Early Career Fellowship in Philhellenism

The application has closed.

Application deadline - extended: Thursday, November 26, 2020
Reference letter deadline - extended: Sunday, November 29, 2020 

On the occasion of the celebration of the 200 years (1821-2021) since the Greek war of independence and as part of a series of events that the Center for Hellenic Studies (CHS) will organize to honor this important anniversary, the CHS offers one fellowship to a postdoctoral researcher based in Greece to conduct research of the highest quality on topics related to 19th-century Philhellenism.

The proposed research may be approached through any lens including, but not limited to, intellectual history, area and ethnic studies, anthropology, art, education, philosophy, political science, religious studies, sociology, and race and gender studies. Particular interest will be given to proposals centered on Philhellenism in modern political thought, the relationship between Greece and the United States, as well as Harvard, during the 19th century. Connections to the city of Nafplio or the region of the Argolid will be a plus.

The duration of the fellowship will be from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, during which the fellow will be asked to conduct research on his/her topic, serve as the academic coordinator of a workshop in Nafplio (in the fall of 2021) and possibly participate in other relevant events.

The fellowship is offered by the CHS in Washington, DC; it is supported administratively and logistically by the CHS in Greece and connected with the series of events that will be organized under the aegis of the Committee of Honor “Nafplio 2021,” Municipality of Nafplio.

The fellowship award includes:

  • A year-long appointment as CHS Fellow in Philhellenism, beginning on January 1, 2021.
  • Year-long access to Harvard University’s online databases and resources and its Scan and Deliver services.
  • A stipend of $15,000. Additionally, CHS will cover travel expenses (airfare, accommodations) in the case that the fellow is invited by the Center to participate in events taking place in Greece or in the US. The CHS does not offer separate grants for participation in conferences, purchase of books and electronic equipment, accommodations, family related expenses, dining and entertainment expenses, etc., nor does the CHS pay per diems.
  • Contingent on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of the research project, a visit to the US (Washington, DC and Cambridge, MA) to conduct research, share findings and collaborate with other fellows and members of the CHS academic community.
  • Presentation of the fellow’s profile and research project on CHS websites, social and other media.
  • Academic support and advising during the fellowship appointment by the members of the selection and advisory committee.

Dissemination of Outcomes and Acknowledgement of Support

The fellow is expected to document the evolution of his/her project and share his/her work in progress. At the beginning of the appointment, the fellow will submit a profile for publication on CHS websites, social and other media. At the end of the appointment, he/she must submit a report of 1500-2000 words, including an abstract, findings, and select bibliography, for publication in the CHS Research Bulletin. Depending on the research results, CHS will welcome further publication proposals by the fellow.

In addition, the fellow will have the opportunity to discuss his/her research with the three-member selection and advisory committee of this fellowship program, and to give presentations in Greece and in the USA, and/or virtually. 

The fellow is expected to acknowledge the support he/she receives for his/her research from CHS and inform the CHS of publications or presentations resulting from their work as fellows.

Eligibility

A prerequisite for the fellowship is a PhD degree (or its equivalent). Applicants must have defended their degree before July 1, 2020.

The fellow must be fluent in modern Greek and English and preferably based in Greece, as s/he will spend most of the time in Greece.

The CHS rigorously supports the principles of affirmative action and equal opportunity in its selection of fellows.

Applicants may not apply to other CHS fellowship programs during the same application cycle. 

Criteria Used in the Awarding of Fellowships

The CHS will only fund a proposal that

  1. Outlines clearly and in detail how a fellowship through the CHS will enable the proposed research and lead to its completion;
  2. Shows how the outcomes of the project will promote further inquiry and engagement in the fellow’s immediate field and in the humanities and social sciences in general;
  3. Demonstrates the capability of the researcher to achieve the proposed outcomes: for example, through academic achievement, prior publications and educational programs, and letters of support. 

This fellowship falls under the category of “Early Career Fellowships” of the Center for Hellenic Studies. Applications from post-doctoral researchers in the early steps of their academic career or in non-tenure track positions will be prioritized.

Selection and Advisory Committee

A three-member committee will select the fellow, will follow the fellow's research project and will provide mentorship and guidance throughout the her/his appointment. The committee consists of:

  • Richard P. Martin, Antony and Isabelle Raubitschek Professor in Classics, Stanford University, and Co-Chair of the Senior Fellows and Chair for Academic Affairs, Center for Hellenic Studies, Washington, D.C., Harvard University, and President of the Board of Directors, Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece, Harvard University.
  • Paschalis Kitromilides, Member of the Academy of Athens, History of Political Thought, and Emeritus Professor of Political Science, University of Athens.
  • Nicolas Prevelakis, Lecturer on Social Studies, Harvard University, and Assistant Director of Curricular Development, Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, DC, Harvard University.

Application Information

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, November 26, 2020 at midnight (Eastern). Recommendation letters are due by Sunday, November 29, 2020.

As part of the application process, applicants will upload four documents in PDF format:

  1. A detailed, but brief research proposal of no more than 1,000 words. Bibliographies and references do not count toward the word limit.
  2. A curriculum vitae documenting qualifications to conduct the proposed research, for example, through recent publications and presentations.
  3. A sample of published work of no more than 10,000 words.

Applicants will also provide the names and contact information for three references. Applicants are advised to confirm the availability of their references in advance. The CHS application system will solicit letters from references only after an applicant has submitted an application.

Please note that applicants may not write reference letters for other applicants. Additionally, members of the selection committee and the CHS faculty director may not write reference letters.

Applicants will receive notification of the selection committee’s decision in December 2020.

Applicants with questions should contact the Fellowships Program Manager by e-mail.