To compete and thrive in the 21st century, democracies, and the United States in particular, must develop new national security and economic strategies that address the geopolitics of information. In the 20th century, market capitalist democracies geared infrastructure, energy, trade, and even social policy to protect and advance that era’s key source of power—manufacturing. In this century, democracies must better account for information geopolitics across all dimensions of domestic policy and national strategy.
As the United States transitions to a low-carbon energy system, land-based options, including biofuels, terrestrial carbon sequestration (advanced agricultural practices), bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), green chemistry for fuel synthesis, and afforestation and reforestation could play an increasingly important role in meeting energy demand while reducing carbon emissions. These sources of negative or net zero emissions will be particularly important in certain regions and in certain sectors, but they are not without controversy. The tension between using land for food or fuel will increase and the competition for water resources will grow. Incentives that stimulate investment in practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions are important. Further, there is debate around the economics, environmental impacts, and governance surrounding sequestration and biofuel options. For example, liquid fuels because of energy density, cost, and chemical properties, continue to be the predominant transportation fuel and an important industrial feedstock. As countries around the world consider options to transition to non-fossil fuel transportation and chemical systems there is a growing interest in green chemistry options and/or biofuels. At the same time, manufacturing alternatives that can directly replace petrochemical-based products requires an extensive overhaul of traditional processes and infrastructure.
Applications from post-doctoral fellows are welcome. We are interested in proposals that analyze topics at the energy, agricultural, water nexus. Topics may include biofuels from agricultural products (advanced and conventional), bioenergy options, green chemistry, carbon sequestration from improved terrestrial management, improved agricultural practices to reduce carbon releases, afforestation, and initiatives to retain or sequester carbon in soils. We will consider research proposals on a wide range of strategies and policies that address the economic viability, public perception, and political implementation of these approaches. Assessment and analysis of new ideas that will spur innovation are encouraged.
Stipend Information
Fellows are provided with a stipend, benefits, and some support for research and travel expenses. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should clearly indicate on their application form whether they are seeking full or partial funding and indicate other potential funding sources.
Application Requirements
- CV/ Resume
- Research statement (3-5 pages)
- Writing sample (less than 50 pages)
- Should be one published or unpublished piece written by the applicant (co-authored pieces not accepted) in English that will demonstrate his/her English-language writing ability
- Can be a journal article, book chapter, dissertation chapter, white paper, etc. you have produced in your field
- Contact information for 3 recommenders submitting letters on your behalf
