Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship - American Council of Learned Societies
This fellowship funds early-stage PhD students in the humanities and interpretive social sciences to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive dissertation research.
Funder: American Council of Learned Societies
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $42,000 base stipend for one year; up to $8,000 for research, training, development, and travel; $2,000 for external mentorship (max total: $52,000)
Summary: Supports early-stage doctoral students in the humanities and interpretive social sciences pursuing innovative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive dissertation research.
Key Information: No concurrent fellowships or assistantships allowed during tenure; applicants must have completed coursework but not yet advanced to candidacy before Jan 2025.
Description
The fellowship provides substantial support for early-stage PhD students in the humanities and interpretive social sciences who are preparing to launch innovative dissertation research. It is designed to intervene at a formative stage, encouraging bold projects that expand methodologies, formats, and areas of inquiry beyond traditional norms. The program values diversity, inclusion, and engagement with historically underrepresented communities, as well as interdisciplinary, digital, collaborative, or critical approaches. In addition to research funding, fellows are supported in expanding their advisory networks through external mentorship.
