[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

November 1, 2026 (Full application deadline — all materials due)

Up to $26,000 for projects of at least half a year’s duration; single fellowship per cycle

Supports extended travel and research in Greece, Cyprus, the Aegean, Sicily, southern Italy, Asia Minor, or Mesopotamia for projects focused on study (not field excavation).

--- ## Description This fellowship enables scholars to undertake extended travel and research in the Mediterranean and Near East, specifically in Greece (modern state), Cyprus, the Aegean Islands, Sicily, southern Italy (Campania, Molise, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria), Asia Minor (Turkey), and Mesopotamia (modern Iraq, parts of northern Syria, and eastern Turkey). The award is intended for projects lasting at least six months and is strictly for research and study—not for field excavations. The fellowship also allows reasonable expenses for dependent or elder care during the award period. --- ## Due Dates - November 1, 2026: Full application deadline (all materials, including references and transcripts, must be received by this date) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $26,000 - Duration: For travel and study conducted between July 1 of the award year and the following June 30 - Typical project duration: At least half a year --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be United States citizens. - Must be a current member of the Archaeological Institute of America at the Graduate or Professional level. [Join or renew membership](https://www.archaeological.org/join/) - Preference is given to: - Individuals engaged in dissertation research, or - Those who received their PhD within five years of the application deadline - Recipients may not hold other major fellowships during the Olivia James award tenure. - The fellowship is not intended for field excavation projects. - Award funds may not be used for institutional overhead or indirect costs. - The AIA welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, disability, or other protected status. --- ## Application Process - All application materials (including references and transcripts) must be received by the AIA by the deadline. - Application is strongly preferred to be submitted electronically. - Required materials: - Completed application form (available online; login required) - Curriculum Vitae or resume (including educational history, publications, awards, work experience, relevant skills) - Project proposal (max 1,000 words) detailing research goals, questions, methodology, itinerary, and budget - 200-word project abstract - Selected bibliography (max 1 page) - Itinerary of places and dates to be visited - Justified budget and list of all financial resources - Two letters of reference (submitted electronically) - Graduate transcript(s) if PhD not yet awarded - After the fellowship, recipients must submit a report on the use of the stipend and are expected to submit an abstract for the AIA Annual Meeting within two years. **Application Links:** - [Fellowship Requirements & Application Guidelines](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/fellowship-guide/) - [Application Form](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/aia-fellowships/) --- ## Additional Information - The majority of travel must take place within the specified regions. - Reasonable expenses for the care of dependents or elderly family members are allowable. - No institutional overhead or indirect costs are permitted. - Past recipients have used the fellowship to support dissertation research, archival work, and in-depth study of archaeological collections. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/james-traveling-fellowship/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) - [AIA Membership Information](https://www.archaeological.org/join/) - [Fellowship Application Guidelines](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/fellowship-guide/) - [AIA Fellowships Application Portal](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/applications/aia-fellowships/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------| | AIA Fellowship Coordinator | [fellowships@archaeological.org](mailto:fellowships@archaeological.org) | 857-305-9350 | | General AIA Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) | |

Olivia James Traveling Fellowship

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