
Fellowships and Awards
“The distinction of the scholars themselves as well as of their writings; the interpretation of the texts and the arts; the quality of the music performed; the free discussion within the limits of good deportment, and the whole tempered by the serenity of open spaces and ancient trees; all these are as integral a part of Humanism at Dumbarton Oaks as are the Library and the Collections.”
Mildred Barnes Bliss
Meet Our Current Fellows Frequently Asked Questions
The Dumbarton Oaks fellowship program began in 1940 with a cohort of five junior Byzantinists, its mission to facilitate, disseminate, and advance research in the Humanities. Today, and with this same aim, our programs award over 150 appointments annually in the expanded fields of Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian Studies. Residential fellowships for an academic year, semester, or summer are awarded in all three areas of study to scholars from around the world. In addition, Dumbarton Oaks offers one-month nonresidential awards to researchers and short-term predoctoral residencies to advanced graduate students. A program of project grants primarily supports archaeological research, as well as materials analysis and photographic surveys of objects and monuments. Summer schools and workshops bring together students for in-depth study of languages, material culture, and theory.
“Books, gardens and material culture at the Museum; what else could a humanist ask for? Good conversation, interesting scholars, and most of all, diverse friends.”
—Dumbarton Oaks Fellow, 2019
Fellowship Opportunities
Fellowships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated scholarly ability and preparation of the candidate, including knowledge of requisite languages, interest and value of the study or project, and the project’s relevance to the resources of Dumbarton Oaks.
Academic Year or Semester
Research Fellowships
I Tatti–Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship for Eastern Mediterranean Studies
Mellon Fellowships in Democracy and Landscape Studies
Research Fellowships
Flora Clancy Summer Fellowship in Maya Studies for Researchers from Latin America
Mellon Summer Fellowships in Democracy and Landscape Studies
Project and Research Grants
Project Grants
Opportunities for Scholars at Risk
Summer Schools and Workshops
Bliss Symposium Awards
One-Month Research Awards
Musician-in-Residence
The Musician-in-Residence program was inaugurated in 2014–2015 to continue and enhance a long tradition of music at Dumbarton Oaks. The main goal of the residency is to provide time and resources to young composers and musicians who show promise in transmitting traditions of classical music to younger generations. Residencies are by invitation only.