Overview

Humanities research fellowships provide faculty with resources to advance research and writing projects, opportunities to engage with a close community of scholars, and occasions to share ideas with diverse public audiences. In order to accommodate a wider variety of scholarly projects, for AY 2021-22 all fellowships will support targeted research needs determined in consultation with school directors before application materials are submitted. See below for details on eligibility, terms, review criteria, and how to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 at 5pm. 
NOTE: Due to renovations, office and event space will not be available at the Autzen House in AY2021-22. Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned for updates.

New Faculty Fellowships

New Faculty Fellowships provide office space in the Autzen House and administrative support for new OSU CLA faculty during the chosen term of course release included in the initial hiring contract. Fellows actively participate in the community of Center scholars, attend interdisciplinary luncheons and other activities, present a work-in-progress talk of general interest to a public audience, and submit a 1-2 page report on research progress at the end of the year. Note: applicants are still eligible to submit materials for an Early Career Fellowship.   

Early Career Fellowships

Early Career Fellowships for tenure-track OSU faculty provide targeted funding to be applied toward specific research needs discussed with school directors and detailed in the application. Examples of potential uses for funding include: archive research travel, a one-course or two-course release for sustained focus on a writing project, production expenses for media projects, etc. Combinations of funding use are acceptable, and funding requests involving project expenses should be supplemented with an estimated budget and description of costs. 

Established Scholar Fellowships

Established Scholar Fellowships for tenured OSU faculty provide targeted funding to be applied toward specific research needs discussed with school directors and detailed in the application. Examples of potential uses for funding include: archive research travel, a one-course or two-course release for sustained focus on a writing project, production expenses for media projects, etc. Combinations of funding use are acceptable, and funding requests involving project expenses should be supplemented with an estimated budget and description of costs. 

Eligibility

  • Fellowships are available to OSU tenure-track and tenured faculty only, exclusive of courtesy or visiting appointments. 
  • New Faculty Fellowships: new College of Liberal Arts hires, with fellowship available during their chosen term of course release.
  • Early Career Fellowships: tenure-track OSU faculty members who have not yet submitted materials for tenure and promotion.
  • Established Scholar Fellowships: tenured OSU faculty members with a record of sustained scholarly achievement.
  • A minimum of three academic years must elapse between fellowships except for new faculty. Previous funding for a closely related project will be considered when the application is reviewed.
  • All fellowship awards are open to scholars working within humanities disciplines as traditionally defined as well as scholars beyond those disciplines working on projects that demonstrably engage in humanistic forms of inquiry. In all instances, the applicant is responsible for establishing that proposed funds will support work in the humanities.

Terms

  • All fellowships are awarded each year by the advisory board in consultation with school directors. Fellows will receive administrative support and optional access to office space in the Autzen House when available. *NOTE: for AY 2021-22, due to renovations we will not be able to provide office space or host events at the Autzen House.  

  • Fellows actively participate in our diverse community of scholars, present a talk of general interest to a public audience during the fellowship year and attend presentations by other fellows as well as additional events. Due to delays in renovations and ongoing COVID uncertainties, we anticipate most meetings will be virtual through SP 2022, though in-person events might be held on campus. 

  • Fellows submit a 1-2 page report at the conclusion of the academic year and acknowledge the Center in any published work or presentations resulting from the fellowship research

To Apply


Application forms and evaluation criteria generally follow the National Endowment for the Humanities outline so proposals can be adapted for submission to external opportunities. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the evaluation criteria below and to read sample narratives for projects awarded support by the NEH. If you have questions, consult the FAQ's before contacting the Center.

Package all required materials into a single pdf file. Name the file [LAST NAME-APP]. Email this file to [email protected]. The Center will send a confirmation email once your materials have been received. Notification of status will be sent near the end of spring term. 

Required Materials

  • Completed and signed application form available in Word or PDF 

  • </= 300 word project abstract

  • Narrative proposal, no more than 6 pages (for Early Career & Established Scholar fellowships only)

  • Updated CV, no more than 3 pages

  • Supplementary materials or budgets requested in form


For all 2021–22 fellowships, the application deadline is MONDAY, APRIL 26 at 5pm. 
Review Process and Criteria

In consultation with College of Liberal Arts school directors and the advisory board, proposals are evaluated based on need, scholarly merit, clarity of thought and purpose, and potential for making an original and significant contribution to humanistic understanding. Reviewers are asked to consider the following criteria adapted from NEH guidelines:

  • The significance of the proposed project’s intervention in the specific field and value to the humanities and/or a general audience
    (Does the proposal clearly define the subject of study, the problem at issue within this subject, and does it present a novel argument? Does it demonstrate the value of this project within a wider context?)
  • Quality and/or promise of the applicant’s work as an interpreter of the humanities
    (Does this proposal's approach lie within the bounds of the humanities?) 
  • Quality of the conception, definition, organization, and description of the project, and the clarity of expression
  • The feasibility and appropriateness of the proposed plan of work, including the soundness of expected outcomes, publication format, and potential venues of dissemination
    (Is the expected outcome made clear? Does the proposal present a method of carrying out this study within the proposed period?)
  • The probability that the fellowship will enable the applicant to achieve the expected outcomes  
    (Does the proposal demonstrate that a fellowship is warranted to complete the plan of work?)
  • The proposal's contribution to a diverse and inclusive vision of the humanities