Connecting ASIANetwork Scholars and Institutions
Next Application Deadline:  August 1, 2026
For the 2026 – 2027 Academic Year

Program Overview

The ASIANetwork Speakers Bureau opens the rich storehouse of scholarly expertise within ASIANetwork to communities across the United States. Composed of peer-nominated scholars with expertise in Asian history, language, culture, art, society, and contemporary affairs, the bureau reflects the breadth of knowledge and experience of our members. See Speakers List.

ASIANetwork Speakers Bureau Grants provide awarded institutions $2,000 to bring an ASIANetwork Speaker to their campus. The program provides up to five awards each year.

Upon receiving an award, the institution identifies and invites a speaker to its campus as part of a campus lecture series, class, symposium, conference, or other event. Ideally, the speaker will interact with students (usually in the classroom) in addition to giving a wider campus talk. Awarded institutions receive the $2,000 grant to defray expenses related to the speaker’s travel and stay. By accepting the grant, a host institution agrees to initiate arrangements and to provide for the speaker as needed: (1) transportation (airfare, car rental, or mileage), (2) ground transportation and airport parking, (3) lodging, (4) meals, and (5) a minimum $500 honorarium. The speaker should not assume any expenses related to participation in this program. Following the visit, the host institution agrees to submit a brief written report to ASIANetwork, with photographs and/or video of the events, in addition to selected responses from attendees.

ASIANetwork member institutions and non-member institutions are eligible to apply for Speakers Bureau awards. With additional support from the Ohio State University’s East Asian Studies Center, applications from or in collaboration with community colleges are particularly encouraged. If you or your institution are interested in financially supporting the Speakers Bureau please contact Dan Choffnes, the Executive Director of ASIANetwork.

Application and Important Dates for 2026-2027 

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
• Notification of grant awards: September 1, 2026
• Host institution submits copy of IRS non-profit certification to ASIANetwork: September 15, 2026
• Host institutions receive $2,000 award check: late October 2026
• Host institutions identify, invite, and host a bureau speaker: September 2026 – May 2027
• Host institutions submit post-visit report: One month after the speaker’s campus visit

For more information, contact Dr. Gwendolyn Gillson, Director of the Speakers Bureau program.