CFAs: Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Fellowship

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Fellowship supports advanced research projects that make substantial use of The New York Public Library’s collections related to the Arab world, Africa, Turkey, Iran, South Asia, Central Asia, and their diasporas in the United States. The fellowship provides a USD 25,000 stipend, a three-month residency, dedicated workspace, and full access to NYPL collections and expert staff. Open to Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and independent researchers, the program supports innovative humanities and arts-based projects that require in-person access to NYPL’s unique research holdings.

Overview

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Fellowship is a residential research fellowship designed to support scholars, researchers, and creative practitioners whose work relies on the extensive Middle Eastern and Islamic collections housed at The New York Public Library.

The fellowship encourages original research that engages deeply with primary and secondary source materials relating to the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Iran, South Asia, Central Asia, and diaspora communities in the United States.

In addition to traditional humanities scholarship, the program welcomes applicants working in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, sound studies, and other creative disciplines whose projects draw significantly upon NYPL collections.

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship supports projects related to:

• The Arab world.
• North Africa.
• Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Turkey.
• Iran.
• South Asia.
• Central Asia.
• Muslim societies and cultures.
• Diaspora communities in the United States.
• Transnational and global historical connections.
• Literature, language, and translation studies.
• Religious and cultural studies.
• Art history and visual culture.
• Political and social history.
• Migration and identity studies.
• Media, archives, and cultural heritage.

Projects should demonstrate a strong connection to materials available through NYPL collections.

Collections Available for Research

Applicants are encouraged to utilize a wide range of research materials held by NYPL.

Supported collection types include:

• Manuscripts.
• Archival collections.
• Rare books.
• Research books.
• Historical photographs.
• Prints and illustrations.
• Maps and cartographic materials.
• Newspapers.
• Academic journals.
• Periodicals.
• Special collections.
• Visual and cultural materials.

Projects should clearly identify the collections that will be consulted and explain their importance to the proposed research.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides substantial support to enable focused, in-depth research.

Benefits include:

• Stipend of USD 25,000.
• Three-month residential fellowship.
• Dedicated workspace in the Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities.
• Full access to NYPL research collections.
• Access to expert librarians, archivists, and curators.
• Collection orientation and research support.
• Shared study room access.
• Opportunities to engage with NYPL’s scholarly community.
• Public presentation opportunities.
• Professional networking and collaboration opportunities.

The fellowship is designed to provide researchers with both financial support and direct access to unique resources essential to their work.

Residency Information

The fellowship supports one fellow annually.

Key residency details include:

• Residency Length: Three months.
• Fellowship Period: January 2027 to June 2027.
• Residency Location: Vartan Gregorian Center for Research in the Humanities
• Fellowship Host Institution: The New York Public Library

The residency model allows fellows to conduct intensive research using collections that require in-person access.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Ph.D. candidates.
• Postdoctoral scholars.
• Independent researchers.
• Humanities scholars.
• Creative practitioners.
• Literary artists.
• Visual artists.
• Performing artists.
• Auditory and sound-based artists.

Applicants must:

• Have a research project that significantly benefits from NYPL collections.
• Demonstrate the necessity of in-person research access.
• Have legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Indicate any employment visa sponsorship requirements within the application.

The fellowship is intended for individuals whose projects depend heavily on materials available through NYPL’s collections.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their application through the NYPL Fellowship Portal.

Required application materials include:

• Completed application form.
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV).
• Project proposal of no more than 1,500 words.
• Two professional letters of recommendation.

All materials should clearly demonstrate the project’s relevance to the fellowship and NYPL collections.

Project Proposal Requirements

The project proposal is a critical component of the application.

Proposals must include:

• Project abstract.
• Significance of the research project.
• Explanation of why in-person access to NYPL collections is essential.
• Specific collections to be consulted.
• Research methodology and project plan.
• Proposed timeline.
• Expected outcomes and deliverables.
• Suggested topic for a public presentation.
• Preferred residency dates.

Strong proposals should establish a clear relationship between the research goals and the collections available at NYPL.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by an external committee composed of:

• Scholars.
• Librarians.
• Curators.
• Researchers.
• Creative practitioners.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Demonstrated need for NYPL collections.
• Importance and uniqueness of materials to be consulted.
• Innovative use of archival and research resources.
• Quality and feasibility of the project plan.
• Alignment between project scope and available collections.
• Potential scholarly, creative, or public impact.
• Contribution to the applicant’s professional development and career advancement.

Applicants who clearly explain why their project cannot be completed without access to NYPL resources are likely to be more competitive.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Access to rare archives and specialized collections is often essential for producing original scholarship and creative work.

This fellowship helps researchers:

• Access unique primary source materials.
• Advance groundbreaking humanities research.
• Preserve and interpret cultural heritage.
• Produce books, articles, exhibitions, performances, and creative works.
• Build professional networks with scholars and library experts.
• Increase public understanding of Middle Eastern and Islamic histories and cultures.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary and international scholarship.

The program also promotes broader engagement with underutilized collections and supports innovative approaches to archival research.

How to Apply

• Review the fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements.
• Identify NYPL collections relevant to your project.
• Develop a research proposal demonstrating the necessity of in-person access.
• Prepare a concise project abstract and research plan.
• Clearly identify specific collections that will be consulted.
• Explain the significance and expected outcomes of the project.
• Update your curriculum vitae.
• Request two professional letters of recommendation.
• Submit all materials through the NYPL Fellowship Portal.
• Monitor communications regarding application status and potential follow-up requests.

Tips for Applicants

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of NYPL collections.
• Clearly explain why physical access to materials is necessary.
• Identify specific archives, manuscripts, or collections.
• Present a realistic three-month research plan.
• Highlight the originality of the project.
• Explain the broader scholarly, cultural, or creative significance.
• Show how the fellowship will advance your research or career.
• Include clear and achievable outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to identify specific NYPL collections.
• Submitting a proposal that could be completed remotely.
• Providing vague research objectives.
• Overestimating what can be accomplished during the residency.
• Neglecting to explain the significance of the project.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Providing weak connections between the project and fellowship resources.
• Failing to demonstrate potential impact or outcomes.

FAQ

What is the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Fellowship?

It is a residential research fellowship that supports scholars and creative practitioners conducting projects based on The New York Public Library’s Middle Eastern and Islamic collections.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship provides a stipend of USD 25,000 for a three-month residency.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral scholars, independent researchers, and creative practitioners whose projects require significant use of NYPL collections.

What types of research are supported?

The fellowship supports humanities research as well as projects in visual arts, literary arts, auditory arts, and performing arts that utilize NYPL collections.

What materials can fellows access?

Fellows may use manuscripts, archives, books, photographs, maps, newspapers, journals, prints, and other special collections related to the Middle East, Islamic studies, and associated regions and diasporas.

Why must applicants demonstrate a need for in-person access?

The fellowship is designed for projects that rely on physical access to collections, archives, and materials that cannot be fully utilized remotely.

When will applicants be notified?

Applicants will be informed of fellowship decisions in October 2026, with fellowship residencies taking place between January and June 2027.

Conclusion

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for scholars, researchers, and creative practitioners to conduct intensive research using the rich collections of The New York Public Library. With a USD 25,000 stipend, a three-month residency, dedicated workspace, and direct access to rare archives and expert staff, the fellowship supports innovative projects that deepen understanding of the Middle East, Islamic societies, and related global communities. Researchers whose work depends on unique archival resources have an exceptional opportunity to advance their scholarship and creative practice through this prestigious program.

For more information, visit The New York Public Library.