Research Fellowships and Workshops
The information on this page is provided by Tom Ewing, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Questions about any of the workshops or fellowships listed here should be directed to the program officers from the relevant funding agencies.
For more information on the upcoming Book Publication Workshops for 2024, please see the information page below.
Workshop on Research Fellowships
Monday, February 24, 1-2 pm
Contact: Tom Ewing, Associate Dean for Research etewing@vt.edu
Past workshops and resources from them are linked here.
This information session will provide guidance for faculty preparing proposals for individual research fellowships. The session will focus on Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities (deadline April 9, 2025) while also providing guidance on applying for other fellowships in the humanities, social sciences, and education. The workshop will include a presentation by Dr. Amanda Demmer, Associate Professor in History, and recipient of a 2025 NEH Fellowship.
Fellowships for Faculty
Include full time research fellowships as well as short term residential and travel fellowships.
Fellowships for Graduate Students
Include grants for a full academic year, travel or short-term funding, and partial support.
Guides to Writing Fellowship Proposals:
Tips on writing fellowships:
Write persuasively, clearly, and intelligently
Make sure to capture reviewers’ attention immediately
Define the project’s purpose and goals
Explain the significance of the project
Address educated generalists and specialists in the field
Define an ambitious but realistic work plan
Proclaim the uniqueness of your project
Address all the required elements and the review criteria specified in guidelines
Highlight your scholarly accomplishments
Outline, write, revise, solicit reviews, revise again
Tips on fellowship planning:
Keep a list of potential fellowships updated and confirmed
Start the application process early
Identify potential letter writers
Consult with mentors about trajectory
Start by seeking smaller travel / short term funding
Consult with department chair about schedule and assignments
Apply for multiple fellowships
Don’t get discouraged
If rejected, as for reviews and feedback
Take reviews seriously and revise proposals
Integrate proposal writing with other kinds of writings (P&T statement, book prospectus, introduction)
Combine fellowships with university funding resources
Tom Ewing, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Tech