Are you a scholar with a passion for manuscripts, ancient texts, or digital humanities? Then stop scrolling—because this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! The University of Pennsylvania Libraries has just announced its call for applications for the highly coveted Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) Visiting Research Fellowship for the 2025–2026 academic year—and the countdown has officially begun!
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What is the SIMS Fellowship?
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, SIMS is a world-renowned hub for scholars diving deep into premodern manuscript culture. The Institute brings together cutting-edge digital tools, centuries-old manuscripts, and leading scholars in a dynamic research environment.
Whether your focus is medieval philosophy, scientific texts, or AI-powered handwriting recognition, SIMS encourages bold, interdisciplinary research rooted in its vast manuscript holdings—especially the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection.
Even better? SIMS doesn’t work in isolation. It’s surrounded by powerhouse neighbors like the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Rosenbach Museum, and the Science History Institute—making this a research network unlike any other.
Fellowship Perks
SIMS is kicking things up a notch with a brand-new collaboration with the American Trust for the British Library (ATBL). Starting with this cycle, fellows selected for SIMS can apply for an additional $2,500 grant from ATBL to continue their research at the British Library in the following year.
- Stipend: $5,000 for a one-month research residency (minimum of 4 work weeks).
- Duration: Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
- Location: On-site at the Schoenberg Institute, UPenn Libraries.
- Resources: Full access to rare manuscripts, open-access digital tools, and an international scholarly community.
Proposals integrating digital tools like BASIRA, VCEditor, the Schoenberg Database, or AI-driven approaches are highly encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible if you:
- Live outside the greater Philadelphia area.
- Have completed a PhD or equivalent professional degree by the start of the fellowship.
- Are an independent scholar with an impressive academic record.
- Have a letter of support confirming your PhD will be complete by the start date (if you haven’t graduated yet).
Collaborative applications are welcome—but note the $5,000 stipend must be shared.
Apply: https://schoenberginstitute.org/visiting-research-fellowships/.
Application Deadline: All materials must be submitted by Friday, May 16, 2025.
DATE . Mar/29/2025