Applications open for Short-Term Resident Research Fellowships (US)

The American Philosophical Society (APS) Library & Museum in Philadelphia is accepting applications for its Short-Term Residential Research Fellowships, which provide financial support to scholars who require access to APS collections for their research projects. The fellowship supports research across multiple disciplines, including history, science, Indigenous studies, digital scholarship, and the American Revolution.

Selected fellows receive a stipend of $3,000 per month for a residential research period of one to three months. The programme supports scholars who need to conduct on-site research using the APS Library & Museum’s unique historical and cultural collections.

About the American Philosophical Society Library & Museum Research Fellowship

The Short-Term Residential Research Fellowship programme supports scholars whose projects depend on direct access to the collections of the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum.

The fellowship is designed to help researchers:

Conduct original research using APS archival materials.
Access rare books, manuscripts, photographs, documents, and digital collections.
Develop scholarly publications and research outputs.
Explore interdisciplinary research topics connected to history, science, culture, and society.

The fellowship requires scholars to complete their research while physically residing at the APS Library & Museum in Philadelphia.

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship supports projects across all fields of scholarship that require access to APS collections.

Key collection areas include:

History of the American Revolution and Founding

Research may focus on:

The American Revolution.
Political history.
Founding-era documents.
Early American society and institutions.

History of Science and Technology

Collections include materials related to:

Scientific developments from Isaac Newton’s era to NASA.
Scientific discoveries.
Technology and innovation history.
Contributions of scientists and researchers.

Indigenous Languages and Cultures

Research may involve:

Native American history.
Indigenous languages.
Indigenous cultural knowledge.
Historical documents related to Native communities.

Research Centers and Special Collections

The APS Library & Museum includes specialised research centres supporting scholars in areas such as:

Native American and Indigenous research.
Digital scholarship.
American Revolution studies.

Researchers may use these resources to strengthen historical, cultural, and interdisciplinary studies.

Fellowship Funding and Duration

The fellowship provides:

Monthly stipend: $3,000.
Minimum research period: 1 month.
Maximum research period: 3 months.

The stipend helps cover costs associated with conducting research in Philadelphia.

Funding details:

Payment is provided after the fellow arrives at the APS Library & Museum.
Fellows must complete their research residency in Philadelphia.
The required residence period is between 4 and 12 consecutive weeks, depending on the approved fellowship length.

Fellowship Timeline

For the 2027–2028 fellowship cycle:

Earliest fellowship start date: June 1, 2027.
Latest completion date: May 31, 2028.

Applicants should plan their research schedule according to these dates.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Scholars holding a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Ph.D. candidates who have:
- Passed preliminary examinations.
- Begun dissertation research.
Independent scholars with a relevant degree who are not currently affiliated with an academic institution.

The fellowship is open to:

U.S. citizens.
International researchers and foreign nationals.

Researchers from outside the Philadelphia area may receive additional consideration.

Preference may be given to candidates living:

75 miles or more from Philadelphia.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

A research project requiring APS Library & Museum collections.
Clear understanding of the materials needed for their research.
Ability to complete meaningful research during the residency period.

Applicants must prepare a proposal explaining:

The research topic.
Current stage of research.
Specific APS collections they intend to use.
Expected outcomes of the fellowship.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter should introduce:

Research background.
Purpose of the fellowship request.
Reason for using APS collections.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should include:

Academic qualifications.
Research experience.
Publications or scholarly achievements.

3. Research Proposal

Applicants must provide a two-page research proposal explaining:

Research objectives.
Current progress of the project.
Importance of APS collections to the research.
Materials or collections they plan to consult.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit:

Two confidential letters of reference.

References should address:

Research ability.
Scholarly contribution.
Suitability for the fellowship.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Relevant APS Collections

Researchers should review APS Library & Museum collections and identify materials directly connected to their research.

Step 2: Prepare Research Proposal

The proposal should clearly explain:

The research question.
Why APS resources are necessary.
How the fellowship will advance the project.

Step 3: Submit Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

Cover letter.
CV.
Research proposal.
Two confidential recommendation letters.

Step 4: Fellowship Review

Applications are evaluated by the APS Fellowship Committee.

The committee considers:

Research quality.
Importance of APS collections for the project.
Applicant’s scholarly background.
Feasibility of completing the project during the residency.

Step 5: Complete Residential Research

Successful fellows must:

Conduct research at the APS Library & Museum.
Remain in residence during the approved fellowship period.
Use the collections for their proposed project.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the American Philosophical Society Fellowship Committee.

Applicants may request a specific fellowship duration, but:

The final award length is determined by the committee.
Selection decisions are based on research needs and available fellowship resources.

Approximately:

25–30 short-term fellowships are awarded each year.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The APS Short-Term Residential Research Fellowship provides scholars with access to historically significant collections that support advanced research.

The programme helps researchers:

Access rare archival materials.
Advance dissertations and scholarly publications.
Build expertise through direct collection-based research.
Contribute new knowledge in history, science, culture, and Indigenous studies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting a proposal that does not require APS collections.
Providing a vague research description.
Failing to identify specific materials they plan to use.
Submitting incomplete application documents.
Proposing research that cannot realistically be completed during the fellowship period.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Explain clearly why APS collections are essential.
Connect their research goals with available archival materials.
Provide a focused and realistic research plan.
Highlight previous research experience.
Demonstrate how the fellowship will contribute to a larger scholarly project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the American Philosophical Society Short-Term Residential Research Fellowship?

It is a research fellowship providing financial support to scholars who need access to APS Library & Museum collections for their academic projects.

2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Selected fellows receive $3,000 per month for one to three months of research.

3. Who can apply for this fellowship?

Eligible applicants include Ph.D. holders, advanced Ph.D. candidates conducting dissertation research, and independent scholars with relevant degrees.

4. Are international researchers eligible?

Yes. Both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals may apply.

5. Do fellows need to live in Philadelphia?

Fellows do not need to permanently live in Philadelphia, but they must complete the fellowship while residing at the APS Library & Museum.

6. How long can the fellowship last?

The fellowship lasts between one and three months, requiring four to twelve consecutive weeks of residence.

7. How many fellowships are awarded each year?

Approximately 25–30 short-term residential fellowships are awarded annually.

Conclusion

The American Philosophical Society Library & Museum Short-Term Residential Research Fellowship provides valuable support for scholars conducting collection-based research. By offering financial assistance and access to world-class historical and cultural resources, the programme enables researchers to advance important academic projects across history, science, Indigenous studies, and other fields of scholarship.