US Department of Labor announces funding opportunity for original academic research on employment and training topics

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor, through its contractor IMPAQ International, announced the availability of approximately $80,000 in funding for the 2013 Employment and Training Administration's Research Papers Program. As the department celebrates the program's fifth year, 10 awards are expected to be granted on a competitive basis to doctoral and post-doctoral students to carry out relevant research on policy related to employment and training topics that are aligned with Employment and Training Administration's Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2012-2017. The application deadline is Nov. 11, 2013.

Eligible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Understanding Changing Labor Markets
• Identifying Effective Strategies
• Improving Workforce System Infrastructure
• Addressing the Needs of Special Populations
• Building Research Infrastructure and Support

Through the Research Papers Program, the department continues to build the collective knowledge base of which practices successfully connect workers with employment opportunities and career pathways, as well as support emerging researchers who are interested in this field. Award recipients will be expected to present their findings to the Department of Labor's leadership and staff.Additionally, the department expects final papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Successful applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Methodological soundness and sophistication of the proposed research project that will add to the literature on evidence-based policy
• Policy-relevant research questions and topic areas
• Comprehensive work plan, including identification and involvement of an academic advisor
• A record of academic accomplishment and research aptitude

Prospective applicants are encouraged to view ETA's Five-Year Strategic Research Plan for 2012-2017 at http://wdr.doleta.gov/research/FullText_Documents/ETAOP_2013_21.pdf. And additional information related to the 2013 Research Papers program, such as details on application procedures, is available on the program's website at http://www.ETAResearchPapersProgram.IMPAQINT.com.