opportunities for publication/public appearances in newspapers, newsrooms, and/or with other media outlets. Participants will also be encouraged to develop longer papers in a format useful to their careers if they wish to do so. For example, a political scientist might write a research article for publication, then create a 3-5 page version that would be suitable for publication in Foreign Policy or a similar outlet. A policy professional might write a policy report, including a 3-5 page memo or executive summary. A journalist might do a long-form article, with a 3-5 page version. These papers will be developed over the course of the three-year period under the guidance of the Senior Advisors and submitted to TECO at the end of the program. 

Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume:

• A detailed educational and professional curriculum vitae or resume that includes a summary of major publications, public presentations, relevant professional activities, and accomplishments.

• Contact Information for Three Professional References:

• Please list the name, title, phone number, email, and affiliation of three references, as well as your relationship to each reference.

• Personal Statement:

• 1-2 pages explaining your area of interest as it relates to Taiwan, what you hope to gain from the program, and potential topic(s) for the policy paper you plan to develop over the course of the program.

Application Deadline:

Saturday, November 1, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST.

Questions?

Please send all applications, as well as any additional questions about the program or the application procedures, to our Program Coordinator, Ms. Skye VanValkenburgh 吳思凱, at ieas-taiwan@berkeley.edu