Inquiries

An Inquiry is an incubation heuristic developed by BILDEV that targets a clear subject area with immediate research potential. A good Inquiry serves as an investigatory laboratory assisting research-oriented teams to take the first step towards forming a possible longer-term research project. BILDEV hopes to foster a bottom-up platform which supports and empowers potential researchers to explore uncharted fields of thought by hosting a conversation around relevant materials.

Successful applicants will consist of a small but qualified exploratory team under a leading supervisor. They will delineate an area of study along with a body of material sources such as scholarly texts, archives, or documents. In return, BILDEV will provide an environment for investigating selected materials, along with necessary logistical support so the team can incubate new ideas.

After a peer-reviewed application process, the team will be charged with crafting an innovative research question around the materials chosen. The conversations and meetings that follow among the team members will serve as a documented brainstorming that could be used by other researchers in the future.

While an Inquiry may vary regarding its duration, team and focus, there are some general principles outlined below that guide its effective management and fruitful completion. The common denominator binding all Inquiries is the curiosity, passion and scholarly commitment of their participants. Outside of nominal logistical support, they will not be provided any direct funds at this stage of the research process. However, a successfully completed Inquiry demonstrates rigor and seriousness on the part of the team, and thereby strengthens the case in applying for eligible seed funding for a project in the future.

Inquiry members will be notified via emails after the acceptance of the proposal and they will be in communication with a staff member regarding attendance regularities and possible changes.