Newberry Library Fellowships 2027–28 offer researchers US$5,000 per month for four to nine months in Chicago, USA. Applicants must hold a PhD and propose research related to the library’s collections. Apply by 20 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Newberry Library in Chicago, United States, is accepting applications for its 2027–28 Long-Term Fellowship Programme. The fellowships support scholars undertaking substantial research projects connected to the library’s collections, particularly in the humanities and related disciplines.
Fellows spend between four and nine months in residence at the Newberry Library, working on projects such as book manuscripts and other major scholarly research. The programme brings together approximately ten fellows each academic year, creating opportunities for collaboration, scholarly discussion and engagement with the wider research community.
Successful applicants receive US$5,000 per month to help cover housing, travel and other living expenses associated with staying in Chicago.
The application deadline is 20 November 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host institution | Newberry Library |
| Fellowship | 2027–28 Long-Term Fellowships |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Duration | 4–9 months |
| Monthly stipend | US$5,000 |
| Total funding | US$20,000–US$45,000, depending on fellowship duration |
| Research focus | Humanities and related disciplines connected to the Newberry collections |
| Eligibility | Scholars who have received a PhD by the application date |
| Application deadline | 20 November 2026 |
| Application platform | SlideRoom |
| Official website | Newberry Library Long-Term Fellowships |
Research Areas and Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship supports research across a range of disciplines, provided the proposed project has a direct connection to the Newberry Library’s collections.
Potential research areas include American history, music, medieval and early modern history and literature, and other humanities-related subjects. The library also offers fellowship funding associated with specific scholarly interests.
Funding and Research Support
Long-Term Fellows receive a monthly stipend of US$5,000 for the approved fellowship period. The funding is intended to help cover accommodation, travel and other expenses associated with living in Chicago.
The Newberry Library does not provide housing, so successful applicants must arrange their own accommodation.
Academic Collaboration and Professional Development
Fellows become part of the Newberry’s scholarly community and can participate in its research activities. The programme includes opportunities to present work through the weekly Colloquium programme, receive feedback during fellows’ seminars and engage with the library’s Research Centers.
These activities allow researchers to develop their projects while exchanging ideas with other scholars.
Available Fellowship Opportunities
The Newberry offers a range of Long-Term Fellowships supported by donors and institutional partners. These include:
- Mellon Foundation Fellowship: Supports scholarship in any field relevant to the Newberry collection.
- Richard H. Brown/William Lloyd Barber Fellowship: Supports research in American history related to the collection.
- Evelyn Dunbar and Ruth Dunbar Davee Fellowship: Supports music-related scholarship connected to the collection.
- Lloyd Lewis Fellowship in American History: Supports research in American history relevant to the collection.
- Audrey Lumsden-Kouvel Fellowship: Supports history and literature research covering the late medieval and early modern periods, with particular preferences for certain topics and regions.
- Monticello College Foundation Fellowship for Women: Supports a pre-tenure woman scholar whose work indicates future scholarly productivity, with a preference for research concerning women.
Applicants are generally matched with applicable fellowship funds and do not need to nominate a specific named fellowship in their application. Some opportunities, including the Newberry Consortium in American Indian and Indigenous Studies Faculty Fellowship, have separate application requirements.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The Newberry Library states that Long-Term Fellowships are open to scholars in any field, regardless of faculty rank or professional position, provided their research relates directly to the library’s collections.
Applicants must meet the following key requirement:
- Hold a PhD at the time of submitting the application.
Researchers should also ensure that their proposed projects are suitable for the Newberry’s collections and that they can undertake the required residential fellowship.
The fellowship programme is presented as an opportunity for scholars at different career stages, from early-career researchers to established academics. The supplied information does not specify nationality restrictions or confirm visa sponsorship arrangements, so applicants from outside the United States should verify any relevant requirements directly with the library.
Additional Information
Applications for the 2027–28 Long-Term Fellowship programme are open, with a deadline of 20 November 2026.
The fellowship takes place during the academic year. Nine-month fellowships must begin in September, while four- or five-month fellowships may begin in September or January.
Fellows must remain in continuous residence at the Newberry for the entire fellowship period and may not hold another fellowship during that residency. Participation in the Newberry Colloquium and Fellows’ Seminar programmes is also expected.
How to apply: Prepare a research proposal connected to the Newberry collections and submit your application through the library’s official Long-Term Fellowships page, which provides access to the application instructions and SlideRoom submission process.
Applicants should review the full eligibility requirements and application guidance before submitting their materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Newberry Library Long-Term Fellowship Programme?
It is a research fellowship programme that allows scholars to spend four to nine months at the Newberry Library in Chicago working on substantial research projects connected to its collections.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive US$5,000 per month for four to nine months, amounting to US$20,000–US$45,000 over the fellowship period.
3. Can international researchers apply?
The programme is described as open to scholars in any field, regardless of faculty rank or position, provided they meet the PhD requirement and propose a relevant research project. The supplied information does not explicitly detail nationality or visa requirements, so international applicants should confirm these with the Newberry Library.
4. What academic qualification is required?
Applicants must have received their PhD by the time they submit their application.
5. What research areas are supported?
Projects can cover any field with a direct connection to the Newberry collections, with a particular focus on the humanities and related disciplines.
6. Does the Newberry Library provide accommodation?
No. The monthly stipend is intended to help cover housing, travel and other living expenses, but fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
7. Can fellows receive another fellowship at the same time?
No. Fellows may not hold other fellowships during their residency at the Newberry.
8. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the 2027–28 Long-Term Fellowship programme is 20 November 2026.
9. How long can a fellowship last?
The fellowship may last between four and nine months. Nine-month fellowships must start in September, while four- or five-month fellowships may start in September or January.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the official Newberry Library Long-Term Fellowships page and follow the application instructions for submission through SlideRoom.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Newberry Library Long-Term Fellowships may be particularly valuable for PhD-qualified researchers seeking dedicated time to advance a major scholarly project. The US$5,000 monthly stipend, access to the library’s collections and opportunities to engage with fellow researchers make this a notable option for scholars whose research aligns with the institution’s holdings.
Applicants should assess whether their research has a direct connection to the Newberry collections and plan for accommodation and living arrangements in Chicago.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares research, education and funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Newberry Library and does not administer the fellowship programme. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official institution’s website.
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