This guide outlines expectations for prospective applicants and peer reviewers for the Karski-Swyer Belarusian Studies and Fellowship-Support Grants. Its structure is modeled on the Fulbright Foundation Specialist Program framework.
Your Role as a Reviewer
• Time commitment and compensation: Service on the review panel involves only a modest time commitment per application and is uncompensated.
• Assignment: Attempts will be made to assign applications to panelists based on their areas of interest and expertise.
• Turnaround: Once you confirm your availability to review a given application, please submit your completed evaluation within two weeks.
• Conflicts of Interest: Given the relatively small number of people actively engaged in the study of, or in activities relating to, Belarus, merely knowing an applicant does not, by itself, disqualify a reviewer from evaluating that application. If you know an applicant, please disclose that fact to the panel coordinator (Ethan S. Burger), and you may proceed with your review so long as you believe that you can evaluate the application objectively. However, a reviewer may not evaluate an application if the reviewer is serving as a reference for that applicant, has provided a letter of recommendation or nomination on the applicant’s behalf, or is related to the applicant by family or a similarly close personal relationship that could reasonably call the reviewer’s impartiality into question. In such circumstances, the reviewer should immediately notify the panel coordinator and recuse himself or herself from the evaluation of that application. You are not required to disclose the nature of the relationship, or your self-assessment of your objectivity, to the applicant. You remain free to decline to review an application for this or any other reason.
• Basis for evaluation: Please base your evaluation only on the materials provided to you (application/nomination materials, references, and supporting documents), not on outside information.
Applicant Information
Applicant Name:
Track (I or II):
Disclosure of Acquaintance with Applicant
• ☐ I do not know this applicant.
• ☐ I know this applicant (briefly describe the relationship below) and believe I can evaluate this application objectively.
• ☐ I am recusing myself from this evaluation because I am serving as a reference for this applicant, have provided a letter of recommendation or nomination on the applicant’s behalf, or am related to the applicant by family or a similarly close personal relationship. (I have notified the panel coordinator separately and am returning this form without completing the evaluation below.)
This disclosure is for the panel coordinator’s records only and will not be shared with the applicant.
Track I — Academic/Research Award: Evaluation Criteria
Complete this section only if the applicant applied under Track I (enrolled student or postdoctoral researcher; contemporary research proposal on Belarusian politics, history, government, or economics).
Criterion
Score (1–5)
Academic and Professional Qualifications — the applicant’s academic record, prior research or publications, and other credentials demonstrate the ability to carry out the proposed project.
Quality and Feasibility of the Proposed Project — the research proposal is well conceived, clearly written, and can realistically be completed within the intended timeframe.
Contribution to Belarusian Studies — the project addresses a genuinely contemporary topic concerning Belarus and would meaningfully advance knowledge in the field.
Quality of References and Supporting Materials — the letters of reference and writing sample support the applicant’s qualifications and the merits of the proposal.
Overall Potential Impact — the applicant’s project, if completed, is likely to be of value to Georgetown’s Belarusian studies programming (e.g., CERES, the Center for Jewish Civilization) and the broader field.
Track II — Human Rights and Rule of Law Fellowship Award: Evaluation Criteria
Complete this section only if the candidate was nominated or self-nominated under Track II (demonstrated record of human rights, environmental protection, or rule-of-law work concerning Belarus).
Criterion
Score (1–5)
Professional and Advocacy Qualifications — the candidate’s professional record and prior involvement in relevant legal cases, litigation, or advocacy demonstrate significant experience in the field.
Significance of the Human Rights / Rule-of-Law Work — the specific case(s) or initiative(s) described are substantial and relevant to human rights, environmental protection, or the rule of law as it concerns Belarus.
Quality of References and Supporting Documentation — the references, case citations, press coverage, or other documentation credibly support the candidate’s record.
Personal Qualities — the candidate demonstrates the professionalism and commitment appropriate to representing this award and its subject matter.
Overall Potential Impact — recognizing the candidate is likely to be of value to Georgetown’s Belarusian studies programming (e.g., CERES, the Center for Jewish Civilization) and to raising the visibility of Belarus-related human rights and rule-of-law work.
Scoring
Please score each applicable criterion above using the following five-point scale:
• 5 – Strongly agree with the statement
• 4 – Agree with the statement
• 3 – Neutral; neither agree nor disagree with the statement
• 2 – Disagree with the statement
• 1 – Strongly disagree with the statement
Overall Recommendation
Please select one:
• ☐ Recommend — I believe this applicant/candidate is a strong choice for this award.
• ☐ Not Recommend — I do not recommend this applicant/candidate for this award.
If you select “Not Recommend,” please provide a brief comment explaining your assessment:
Additional Comments (Optional)
Reviewer Certification
I certify that the evaluation above reflects my own independent assessment of the applicant, based solely on the materials provided to me.
Name:
Email Address:
Date:
Submitting your evaluation: Please return this completed form by email within two weeks of confirming your availability to review this application. If you have any questions, please contact Ethan S. Burger at ethansb@karski-swyer-belarus.initative.org and esb34@georgetown.edu.