Washington, D.C. -- Georgetown University and the China Scholarship Committee (CSC) announced on May 8 the establishment of the "China Scholarship Council-Georgetown University Fellowship Program" to support graduate and post-graduate education programs for students from the People's Republic of China at Georgetown University.

Under the agreement signed by Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia and CSC Deputy Secretary General Yang Xinyu, Georgetown will support one-year post-doctoral fellowships for studies at Georgetown in fields of mutual interest such as physical, life and health sciences, public policy, applied social sciences, and international affairs. The Fellowship Program will begin accepting applicants for academic year 2007-2008, and the number of Fellows selected each year will depend on mutual needs and agreement between Georgetown and CSC.

"Through the new Fellowship Program, Georgetown will strengthen important ties with leading Chinese universities and research centers," said DeGioia. "As these scholars complete their programs at Georgetown and return to China, they will serve as vital links between Georgetown and Chinese academic communities further enhancing the relationship between the peoples of China and the United States."

"The Fellowship program will provide a significant platform for promising young scholars and teachers to broaden their research and academic experience in a vibrant international environment, which is expected to bring a positive long-term impact on the transformation process of Chinese universities and research institutions," said Yang. She added that the new program will advance CSC's objective "to develop China's exchanges with other countries in the fields of education, science and technology" and "to strengthen the friendship and understanding between the Chinese people and people around the world."

Applicants to the program should have completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) from a university in China within the previous five years, must be currently employed at a university or research institute in China, possess advanced English-language skills, and express a compelling and explicit statement of interest in Georgetown research and teaching projects.

Fellows will receive a stipend and travel support, as well as access to academic facilities at Georgetown, selective auditing of graduate classes and space in which to work and conduct research. At Georgetown, Fellows will contribute to the intellectual life on campus by participating in seminars, undertaking joint research with Georgetown scholars, and pursuing additional academic activities as agreed to with the host department.

By Yong Tang, People's Daily Washington based correspondent