Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award offers Slovak scholars the opportunity to apply for short-term (4 to 6 weeks) research visits at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Candidates are invited to propose projects in any field of research or teaching with faculty partners at the University of Michigan.
These awards are made possible thanks to a gift from Ambassador Ronald Weiser, U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia from 2001-04, and his wife, Eileen Lappin Weiser.
International economy class airfare
J-1 Visa sponsorship
Candidates are required to submit online applications.
Application must include:
In case of any questions, please, send us an email: office@fulbright.sk
The application period is usually open from May to September. The deadline for the academic year 2023/2024 will be announced in spring 2022. Please note that the exact date for application submission differs slightly every year.
There is an earlier deadline for those who would like to pursue their research at the Michigan Law School (please see the FAQ. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered).
Application cycle is open.
Deadline for submission of the application (the exact date will be announced). Complete applications are sent to the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia for selection process.
Successful candidates are invited for a Skype interview with representatives of the Weiser Center.
Successful candidates are contacted by the Weiser Center and notified of their successful nomination. All administrative issues are carried out by the Weiser Center.
For FAQ, please visit Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia website.
Program, year, host institution:
The Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2019-2020, Weiser Diplomacy Center at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
Current position:
Vice-rector for Science and Research, Matej Bel University
"The research stay at the University of Michigan offered me new experiences in my research field of international relations and the US foreign policy issues. My core philosophy in applying for this program included not only furthering my knowledge of the US foreign policy and the concept of soft power for my future goals in academia, but also fostering my personal growth through an interchange of knowledge and ideas at one of the best world universities. Experiencing of public event at the Weiser Diplomacy Center, less formal approach, deep analysis and intensive discussions among teachers, experts and students, as well as professionalism at all levels of the U-M life has brought me the most valuable and useful inspirations in the field of academia.“
The Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2019-2020
Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2010-2011, University of Michigan
Current position
Security Research Communications Manager, ESET
Freelance writer
"The month-long research stay at the University of Michigan in 2010 provided me with an invaluable opportunity with regards to research of political communication that I have been involved in for many years. I have planned the stay just during the climax of the campaign ahead of the Michigan and U.S. midterm elections. Thus, even from the time point of view, it was a great professional experience. Background of the Institute for Social Research is one of the most impressive that is being offered by the U.S. universities. Not speaking merely about the equipment, library but foremost about their experts that are one of the best not only in the U.S. but internationally too. Thus, along with the research I was able to build important connections. Research of political communication is a new discipline. However, the University of Michigan has a track record of decades-long research of election behavior and elections in general."
Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2010-2011
Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2016-2017, University of Michigan
Current position
Director of the Institute of Art History, Slovak Academy of Sciences
"In September 2016, I delved deeper into the evolution of iconology during the Cold War. I became aware of which aspects of this topic were of interest to my American colleagues. Excellent discussions with Professor Elizabeth Sears and her colleagues facilitated my two research articles on this topic. The stimulating environment at the University of Michigan also contributed to developing some of the ideas in my book The Iconology of Charity. I am very grateful to the Weiser Center for its support and excellent organization of my stay."
Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professional Development Award, 2010-2011