IRH Solmsen and Kingdon Fellowships
Through the generous bequests of Robert M. Kingdon and Friedrich and Lieselotte Solmsen, the Institute for Research in the Humanities (IRH) at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is pleased to announce competitions for two Robert M. Kingdon Fellowships and four Solmsen Fellowships for the academic year 2026–27, to be awarded to scholars from outside the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Kingdon Fellowships sponsor scholars working in the humanities in the historical, literary, artistic, and/or philosophical studies of Christian and/or Jewish religious traditions and their role in society. Projects may focus on any period from antiquity to the present, on any part of the world, and in any field(s) in the humanities. They may explore various forms of the Jewish and/or Christian traditions; the interaction of one or both of these with other religious traditions; and/or the relationship of one or both of these religions to other aspects of society within or outside Europe.
Solmsen Fellowships are to be awarded to scholars working in the humanities on European history, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, art, and culture in the classical, medieval, and/or early modern periods (before 1700). Projects on the relationship of pre-1700 Europe to other parts of the world are also welcome.
Kingdon and Solmsen fellows are required to be in residence at IRH throughout the academic year (except for short research trips, lectures, conferences, etc.) and may extend this residency through the following summer on a non-stipendiary basis. The fellowship may not, however, be deferred for any reason. The award provides a stipend of $60,000, office space, and access to university facilities (libraries). Health insurance coverage is provided for fellows receiving their award stipend via UW-Madison payroll. Fellows are expected to present their work at an IRH seminar and participate in the weekly seminars. Applicants must be in possession of the doctorate at the time of application.
Applications are due 23 Oct. 2025. Notification of awards will be made by early March. Scholars with projects applicable to both fellowship calls are welcome to apply to both the Kingdon and Solmsen competitions.
Access full calls and links to the digital applications here: https://irh.wisc.edu/irh-fellowships/ (scroll down to “External Fellowships”).