New Initiatives

4S is pleased to announce the establishment of an the 4S New Initiatives Program, that was first begun at the 2008 Rotterdam meeting.

The 4S New Initiatives Program supports and promotes the extension of science and technology studies into new contexts or to new areas. Specifically, it provides funds for one or more the following activities: 1) engagement between STS and other scholarly disciplines; 2) the active use of STS knowledge in discussions of international, global, and multilateral significance; 3) the expansion of STS internationally.

This program does not fund “standard” workshops (that is, workshops that simply address a current intellectual issue in STS), or the continuation of existing initiatives.

Eligibility: Any member of 4S may apply
Budget limit: Up to US$15,000.
One awardwill be made each year. The initiative must take place in the following year.
Deadline for application is 1st of August
Proposal Requirements:

Proposals must be between 3 and 5 pages, double-spaced, not including the budget and budget justification, references (if included), or supporting materials (if included).
Proposals must include: a statement of the importance of the topic or issue for social studies of science, a description of planned activities and prospective participants, and a description of the value of the activity for expanding the development and uptake of social studies of science in new contexts or in relation to new or pressing issues. [NB 4S council: part one of this description was intended to focus on the theoretical or substantive importance of the project, e.g., expanding the range and scope of actor-network theory), and part three the specific substantive payoffs (e.g., connections between linguists and STS scholars)
Budget. All proposals must include a budget that explains proposed expenditures, including, if applicable:
1. travel
2. participant support
3. venue rental
4. refreshments
5. other costs
6. hardware or software (under $2500?)
7. A stipend of up to $2500(?)

Reporting:
Within six months of the completion of the activities, a two-page report explaining activities and outcomes must be submitted to the Chair of the New Initiative Program.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the 4S Council and the awardee is required before funds are appropriated.

Please contact the current chair of the 4S New Initiatives Program http://www.4sonline.org/committees for more information.