The Luce/ACLS Program in China Studies promotes inclusion, equity, and diversity as integral components of merit that enhance the scholarly enterprise. It is a priority that every cohort of fellows and grantees be broadly inclusive of different backgrounds, cultures, and any aspects that make one unique. In China studies, ACLS seeks a wide range of educational backgrounds, unique personal experiences, and current university affiliations, as well as disciplinary approaches, topics, and historical periods studied. The program welcomes applications from all eligible individuals, and selection is made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, age, or any other aspect of identity.
Long-term research fellowships will enable recent PhDs (without tenure and within eight years of the PhD) to take leave from university responsibilities for four to nine months to carry out research and writing towards a significant scholarly product.
Possible project outcomes include, but are not limited to, contributions to the development of one or more of the following: monographs, scholarly articles, conference papers, book chapters, or book on a topic in the humanities or social sciences. ACLS also encourages projects that have the potential to contribute to:
- Pedagogical tools that make meaningful connections between a scholar’s research and post-secondary teaching.
- Works that bridge scholarly and creative practice.
- Community-engaged projects grounded in scholarly research but geared toward a public audience. Potential or actual community and/or student engagement with the research project is encouraged, as is the dissemination of the research to audiences across higher education.
Early Career fellowships support scholarly research in all disciplines of the humanities and the social sciences. Research may be conducted on any topic related to cultures, histories, and societies in China, and their influence and impact on communities, countries, and cultures around the world, as required by the research plan. Research on Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang is eligible. The study of non-traditional sites (e.g., sites in Africa or Latin America) is also permitted, so long as there is a clearly articulated rationale for the relationship to Chinese or Chinese-language communities and cultures. There are no restrictions regarding time period or methodological approach.
Long-term fellowships emphasize the importance of research conducted in China if travel is possible. Applicants who do not propose travel should explain how they will gain access to sources.
A working knowledge of Chinese is required or knowledge of another language used in China studies (e.g., Tibetan, Uyghur).
Fellowship Details
- Stipend: Minimum $20,000, maximum $45,000 calculated as $5,000 per month for four to nine months’ work accomplished full time.
- During the fellowship tenure, which must consist of consecutive months, fellows must be on leave from teaching and service. No employment is allowed so that fellows may devote their full time to the project.
- Early Career fellowships support research and writing toward a scholarly product in English.
- Priority will be given to applications that propose research in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Tibet, or Xinjiang. In addition, proposals based on research outside these areas will also be considered. Applicants who do not propose work in China should explain how they will gain access to sources.
- Projects must be in the humanities or social sciences, but there are no restrictions regarding theme, methodological approach, or time period.
- Stipends may be used for research costs (e.g., travel, access to online archives, conference participation, hiring of research assistance outside the US or Canada) and living expenses, including childcare or eldercare. The application essay should state how these costs will support the project’s objectives, but no budget is required.
- A final report is required on completion of the fellowship period.
- NYU Shanghai Visiting Residency: Early Career Fellows planning travel to China may indicate interest in a residency opportunity at NYU Shanghai. If selected for this residency, the fellow may receive office space, library privileges, and support with local introductions. The fellow will have an opportunity to organize a workshop based on their project with China-based scholars through the NYU Shanghai Center for Global Asia.
Eligibility
Applicants who apply to both long-term and flexible fellowships in China Studies will only be considered for flexible.
- An applicant must EITHER hold a PhD from an accredited institution in the United States or Canada, OR be a US or Canadian citizen/permanent resident with a PhD from any accredited institution.
- An applicant who is not a US or Canadian citizen/permanent resident must have an affiliation, or a long-term, regular research or teaching appointment, with a university or college in the United States or Canada. See FAQ.
- Applicants who have obtained tenure, or who have submitted tenure materials for review by the application deadline, are not eligible.
- A working knowledge of Chinese or another language used in China studies (e.g., Tibetan, Uyghur) is required.
- The project must aim to produce a scholarly text.