Empirical Research Training Opportunity for Graduate Students Studying Sexual Orientation

Training and Career Development Opportunity for Graduate Students
Studying Sexual Orientation


What: A Primer on Empirical Research on Sexual Orientation
Where: Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA
When: Thursday and Friday, February 21-22, 2008
Who: Graduate students pursuing research on sexual minorities
Cost: Free

About the training:
The Williams Institute is sponsoring a two-day training session for graduate students pursuing research on sexual orientation called "A Primer on Empirical Research on Sexual orientation." The broad goal of this training will be to enable scholars to find and appropriately use existing empirical data that permits the identification of sexual orientation. Sessions will also include strategies for pursuing a career with a focus on sexual orientation research. The broad topics of this two-day training include:
· Issues to consider regarding the measurement of sexual orientation
· Availability of data that include identification of sexual minorities and the measurement of sexual orientation, behavior, and attraction
· Appropriate use of data sources that measure sexual orientation
· Details on how to access and appropriately use U.S. Census data to study same-sex "unmarried partners"
· Possible research topics using available data
· Strategies for pursuing both academic and policy-focused careers that include sexual orientation research

Williams Institute’s 7th Annual Update
Participants will be invited to attend the Williams Institute’s 7th Annual Update on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy on Friday, February 22nd. This event features panels exploring recent developments in sexual orientation law, policy, and advocacy and concludes with a cocktail reception.

Cost and Stipends
The training is free of charge and space is limited. Travel stipends to cover costs of transportation and overnight accommodation are available for students outside the Los Angeles area.

Application procedure:
Training is open to graduate students in a variety of disciplines, including Sociology, Social Psychology, Economics, Demography, and Political Science.

Applicants must be currently pursuing or interested in pursuing empirical research on sexual orientation.

Priority will be given to students who can demonstrate an active research agenda, especially if the research has clear public policy relevance.

Applications should include the following:
1. Cover letter briefly describing the applicant’s research interests and background
2. Curriculum Vitae or resume including applicant contact information
3. Description of current or proposed research on sexual orientation (abstract or paper).

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 2, 2008 and can be submitted either by mail or email to:

williamsinstitute@law.ucla.edu

or

The Williams Institute
UCLA School of Law
405 Hilgard Avenue, Box 951476
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Accepted participants will be notified by Monday, January 14, 2008.

This information can also be found on our website at:
http://www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute/programs/EmpiricalResearchTraining.html