About the Fellowship
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress invites applications from scholars worldwide for its renowned fellowship programmes supporting interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences. These fellowships are designed to make full use of the Library’s world-class collections, digital archives, and expert staff resources. With access to dedicated workspace and delivery services inside the historic Thomas Jefferson Building, fellows can conduct intensive research and contribute to global scholarly conversations. The Kluge Center fosters work that bridges disciplines, engages cross-cultural perspectives, and informs public understanding. Whether your work focuses on cartography, health and spirituality, digital scholarship, or humanistic inquiry, these fellowships provide an unmatched opportunity to engage with one of the world’s richest research libraries. All nationalities are eligible to apply.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Kluge Fellows in the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Host Institution: Library of Congress, John W. Kluge Center
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Library of Congress
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Research Field(s): Humanities, Social Sciences, Digital Humanities, Health and Spirituality, History of Cartography, Law, Public Policy
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Research Fellowship
- Level: Early-career to Senior-level
- Fellowship Duration: 2 to 12 months (depending on fellowship track)
- Expected Start Date: Flexible in 2025–2026 cycle
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation: $5,000 per month stipend
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD (or terminal degree) within the last seven years (for Kluge Fellowship)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Digital Humanities
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Philosophy
- American History / World History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Library and Information Science
- Health and Spirituality Studies
- History of Cartography
- Geography and GIS
- Law and Legal Studies
- Architecture
- Religious Studies
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) awarded within the last seven years (for Kluge Fellowship)
- Open to scholars of any nationality
- Research aligned with the Library of Congress collections
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interdisciplinary or cross-cultural research
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in a research environment
- Strong academic record with relevant publications
Not Eligible:
- Applicants without a terminal degree
- Projects unrelated to Library of Congress collections
Fellowship/Job Benefits
- Monthly stipend: $5,000
- Access to Library of Congress collections and staff
- Individual study carrels in the Thomas Jefferson Building
- Book delivery and in-library services
- Opportunity for research networking and collaboration
- Possible access to the National Library of Medicine (for specific fellowships)
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original research using Library of Congress collections
- Engage in interdisciplinary and public-facing scholarship
- Participate in the intellectual community at the Kluge Center
- Deliver presentations or public lectures as required
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the Library of Congress Kluge Center website for the selected fellowship programme.
Required Documents:
- Application form (via online portal)
- CV
- Research proposal (project summary)
- Letters of recommendation
- Supporting materials (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: June 2025
- Deadline: 15 September 2025 (11:59 PM, Eastern Time)
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Final Results Notification: Late 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: 2026 (flexible)
Where to Apply
Institution Website: Home | Library of Congress
Official Fellowship Notification: Fellowships | Library of Congress
Apply Online Here: Kluge Center Fellowships
