The University of Chicago Center in Beijing is pleased to announce its UChicago FOCUS Grant for 2026-2027. University of Chicago PhD alumni teaching and researching at universities or working at an NGO who are planning to travel to mainland China for field or archival research are invited to apply for short-term research funding.
The grant provides a cost-reimbursable award of up to US$ 3,000 to support the travel expenses and lodging of awardees in China. Each recipient must organize a workshop, brainstorming session, closed-door research retreat, or public event at the UChicago Beijing Center. In all cases, the planned activity must engage one or more local scholars.
Who Can Apply
University of Chicago PhD alumni who are:
- Active faculty members at a university or academic institution or employees at non-profit, non-governmental institutions in Asia
- Active faculty members at a university or academic institution or employees at non-profit, non-governmental institutions based in a non-Asian region but carrying out research related to Asia
Financial Policies, Award, & Execution
- Maximum Support: US$ 3,000
- Project Period: December 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
- Disbursement: Awards are fixed price transfers; award funding will be dispensed per the funding schedule confirmed at time of award.
- Post-award Support: UChicago Center in Beijing will assist with logistics (as applicable).
Application materials
- Current CV
- Statement of purpose indicating the kind of activity planned at the Center, how the activity contributes to the applicant's current research, basic project budget, and name of local collaborator(s)
- (up to 3 double-spaced pages in total)
Applications must be submitted to Xia Li of the UChicago Beijing Center (xial@uchicago.edu) before November 16th, 2026. The award decisions will be announced on November 30th, 2026.
For application inquiries, please contact Xia Li at the email address above.
