2013-14 HSS Fellowship in the History of Space Science
Deadline: Applications must be received by 1 April 2013. Please note that all applications must be submitted by email. Read below for more details.
The fellowship, offered by the History of Science Society and supported by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) History Division will annually fund one Fellow, for up to one academic year, to undertake a research project related to the history of space science.
The HSS Fellowship in the History of Space Science is intended to fund research in the history of space science broadly conceived, including its social, cultural, institutional and personal context. The history of space science predates the founding of NASA. For example, the organizers of the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958) realized the important contributions spacecraft data could make to science, and the launch of Explorer I in 1958 demonstrated that feasibility with its discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts. In addition, scientific questions that motivated spaces sciences and scientific principles from which it evolved have even earlier roots.
Space science has implications for our understanding of the moon and planets, fields and particles in space, celestial bodies beyond the solar system such as stars and galaxies, the Earth itself, and the life sciences, especially exobiology. Some works on space science are listed at the NASA History Office Web site: http://history.nasa.gov/.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT
1. The recipient shall engage in space science research for nine months, normally August-May, but within the period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014.
2. While receiving the stipend, the fellow shall devote at least 50% his/her efforts to the research program.
3. The Fellow shall provide to the NASA History Office a copy of any publications that emerge from the research undertaken during the fellowship year.
4. The Fellow will be responsible for office space, equipment, and supplies.
5. The Fellow will be expected to present a paper or public lecture on the findings of the research.
6. The Fellow will write a report at the term’s conclusion.
7. By accepting the fellowship, the recipient incurs no obligations to NASA or HSS as regards future publications.
Eligibility
Applicants must possess a doctorate degree in history of science or in a closely related field, or be enrolled as a student in a doctoral degree-granting program and have completed all requirements for the Ph.D., except the dissertation, in history of science or a related field. Eligibility is not limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
Term and Stipend
The Fellowship term is for a period of nine months. The Fellow will be expected to devote the term largely to the proposed research project. The stipend is intended for a nine-month fellowship during the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. For further details on the stipend, please email info@hssonline.org. The starting and ending dates within that period are flexible. Funds may not be used to support tuition or fees. Sources of anticipated support must be listed in the application form. The stipend for 2013-14 will be $21,250.
Application
The applicant must complete an application form and email it to info@hssonline.org no later than 5:00 PM EDT on Monday, 1 April 2013. Please be sure to include the following:
- Completed application form. You may include additional pages as needed.
- Curriculum vitae
- A specific and detailed research proposal that will be the basis of the Fellow's research during the term. This should include qualifications and how the fellowship will help the applicant reach his/her goals. Please observe a 5-page maximum, not including a brief bibliography.
- 3 letters of recommendation. These can be sent directly by the writer as an email or electronic attachment. The letters should address the historical competence of the applicant, his/her ability to use historical concepts and methods, and his/her ability to communicate. Letters should be received via email at info@hssonline.org no later than 5:00 PM EDT on Monday, 8 April 2013. Please note the additional week for letters of recommendation.
NOTE: For the files below, please right-click and select "save as..." or "save link as..." to download them to your computer.
Application for 2013 (Microsoft Word)
Optional Form for Recommendation Letters (Microsoft Word)
Please contact the HSS Executive Office if you have any questions.