About the Grant
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation invites applications for the Early Career Research Fellowships in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). These fellowships support pre-tenure scholars holding a PhD who are pursuing innovative research in Buddhist Studies. The awards provide dedicated time free from teaching or administrative duties, enabling recipients to focus on writing a monograph, journal articles, translations, or other significant scholarly outputs that advance global understanding of Buddhism’s history, traditions, and societal impact. This programme aligns with international priorities to strengthen interdisciplinary humanities research, foster inclusive academic leadership, and expand global networks in Buddhist thought and culture.
Grant Details
- Grant Name: The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships in Buddhist Studies
- Funding Agency/Institution: Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, administered by ACLS
- Location: International (host institution or home research setting)
- Research Field(s): Buddhist Studies, Asian Studies, Religious Studies, Philosophy, History, Cultural Studies
- Grant Type: Individual Research Fellowship
- Project Duration: 6–9 months
- Funding Amount: Up to US $70,000; additional US $5,000 supplement for eligible independent or teaching-intensive scholars
- Grant Start Date (Expected): From July 2026 onwards
- Mode of Research: Individual
- Application Type: Open call
Research Areas Supported
- Buddhist Philosophy
- Buddhist Cultural and Historical Studies
- Buddhist Texts and Translation
- Buddhist Art and Material Culture
- Interdisciplinary approaches to Buddhism (e.g., society, politics, ecology)
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: PhD awarded by applicant date (or equivalent demonstrated by publications)
- Career Stage: Early-career (pre-tenure); applicants must not have tenure or have submitted tenure materials by the deadline
- Nationality/Residency: Global competition (no restrictions on citizenship/residence)
- Affiliation Requirements: Must be affiliated with a university or equivalent research institution
- Experience Level: Applicants must propose a scholarly product such as a monograph or series of articles
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong publication record or clear potential for research excellence
- Evidence of interdisciplinary skills or engagement with diverse Buddhist traditions
- Independent research trajectory and innovative project plan
Not Eligible
- Tenured faculty or those who have already submitted tenure review
- Undergraduate students
- Applicants whose proposed project is purely conference organisation or dissemination without research focus
Grant Benefits
- Funding Support: Provides a stipend to release the recipient from other duties, enabling full-time research.
- Travel Allowance: Supports travel for archives, fieldwork or research visits as needed.
- Lab/Research Material Costs: Eligible research expenses such as assistants, materials, translation support.
- Collaborative Research Funding: Individual mode but interdisciplinary work is encouraged.
- Publication or Dissemination Support: Enables preparation of a scholarly product (monograph or article series).
- Host Institution Support: Host institution must release the applicant from teaching/admin duties and provide research conditions.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Time to focus on major research output, opportunity to strengthen international scholarly networks in Buddhist studies.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct the proposed research over the fellowship period, producing a clear deliverable (monograph, article series, translation, etc.).
- Submit a final report on progress and outcomes to ACLS.
- Abide by the condition of no concurrent full-time teaching, commissioned research for other topics or administrative duties during fellowship.
- Ensure ethical compliance and proper academic conduct in all research activities.
Application Process
How to Apply
Submission Mode: Online application through ACLS OFA portal.
Application Portal: Visit ACLS competition page for details.
Submission Steps:
- Register/Login in the ACLS Online Fellowship and Grant Administration (OFA) system.
- Complete the application form.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit before deadline.
Required Documents
- Completed Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal / Project Description (max 5 double-spaced pages)
- Budget Plan (if applicable)
- Letter of Endorsement from Host Institution or Department Chair
- Ethical Approval Statement (if applicable)
- List of Publications or Prior Work (max 2 pages)
- Optional Supporting Materials (images, musical scores, etc, up to 2 pages)
Important Dates
- Call Opens: August 11 2025
- Deadline: November 20 2025 at 9:00 PM EST
- Review Period: Winners notified March 2026
- Project Start Date: From July 2026 (must conclude by June 2028)
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: click here
- Official Grant Page: click here
- Apply Online: click here
📧 Contact for Queries: Email: BuddhistStudies@acls.org
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