Application Process for Short-term Fellowships

Deadline: October 15th of the preceding year (for fellowships that begin in the following summer or academic year)

Projects are reviewed by both a faculty committee and by the appropriate curator(s) and judged on the significance to their field, the fit with both the Institute’s mission, and the capacity of the collections to support their work.

Applicants for all collections except the Peabody Museum* must submit the following:

  • Personal data: (including education and professional work)
  • Curriculum-vitae: not to exceed 10 pages in length.
  • Project Proposal: A statement of not more than 1200 words describing your proposed scholarly or creative project.  The body of the proposal should describe the project, explain the significance of the topic, and place the work within the context of relevant disciplines.  This project should relate to the interdisciplinary mission of the Institute, and explain how the fellowship at the Institute would enhance this work.  A brief bibliography should be included when appropriate.
  • Project Abstract: A 250-word abstract of the proposal.
  • Research List: A detailed list of specific items you wish to research (2 page maximum).
  • Sample of Scholarly Work: Scholars should submit no more than 30 pages of published writings. Graduate Students must submit an approved Dissertation Prospectus/Proposal. 
  • Letters of Reference: Three letters of reference from qualified leaders in the applicant’s field. Letters should include an evaluation of the applicant’s research proposal and his or her capacity to fulfill it. The online application requires a list of the names, positions, and contact information of recommenders who will be asked to submit their letters online. If a recommender has no access to email, the applicant should notify us at ismfellows@yale.edu.

NOTE: At this time, the Peabody Museum grants limited access to their collections. Those interested in applying for fellowships to this Museum should send only a CV and a 250-word project abstract to ismfellows@yale.edu at this time. These materials will be reviewed and if access to the objects in question is possible, a more complete application will be requested for further review.