Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Center a “think tank?”
The Center is not a think tank in the conventional
sense of the phrase. We bring together influential scholars from around
the world to think, collaborate, and write for a fellowship year in an
environment specifically designed to support high level intellectual
work. Our Fellows are diverse in every way—including political
ideology—and they are free to work on whatever projects they think are
most consequential. Center Fellows publish books and articles in
academic journals, and only occasionally write opinion pieces for newspapers or
magazines.
What does “behavioral sciences” mean?
For us, the behavioral sciences include any area of
inquiry that relates to the human condition or human behavior. This
definition encompasses a wide variety of disciplines from the social
sciences and humanities to parts of the natural sciences. The Center
also hosts scholars who develop tools and methodologies that advance
research and practice in the behavioral sciences.
How is the Center affiliated with Stanford University?
The Center was an independent institution until the end of 2007, yet enjoyed a long relationship of mutual benefit with Stanford University. Effective January 1, 2008, the Center became incorporated into the university.
Is the Center a tax-exempt charitable organization?
Yes, the Center qualifies as a 501(c)3 organization,
and gifts to the Center are tax deductible. Our federal tax
identification number is 94-1312352.
Who comes to the Center as a Fellow?
Our selection procedures ensure that each class of
Fellows represents the most accomplished scholars and the most promising rising
stars in a variety of academic disciplines. The Introduction describes a prototypical fellowship class.
How are Fellows selected?
The selection process is both egalitarian and
competitive.
Anyone who meets the academic guidelines can apply for a
fellowship at the Center. The application is evaluated by external reviewers
including several experts in the applicant's field and typically one or more
experts in
related fields. The best-rated applications are then considered for
fellowship awards by the Center's multidisciplinary selection committee
comprised of representatives from the board and administrative staff as well as
external members. For more detailed information, refer to the
application section.
What about the nomination system I heard about before?
The Center's previous nomination and panel ratings
selection system has been replaced by the application system. In fall
2005, the board of trustees commissioned a comprehensive review of
Center selection procedures by a distinguished committee comprised of
board members, former Fellows, and external members. Recommendations
for change submitted by that committee were subsequently approved by
the full board of trustees.
Why haven’t I heard of the Center before?
In
the past, the Center has maintained a low profile in order to safeguard
the time and energy of our Fellows. We wish to protect them from any
external demands so that they may devote full attention to their
scholarly work during their fellowship year. This concern is still
valid, but we believe that greater visibility is timely and potentially
beneficial for the Center, our Fellows, and our society. We have become
concerned about the growing divide between the academy and the public,
and we believe that the Center can help bridge this gap. We hope to
engage people outside the academy—those who share our values and
understand our mission—in dialogue with our Fellows and the research
produced here. 
