To help advance the careers of women in academia, the President's Council of Cornell Women (PCCW) is offering grants to support the completion of dissertations and research leading to tenure and promotion.

The deadline for application for the grants, which can be in any subject, is Feb. 16. Eligible applicants include Cornell women who are either Ph.D. students or assistant or associate professors.

Established in 1992, the PCCW grants have supported research in a wide range of fields. Funded proposals have included projects as diverse as investigating the impact of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia on racing performance of horses; law and the transformation of migrant identity in China's transition to a market economy; canopy mammals in Panamanian tropical forests; and the relationship between Native Americans and the National Park Service.

In 1995, 13 of 112 applications were approved for funding. Recipients included two faculty members, and 11 Ph.D. candidates representing five different colleges or units and 11 departments. Since 1992, PCCW has funded a total of 61 research studies and projects by women.

Applications for funding will be reviewed by university faculty and a committee of PCCW members and will be evaluated on the statement of objective, research design, clarity of writing, feasibility, appropriateness of budget and strength of recommendations.

PCCW was formed in 1990 to involve accomplished alumnae in advising Cornell's president on matters of particular interest to women in the campus community. There are approximately 135 active members, invited by the president to serve three-year renewable terms. In addition, there are currently 103 PCCW associates (formerly active members). All current women trustees serve as ex-officio members.

Details on proposal criteria are available from the PCCW office on the third floor of 626 Thurston Ave., 255-6624.