The Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship, a component of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, provides an opportunity for Fulbright visiting scholars to connect with National Archives and Record Administration scientists and experts while conducting research at the National Archives and Record Administration’s Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab in College Park, Maryland. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Archives and Records Administration. The award was established to support archival science education, conservation, and research.
Award Activity
The selected Fellow will work in the Heritage Science Research and Testing Laboratory of the National Archives and Record Administration, a facility focused on scientific research to assist in the conservation, preservation, and ongoing public accessibility of cultural and historic artifacts, records, and documents.
Heritage science is an interdisciplinary field spanning the humanities and sciences. It focuses on enhancing the care, use, and management of cultural and historic objects using the tools and technology of math, science and engineering disciplines.
The Fellow will work with a team of heritage science experts and get hands-on laboratory experience. Scientists work collaboratively with a variety of units within the archives and with other Washington, D.C.-area universities and government agency partners on a diverse range of projects that leverage their expertise in analytical chemistry, physics, computational modeling and materials science. The National Archives collection includes materials ranging from paper and parchment to photographs, modern film, magnetic audio/visual tapes and digital files. Increasing knowledge about the collections and how to reduce the risks of damage and loss are the inspiration for research projects.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates will be researchers or professionals in heritage science or related technical fields. A Master’s degree is required, but PhD or equivalent professional experience is preferred. Advanced Doctoral researchers completing dissertation projects related to heritage science are eligible to apply. Past experience with heritage science or archival research is preferred, but not required.
Disciplines
- Heritage/Conservation Science
- Preventative Preservation
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Microbiology
- Statistics
Areas of Interest
- Archival cultural heritage preservation and conservation
- Applications of technology to complex issues in heritage preservation and risk management
- Data analysis and visualization
Award Length and Dates
- Minimum of 5 months, maximum of 12 months
- Beginning September 2024
Application Deadline
October 15, 2023 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time
Application Apply Online:
https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024
Important Notes:
Once you have started your application, make sure to select Fulbright-National Archives from the Award drop-down menu on the Country Information page.
Grant Benefits
The selected participant will receive J-1 visa sponsorship, J-1 visa compliant health benefits, and round trip international travel to the United States. The Fulbrighter will also receive a modest stipend to cover living expenses, settling in, and professional development allowances, and if applicable, a modest dependent allowance. J visa compliant health insurance and travel costs for accompanying dependents are the responsibility of the participant. Additionally, recipients of this award will be invited to participate Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Activities as well as Fulbright’s Outreach Lecturing Fund Fellows will join a diverse, active, worldwide network of alumni who carry the impact of their transformational Fulbright experience far beyond the period of their exchange programs.
Questions
Contact Susan Muendl: [email protected]
Details about the Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship including eligibility and application details, can be found at https://fulbrightscholars.org/fulbrightnationalarchives
Webinars
Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship Webinar – July 26, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT
Archive – Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship Webinar