Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship

Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowships support graduate students who show promise of leading their fields in important new directions. The fellowships are designed to intervene at the formative stage of dissertation development, before research and writing are advanced. The program seeks to expand the range of research methodologies, formats, and areas of inquiry traditionally considered suitable for the dissertation, with a particular focus on supporting scholars who can build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable academy.

ACLS is committed to inclusive excellence, which we define as the pursuit of academic excellence that is enriched by a plurality of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that the humanities and social sciences thrive when they reflect the diversity of the experiences they seek to interpret. A deep understanding of human thought and action is essential to creating a just and peaceful world and to building a society that recognizes and respects all of its members. Each year, our awardees and program participants represent scholarly diversity in their backgrounds and identities, professional affiliations, career stages, scholarly fields, and research methodologies.

November

• Be a PhD student in a humanities or social science department in the United States (review eligible programs here).
• Have completed at least two years and all required coursework in the PhD program in which they are currently enrolled by the start of the fellowship term.
• Have at least two years remaining with their program to complete the PhD degree.
• Have not previously applied for this fellowship more than once.
• Be able to commit to a full year (9-12 months) of sustained specialized research and training, released from normal coursework and teaching responsibilities.

Apply on the ACLS website.