The Dumbarton Oaks fellowship program began in 1940 with a cohort of five junior Byzantinists, its mission to facilitate, disseminate, and advance research in the Humanities. Today, and with this same aim, our programs award over 150 appointments annually in the expanded fields of Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian Studies. Residential fellowships for an academic year, semester, or summer are awarded in all three areas of study to scholars from around the world. In addition, Dumbarton Oaks offers one-month nonresidential awards to researchers and short-term predoctoral residencies to advanced graduate students. A program of project grants primarily supports archaeological research, as well as materials analysis and photographic surveys of objects and monuments. Summer schools and workshops bring together students for in-depth study of languages, material culture, and theory.
Eligibility
Dumbarton Oaks welcomes applicants at all scholarly stages from across the globe. Please visit individual award pages for more information on appointments, amenities, terms, and visas.
Scholars with a terminal degree (e.g., PhD or MLA) at the time of application are eligible for Fellowships, Mellon History Teaching Fellowships in Landscape Studies, One-Month Research Awards, Project Grants, Mellon Fellowships in Urban Landscape Studies, Plant Humanities Fellowships, and select summer schools and workshops.
Currently enrolled graduate students are eligible for Juniors Fellowships (post-generals PhD) and select summer schools and workshops.
Currently enrolled undergraduate students are eligible for select summer schools and workshops.
Long-Term Opportunities
Fellowships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated scholarly ability and preparation of the candidate, including knowledge of requisite languages, interest and value of the study or project, and the project’s relevance to the resources of Dumbarton Oaks.
Available to Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape scholars with a terminal degree (Fellowships) or to degree candidates who have fulfilled all preliminary requirements for a terminal degree (Junior Fellowships). Both categories are awarded for an academic year or semester. Apply by November 1.
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Available to cross-disciplinary scholars, with preference for candidates with terminal degrees (PhD or MLA). Awards are for a semester or academic year. Apply by December 1.
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Available to current faculty position holders in universities or other secondary educational institutions. Provide an opportunity to focus on landscape history pedagogy through the development of syllabi or course materials. Awards are for a semester (fall or spring). Apply by December 1.
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Short-Term Opportunities
Several opportunities are available for students scholars at all career stages who desire to take advantage of the resources at Dumbarton Oaks for periods shorter than an academic year or semester. Due to the present travel restrictions surrounding COVID-19, our short-term opportunities are paused for the 2020–2021 academic year. Please visit our website for future updates regarding these awards.
Available to scholars with a terminal degree and provide $3,000 in funding.
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Available to advanced graduate students preparing for general exams, writing dissertations, or expecting final degrees. Awards are for 2–4 weeks and provide accommodation and library access.
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Summer schools and workshops bring together students for in-depth study of languages, material culture, and theory. Opportunities include the Garden and Landscape Studies Graduate Workshop, the Plant Humanities Summer Program, and summer schools in Byzantine Greek, Syriac and Armenian, and Byzantine coins and seals. Opportunities will be posted in the fall.
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Available to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to attend Dumbarton Oaks’ virtual symposia in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape Studies.
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Available to cover direct costs of scholarly projects in the areas of study Dumbarton Oaks supports. Restrictions vary by program. Grants provide $3,000–10,000 in reimbursement upon submission of receipts. Apply by November 1.
