Old Email Archive

digest 1998-11-06 #001.txt


Thursday
From: "Society for Literature & Science" 

Daily SLS Email Digest
-> Forwarded: Six $100,000 Grants to Write Books
by WAYNEM@HUMnet.UCLA.EDU
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 5 Nov 1998 14:39:25 -0800
From: WAYNEM@HUMnet.UCLA.EDU
Subject: Forwarded: Six $100,000 Grants to Write Books
Hi,
Here's some money to forge links across intellectual traditions!
Wayne
=-=-=-=-=-=-=PLEASE FORWARD=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This message was sent to several mailing lists.  We apologize if you
receive multiple copies of this message.  Please forward it to everyone
who
might be interested. Thank you.
- - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS -
to compete for
SIX $100,000 GRANTS FOR RESEARCH, WRITING, AND PUBLICATION
EXPLORING THE CONSTRUCTIVE INTERACTION OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION
The John Templeton Foundation is pleased to announce a competition for
six
$100,000 awards to support sabbatical research and writing on the
constructive interface between science and religion in the 21st
century.
Applications are encouraged from talented, research-focused, writers
representing any and all religious traditions, as well as non-religious
thinkers.  Successful applicants will have demonstrated skills in
research
and writing, exemplifying engaged, well-informed discourse, balanced
inquiry, and a humble approach to learning.  This awards competition
seeks
to stimulate outstanding research, writing, and publishing in the broad
field of science and religion.
Three topical categories are listed below for the present cycle. 
Proposals
should be submitted in one or more of the following three categories:
1) EVIDENCE OF PURPOSE: Investigations at the constructive interface of
science and religion which are focused broadly on the subject of
teleology,
giving evidence of purpose and meaning in relation to cosmological,
evolutionary, and human cultural processes.
2) HUMAN CREATIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING: Considerations of the potential
and
meaning of humanity's accelerating comprehension of reality and
expanding
creative power with specific concern for moral and spiritual progress.
3) CONCEPTS OF GOD: Theological and philosophical investigation of the
relationship between God and World, especially which integrate
scientific
insights and perspectives.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
- Letters of Inquiry:    January 4, 1999.
- Full Applications:     May 3, 1999.
- Grants Announced      September 3, 1999.
TYPE CATEGORIES:
(I.) PROFESSIONAL SCHOLARLY BOOKS
(II.) NON-PROFESSIONAL BOOKS FOR POPULAR AUDIENCES
An important criteria of merit is effective dissemination of the work
in
the form of chapters published in scholarly journals and distinguished
magazines.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT AND THE "HUMBLE APPROACH": The main
aspect of
vision and mission of the John Templeton Foundation is to pursue
research
at the boundary between theology and science through rigorous,
open-minded
and empirically-focused methodologies, drawing together talented
representatives from a wide spectrum of fields of expertise.  This has
been
described as the  "humble approach."  Typically it seeks to
focus the
methods and resources of scientific inquiry on topical areas which have
religious and theological significance ranging across the disciplines
from
cosmology to healthcare.  The Foundation sponsors a wide variety of
project
initiatives pursuing the 'humble approach" in basic research, in
pedagogy,
in promoting high-level dialog, and by awarding prizes for excellence
in
research, writing, and teaching.  Envisioned by Sir John Templeton
especially is the possibility of multiplying many aspects of spiritual
information, insight, and wisdom through the appropriate application of
scientific research methods, as well as by encouraging enthusiasm for
an
open, questing, scientific attitude within religious communities
exemplified in the adage, "how little we know, how eager to
learn."
The specific purpose of this program is to stimulate writing of highly
innovative and high quality books, which exemplify the open
research-focused mode of multifaceted inquiry, which characterizes the
"humble approach."  Further information describing the donor
intent for the
John Templeton Foundation may be found in: (i) The Humble Approach
(1995,
2nd edition forthcoming) by John Marks Templeton; Worldwide Laws of
Life
(1997) by John Marks Templeton; and on the Foundation's website at
.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
(i) This program is likely to be highly competitive.  Interested
persons
are encouraged not to apply if their preparation and record of
publication
is not at a very high level of accomplishment.
(ii) Applications will be considered from single authors as well as
from
teams of two or more authors working together.  Proposals should
identify
which category the proposal is being submitted under and whether the
proposal is for a 'professional' or a 'popular' book.
(iii) The use of prize monies is unrestricted to the prizewinner.
Specific budgeting is not required.  However, applicants should
describe
briefly how they would plan to utilize the prizes in terms of a
prospective
timeline for their research and writing.  Prizes can be awarded to
sponsoring institutions, if desired.  In such cases, overhead will not
be
paid beyond 10% of the sum of salary plus benefits.
(iv) The desired form of application is described below:
Letter of Inquiry: Interested parties should prepare a letter of not
more
than three pages single-spaced describing the book they propose to
write.
A detailed CV summary of not more than three pages should be attached.
This should include references to previous articles and books written
by
the author(s) of the proposed book. Screening of initial letters is
provided to alleviate wasted effort by applicants unlikely to succeed
in
the competition.  Invitations for full applications will be sent to a
reduced number of applicants whose accomplishments and proposed book
idea
inspires a sense of extraordinary promise to a screening committee of
distinguished expert reviewers.  The deadline for letters of inquiry is
January 4, 1999.  Ten copies of all materials must be provided.
Full Proposals: Applicants who are invited to submit full proposals
must
demonstrate a deep, innovative, well-informed and intellectually
profound
engagement with the topic on which they propose to write.  Full
proposals
should be not more than 10 pages in length, single-spaced.  These
should
include: (i) an executive summary; (ii) a detailed overview of the aims
and
purpose of the book; (iii) an index/outline noting the topics to be
covered
with brief notes; and (iv) a publication plan with a description of the
target audiences the book is intended to reach.  Last, proposals should
include an appended full and detailed CVs plus lists of publications
for
all authors.  Ten copies of all materials must be submitted. 
Additional
attachments of relevant published work are encouraged.  The deadline
for
full proposals is May 1, 1999.  Awards will be announced by September 1,
1999.
TERMS OF AWARD:
1. $75,000 upon the initial award of the prize
2. $15,000 upon acceptance for publication by the publisher
3. $10,000 upon documentation of book sales in excess of 2000 volumes.
For further information, go to  or send
email to .  Please no phone calls.
Letters of Inquiry should be sent to:
Book RFP
John Templeton Foundation
100 Matsonford Rd., Suite 100,
Radnor, PA 19087