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Distinguished Speaker Series

The Tigers ADVANCE Distinguished Speaker Series offers the unique opportunity to showcase the breadth and wealth of diversity found among scientists in the STEM fields. Faculty applicants are encouraged to invite scientists of renown from their disciplines that will offer perspectives on not only their research but on their career journeys, which can be shared with early career faculty and students in the STEM disciplines. In addition, the Tigers ADVANCE Distinguished Speaker Series supports career development opportunities for Clemson faculty by providing funding support for them to host nationally recognized scholars for a one or two-day visit to Clemson University. Applications are solicited from tenured or tenure-track faculty in disciplines eligible to receive funding from the NSF. Each early career applicant (Assistant or recently promoted Associate Professors) should partner with a tenured, faculty co-host, who will assist with planning the Distinguished Speaker’s visit. Collaborative proposals among multiple hosts are encouraged.

Applications to invite Distinguished Speakers with a strong record of scientific achievement and promotion of diversity inclusion in STEM disciplines will be given priority. The purpose of this program is to encourage early career faculty members to make professional connections with recognized leaders in their research area and to build external networks in their research field.  Thus, a strong case should be made by the applicant for how interactions with the Distinguished Speaker during the Clemson visit will benefit his or her career, as well as benefit other faculty and students in STEM disciplines on campus.

Eligibility and Funding

Each participating faculty member can invite one nationally recognized speaker every four semesters (spring and fall) through the Tigers ADVANCE application process, and will receive up to $1,500 per Distinguished Speaker visit for travel. Because the program’s priority is networking, the schedule must include time designated for one-on-one interactions with the hosts. We anticipate making four (4) awards for Spring 2019. Applicants are strongly encouraged to request additional funding for invited Distinguished Speakers from both their Department and College. This encourages a more collaborative effort among faculty in different departments and recognized support of junior faculty career advancement in the hosts’ College. It also helps build networks for faculty hosts within their departments and from other departments in their College. TIGERS Advance Distinguished Speakers cannot be invited from foreign countries (including Canada), as foreign travel is not allowed by the NSF.

Applying and Selection

Questions about the Distinguished Speaker Series program can be directed to Tigers ADVANCE Associate Director, Margaret Ptacek, Ph.D.

Applications for Spring 2019 are now being accepted and should be submitted no later than November 1, 2018. 

The Distinguished Lecture can take place in diverse ways:

  • Campus-wide talks
  • Guest lecture
  • Participate in research meetings
  • Discuss future collaborations
  • Network with other faculty

Fill out the Distinguished Speaker Series Application Form.

For information, please contact: Dr. Margaret Ptacek, ADVANCE Associate Director.