Research Expertise from the Academic Diaspora (READ)

Review Criteria

Projects submitted by Resident Scholars and matched with a Diaspora Scholar will go into the Review Process and will be evaluated using the following Review Criteria:

  • Quality of proposed project
  • Evidence of mutual benefit
  • Appropriateness of time
  • Fit and quality of proposed scholar match
  • Potential for impact
  • Institutional support

Further details on each of these criteria are as follows:

Quality of proposed project

  • Specific and relevant activities are proposed related to collaborative research, joint supervision of Ph.D.s, curriculum and course co-development and/or co-teaching.
  • Strong project concept and rationale are provided; project demonstrates a well-founded understanding of current trends in the field of study. Project is practical.
  • Clear mission of what the Resident Scholar wants to accomplish through project visit is articulated, and justification is provided on reasons to partner in the effort with a Diaspora scholar. 
  • Project contributes to the overall READ goal of capacity-strengthening at Albanian higher education institutions.

Evidence of mutual benefit

  • Roles for Resident Scholar(s) and Diaspora Scholar are well designed and collaborative.
  • Mutual benefits are clearly outlined.
  • Concerted effort is demonstrated to include, engage and provide benefits to Albanian host institution and Diaspora Scholar’s home institution.

Appropriateness of time 

  • Project is feasible in time proposed for visit; project activities are focused and not too broad for the project visit timeframe.
  • Proposed project fits into longer-term collaboration and goals of the Resident and Diaspora Scholar institutions.

Fit and quality of proposed scholar match

  • The proposed Diaspora scholar’s discipline, subfields, areas of expertise, professional experience and motivation for applying are well-suited to the project described by the Resident Scholar.

Potential for impact

  • Proposed uses of research funds are clearly necessary for the current project and demonstrate an investment in future academic research work.
  • Project forms or builds on a strong base for continued partnership.
  • Evidence of sustainability of project is presented.

Institutional support

  • Resident Scholar and Diaspora Scholar provide a letter from an administrator that speaks to institutional support for participation in READ.