Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowships 2027–28: $3,000 Monthly Funding for PhD Scholars and ABD Researchers in Chicago
The Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowships 2027–28 provide PhD scholars and ABD researchers with a $3,000 monthly stipend to conduct one to two months of intensive research in Chicago. Applications must be submitted through SlideRoom by December 4, 2026.
Overview
The Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowships 2027–28 offer researchers an opportunity to spend one to two months in residence at the Newberry Library in Chicago, United States. The program supports intensive academic inquiry utilizing the institution's specialized historical sources, rare books, manuscripts, maps, and archival collections. Successful participants receive a $3,000 monthly stipend to assist with housing, travel, and living expenses during their stay. While most fellowships span one month, certain named awards offer up to two months of support.
Eligibility
The fellowship is designed for qualified academic applicants:
- PhD-holding scholars across various humanities and related disciplines.
- PhD candidates who have reached All But Dissertation (ABD) status or its equivalent.
- Applicants whose proposed projects demonstrate a concrete, specific need to consult materials held exclusively within the Newberry’s collections rather than general research time in Chicago.
Benefits
Participants receive several key provisions during their residency:
- A $3,000 monthly stipend intended to offset housing, travel, and research costs.
- Direct access to millions of historical sources, specialized literature, and research guides.
- Integration into the library's active scholarly community, connecting with peers and academic staff.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their application materials through the online SlideRoom portal. A complete application file typically includes:
- Personal, academic, and professional background details.
- A detailed research project proposal connecting the study directly to Newberry collection materials.
- A one-page selective secondary-source bibliography in Word or PDF format.
- An academic curriculum vitae of no more than five pages.
- Indication of the requested fellowship duration.
- One letter of recommendation submitted in English.
Recommendation letters may be submitted up to 10 days following the primary application deadline.
Deadline
The application deadline is December 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Supporting recommendation letters are due by December 14, 2026.