RIMA Fellowships 2024

We are excited to announce opportunities for scholars committed to the preservation of media free from the constraint of the Russian State. The fellowships will be coordinated by Bard College, which has a longstanding commitment to the intersection of higher education and civic participation and is enthusiastic to enhance RIMA's role in academia. Bard's involvement builds on its history of fostering US-Russian academic collaboration, notably through its former partnership with Smolny College. This fellowship not only supports RIMA's mission but also aligns with Bard's broader initiatives to support Russian scholars and students in exile, reinforcing the importance of human rights and civil society in education.

RIMA is offering three distinct opportunities for established scholars and graduate students:

RIMA Course Development Fund

This fund offers four $2,000 (before tax) grants to faculty members integrating RIMA into their curricula.

Course Development Fund Details: These grants are designed to support the creation of innovative courses that utilize RIMA's resources to foster critical thinking, media literacy, and a deeper understanding of independent journalism under authoritarian regimes. Faculty members awarded these grants will have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Russian independent media, helping to shape the next generation of scholars, journalists, and activists.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Open to faculty members at accredited institutions.
  • A proposal that clearly demonstrates how RIMA will be integrated into course content.
  • A commitment to promoting media literacy and critical engagement with independent journalism.
  • Ability to collaborate with Bard College, PEN America, and other RIMA stakeholders.
  • Compliance with all local and U.S. laws for receiving funds.
  • Preference will be given to proposals that incorporate RIMA into their courses on a regular basis, ensuring its continued use in teaching for years to come.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2024.

Apply here

RIMA MA and Doctoral Virtual Fellowships

Designed for MA and doctoral students, this fellowship provides five $3, 500 (before tax) stipends for graduate students who incorporate RIMA into their theses. Fellows will have access to RIMA’s extensive resources and expert guidance from Bard College and PEN America to support their research on independent Russian journalism and its historical significance.

Eligibility for this fellowship includes:

  • Enrollment in an accredited MA or doctoral program.
  • A demonstrated commitment to incorporating RIMA into your research or thesis.
  • A strong academic record and research proposal.
  • Interest in the preservation of independent media and human rights.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with Bard and PEN America teams.
  • Willingness to participate in RIMA-related events and discussions.
  • Commitment to promoting the values of RIMA in academic and public spheres.
  • Ability to receive the funds following all local and U.S. laws.

Deadline to apply: November 1, 2024

Apply here

RIMA Semester Senior Fellowship

Two fellowships, including a $6, 000 (before tax) stipend and a week-long visit to Bard College will be awarded to senior scholars and researchers who demonstrate a commitment to advancing research on independent Russian journalism and media. Fellows will collaborate with PEN America and Bard College, participate in a residency, and engage with RIMA-related discussions and events.

RIMA is dedicated to preserving at-risk media outlets, supporting the fight against authoritarianism, and empowering journalists and activists by providing access to a vast archive of independent Russian media. With over three and a half million documents from fifty-eight outlets made available in its first year RIMA serves as an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to understand Russia's past and counter propaganda-driven narratives.

The Semester Senior Fellowship is tailored for experienced researchers and faculty who wish to incorporate RIMA into their work, contribute to the archive's mission, and engage with the global academic community. Fellows will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with PEN America and Bard College, benefiting from expert guidance and participating in a week-long residency at Bard, where they will engage in RIMA-related discussions and events.

Eligibility for this fellowship includes:

  • A strong academic and research background
  • Demonstrated experience in working with independent media or related fields
  • Ability to integrate RIMA into your research or teaching curriculum
  • Commitment to participating in RIMA-related events at Bard College
  • Ability to travel to Bard College if accepted
  • Ability to receive funds following all local and U.S. laws

Deadline to apply: November 1, 2024

Apply here

Review of applications will take place on a rolling basis with priority given to submissions made prior to November 1st, 2024. Notification of awards will be made on or before December 1st, 2024.

Please contact rima@bard.edu with any questions.