We have noted in the past that Wesleyan University in Connecticut is rapidly becoming a hub for human-animal studies. One of the most important pieces of the Wesleyan program is coming up now, and if you are of an academic bent, you may well want to get on board.
In conjunction with the Animals and Society Insitute, the Wesleyan Animal Studies program is now inviting applications for its sixth annual summer fellowship program for scholars pursuing research in Human-Animal Studies. Open to 6 to 8 fellows working in a wide variety of disciplines, the program will be hosted by Wesleyan faculty Lori Gruen (whose recent book, Ethics and Animals: An Introduction, was recently reviewed here at Our Hen House) and Kari Weill. Among 
the topics pursued in the past are “Animal Experimentation and Animal Welfare in Twentieth Century Anglo-American Science,” “The Animal Rights Movements in France and the United States,” and “Legal Personhood, Animal Advocacy, and Human-Animal Relationships.” And, because this is an exclusively “in-residence” program, there is a great deal of opportunity for cross-pollination, including mentorship, guest lectures, and scholarly exchange.
For the lucky few who are chosen, this clearly presents an opportunity of a lifetime. Applications for next summer’s program are due November 30, 2011.