CHS-Institute of Historical Research Joint Fellowship in Hellenic Studies

Application deadline: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Reference letter deadline: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Notification of results to applicants: Monday, March 3, 2025

The Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) and the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) of the National Hellenic Research Foundation in Athens offer a joint residential postdoctoral fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Scholars will spend sixteen weeks as CHS fellows in DC and 4 months (approximately 18 weeks) as IHR fellows in Athens. During this time, recipients are expected to be in residence at the CHS and at the IHR and to devote full time to their study projects while engaging with the local academic communities, without undertaking any other major activities. 

The program aims to support researchers in the areas of ancient history, epigraphy, numismatics, and classical archaeology (especially color studies, iconography, funerary archaeology and GIS) and whose project would benefit from use of both the CHS and IHR libraries as well as access to material in and around Athens (e.g. archives, artifacts, archaeological sites).

While in DC, fellows receive a stipend, housing at the CHS, and subsidized health insurance. The stipend (maximum $25,000) is adjusted for individual circumstances, such as the amount of support from other sources. Additional support (up to $1,500) is available for professional travel and other research expenses. The CHS will also assist with the fellow’s travel expenses to and from Washington. All fellows, regardless of the term of their fellowship, receive an appointment for one year, beginning in July, which provides them with full access to the resources of the Harvard library system.

While in Athens, fellows are provided with a monthly stipend, housing near IHR, as well as health insurance coverage. The tax-free stipend, approximately €1,500 per month (after taxes), is designed to align with the cost of living in Athens and corresponds to the remuneration typically offered to postdoctoral fellows within Greek academic institutions. Furthermore, fellows will have access to office facilities at the IHR and enjoy full access to the Institute’s library resources, in addition to the resources available at Harvard University. Finally, they will have the opportunity to spend time at the CHS Greece headquarters in Nafplio, where they can present their ongoing work and connect with the CHS team in Greece, as well as other Fellows.

Eligibility

Prerequisites for fellowships are a Ph.D. degree in Classics or a related field. Applicants must have defended their degree before July 1, 2024.

Renewals or deferrals of a CHS-IHR Joint Fellowship in Hellenic Studies are not granted. Scholars may apply for only one type of fellowship at the CHS per academic year.

The CHS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The CHS views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Dissemination of Research and Acknowledgement of Support

As members of the scholarly community at the CHS, all fellows are encouraged to document the evolution of their projects and share their work in progress. All fellows will submit a profile for publication on the CHS website and complete a survey at the end of their appointment. After their residency, fellows are expected to submit a report, introducing their project and the progress made during their tenure, for publication in the CHS Research Bulletin

The CHS expects fellows to acknowledge the support of the Center in publications or presentations resulting from their work during the fellowship.

Criteria Used in the Awarding of Fellowships

The CHS will only fund proposals that:

  1. Outline clearly and in detail a research project that contributes to scholarship in classical studies or the humanities in general;
  2. Demonstrate the capability of the researcher(s) to achieve the proposed outcomes of the project: e.g., through prior publications and letters of support; and
  3. Explain the importance of a fellowship and residency at the CHS and at the IHR to the progress of the proposed research project.
     

Application Information

The deadline for submitting applications is Saturday, November 16, 2024 at midnight (Eastern). Recommendation letters are due no later than Saturday, November 23, 2024.

As part of the application process, applicants must upload three documents in PDF format:

1. A detailed research proposal of no more than 1,000 words. Bibliographies and references do not count toward the word limit.

2. A curriculum vitae documenting qualifications to conduct the proposed research.

3. A sample of published or forthcoming work of no more than 10,000 words. Bibliographies and references do not count toward the word limit.

Applicants must also provide the names and contact information of three referees, who will be contacted directly by the CHS after the application is submitted. Applicants are responsible for confirming the availability of their proposed referees prior to submission. 

Notification of the selection committee’s decision will be sent to applicants in by Monday, March 3, 2025.

Applicants with questions are welcome to contact the fellowships team by email at fellowships(at)chs.harvard.edu.