About the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies is a place and a program dedicated to scholarship. We invite scholars in all disciplines and institutions to participate in an intellectually exciting and productive research community. All active scholars -- faculty, staff, professionals, independent scholars, and emeritus professors -- are welcome to apply for an appointment. Accommodating up to 30 scholars, the Obermann Center provides a uniquely supportive environment where scholars working individually or in collaboration can reflect, write, and meet in easy interchange. The Obermann Center encourages scholarly interaction to explore broad frontiers of knowledge and investigate complex ideas and problems.
Jay Semel, Director |
The interaction is achieved through formal programs and informal contacts. All scholars appointed to the Obermann Center make it a base of study for some extended period of time; thus, Center Scholars leave their customary colleagues to join a new, intellectually diverse community. Morning coffee hour, lunches, and occasional colloquia promote the informal exchange of ideas. More structured collaborations are achieved through several competitive grant programs.
The Obermann Center helps nurture and expand projects. Center Scholars can call on the Center to provide various kinds of funds at critical stages in a project's development, to identify collaborators or consortial partners, to help in pursuing University or external grants, and to accommodate funded projects.
The Obermann Center is located in Oakdale Hall on the Oakdale Research Campus of The University of Iowa, about five miles from main campus.
The Obermann Center for Advanced Studies is named in honor of University of Iowa Professor Emeritus C. Esco Obermann (1927 B.A., 1931 M.A., 1938 Ph.D.) and his wife Avalon L. Obermann (1925 B.A.) for their generous financial commitment to the Center, for their tremendous enthusiasm for interdisciplinary endeavors, and for their many years of loyalty and devotion to The University of Iowa.
