Opportunities for Scholars at Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is an institute in Washington, D.C., administered by the Trustees for Harvard University. It supports research and learning internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships, internships, meetings, and exhibitions.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded to Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian scholars on the basis of demonstrated scholarly ability and preparation of the candidate, including knowledge of the requisite languages, interest and value of the study or project, and the project’s relevance to the resources of Dumbarton Oaks. We place great value on the collegial engagement of fellows with one another and with the staff.
Application and instructions are available online. The application deadline is November 1.
Fellowships are awarded to scholars who hold a PhD or appropriate final degree, or who have established themselves in their field and wish to pursue their own research.
Junior Fellowships are awarded to degree candidates who at the time of application have fulfilled all preliminary requirements for a PhD or appropriate final degree, and plan to work on a dissertation or final project while at Dumbarton Oaks, under the direction of a faculty member from their own university.
Summer Fellowships are awarded to scholars at any level beyond the first year of graduate (post-baccalaureate) study.
Mellon Fellowships, an initiative in urban landscape studies, are offered by the Garden and Landscape Studies program, and are intended for scholars and designers to pursue research on the history and current conditions of urban landscapes. Mellon Fellowships are governed by unique terms, and applications are due February 1. You may learn more about this opportunity on our website.
Additional Research Opportunities
Project Grants support scholarly projects by applicants holding a PhD or the equivalent. Support is generally for archaeological research, preservation of historic gardens, and the recovery, recording, and analysis of materials that would otherwise be lost.
Short-Term Predoctoral Residencies support advanced graduate students preparing for their PhD general exams, writing doctoral dissertations, or expecting relevant final degrees. Each residency provides up to four weeks of lodging and weekday lunches. Applications must be submitted at least sixty days before the preferred residency dates.
One-Month Research Awards support scholars with a PhD or other relevant final degree who are working on research projects that require use of Dumbarton Oaks’ books, objects, or other materials in the collections of the library or museum.
More information is available on our website.