[ecrea] UCF White Paper

Call for Proposals
Urban Communication Foundation
White Paper Project




Urban Communication is the study of communication within an urban context. The built environment is rich with information and physical architectures that manifest unique social situations. From traffic patterns to sidewalks, to mobile computing and surveillance technologies, the issues presented by the rapidly changing communication context constructed through urban environments are vast and varied.
The Urban Communication Foundation (UCF) has been a leader in promoting scholarship in this general area. The Foundation has funded dozens of research projects and acknowledged dozens of scholars that have advanced the field of study. We now seek to extend this influence by focusing in on particular issues or areas of research. As such, will be soliciting public research reports on issues that have a direct bearing on public policy and/or the everyday life for people within cities.

These reports should be between 8000-10000 words in length and present original research on the topic. The end product should aim to have some influence on policy makers, community leaders and scholars and contribute to basic research and practical solutions. The author(s) of the top rated proposal will receive a stipend of $10,000. The money can go to individuals or institutions to provide various forms of research support.

The UCF is proud to announce the first call for research reports on the topic of Digital Networks and Urban Public Space. Interested researchers should submit a proposal outlining the research problem and how it intersects with established urban questions or problems that have yet to be adequately addressed. (See guidelines below).

Topics might include but are not limited to:
* how urban architecture can use digital scaffolding to enhance public spaces
* how Federal or municipal communication policies can positively impact municipal governments or civic life
* the relationship between open data, communication infrastructures, and better government
* communication technology-focused citizen engagement
* how digital networks alter sense of place and change the shape and role of cities
Guidelines for Submitting Proposals/Applications
* Proposals should address each of the following
		1. Identification of the communication problem or opportunity
		2. Description of the research project and methodology employed
		3. Desired impact
		Each of these three sections of the proposal should be limited to approximately 500 			words. Please include a cover page with the name, position, institution, and contact 			information for all authors. Please adhere to a standard citation form.

* Applications should include a short itemized budget and a concise statement providing a rationale for the expenses listed in the budget. Funds may be expended in a variety of ways (e.g., to hire a research assistant or for a course by-out), provided that it is clear how doing so will enable the researcher(s) to complete the proposed work. Funds may not be used to purchase computer hardware. Funds awarded by the UCF may be utilized to offset fringe costs (such as those often involved in hiring a research assistant), but the Foundation will not cover overhead expenses (i.e., indirect costs). In any case, the total amount of the award will not exceed $10,000.
* Applicants should include a current CV and one letter of recommendation. The referee should be able to assess the significance and viability of the project described in the proposal, as well as the qualifications of the applicant as they pertain to the proposed work.
* Proposals should be submitted to Eric Gordon at Eric_Gordon [at] emerson [dot] edu no later than April 30, 2012. Funding decisions will be made  by  June 1, 2012. White papers should be completed no later than May 1, 2013. White papers will be published on the UCF website and disseminated widely.
Evaluation of Proposals and Awarding Funds
* A committee consisting of two Urban Communication Foundation members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors, as well as an external reviewer will evaluate all applications submitted by the specified deadline.
* UCF will contact the author(s) of the top-rated proposal to ascertain their commitment to the proposed research project and will subsequently release funds to the researcher(s).
* The UCF will announce the proposal selected on the Foundation’s web site. The author(s) will be recognized as Urban Communication Foundation Fellows.

© 2012 The Urban Communication Foundation, all rights reserved.




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