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Posted: February 18, 2025

Call for Applications: A. Thomas Kirsch Award for Southeast Asia Studies

Application Deadline: June 13, 2025 / Award Amount: $1,000

Eligibility: Graduate students in anthropology studying Southeast Asia

The A. Thomas Kirsch Award for Southeast Asia Studies is an annual award established in memory of A. Thomas Kirsch, a pioneer in Thai studies and a distinguished professor of anthropology at Cornell University. This award supports graduate student members of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) engaged in the study of Southeast Asia.

Award Details

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Frequency: Awarded annually at the AAA annual meeting
  • Funding Use: The scholarship can be used for:
    • Ground and air travel
    • Accommodation, meals, and living costs
    • Visa and passport fees
    • International health insurance
    • Language study/program costs
    • Research/field study expenses
    • AAA membership dues

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in a full-time academic program anywhere in the world leading to a graduate degree in anthropology.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the anthropological study of Southeast Asia. Research may be conducted within the region or among Southeast Asian diasporic communities.
  • Be a member of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) at the time of receiving the award. Non-members may apply but must join AAA if selected. Award funds may be used to cover membership fees.
  • Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit two separate PDF files through the application portal.

Application File #1: Application Statement (PDF – KirschAward_2025_Statement.pdf)

  • Anonymized Personal Statement(1 page, single-spaced, 12-point font)
    • Describe commitment to the study of Southeast Asia from an anthropological perspective.
    • Explain how the award will support educational goals.
    • Outline the research topic and methods without identifying information.
  • Anonymized Budget Statement(one paragraph)
    • Provide a narrative budget explaining the intended use of funds.
    • Avoid including personal or institutional identifying information.

Application File #2: Application Data (PDF – KirschAward_2025_ApplicantData.pdf)

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) including name, contact information, and institutional affiliation.
  • Referee Information
    • Provide the name and contact details of at least one academic referee.
    • The referee should be a professor familiar with the applicant’s work and aspirations.
    • The selection committee will contact referees during the final review stage.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Commitment to Southeast Asian studies from an anthropological perspective.
  • Connection between professional goals and the award’s purpose.
  • Originality of research concepts, methods, or data enabled by the award.
  • Appropriateness of the budget and demonstrated financial need.

How to Apply

This award supports emerging scholars dedicated to advancing anthropological research in Southeast Asia and its diasporic communities.