Apply for I Tatti–Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship Program

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The I Tatti–Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship offers early- and mid-career scholars a residential fellowship to conduct research on cross-cultural exchanges between Italy and the East Christian world during the late medieval and early modern Mediterranean. The fellowship combines research terms at Villa I Tatti in Florence and Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC, with a minimum total grant value of USD 42,800, plus housing, travel, meals, and other in-kind support. The program supports interdisciplinary research across fields such as art, architecture, archaeology, history, literature, material culture, music, philosophy, religion, and science, with preference for projects drawing on the cultural heritage and history of both Italy and the East Christian world.

About the I Tatti–Dumbarton Oaks Joint Fellowship

The fellowship is designed for scholars whose research examines cultural contacts, exchanges, and interactions between Italy and the East Christian world. It encourages research that extends beyond traditional disciplinary and geographic boundaries and explores connections within the late medieval and early modern Mediterranean. The fellowship brings together two major research communities: - Villa I Tatti in Florence, during the first fellowship term. - Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC, during the second term. Fellows are expected to participate actively in the scholarly communities at both institutions. Research Focus The fellowship supports projects examining cross-cultural exchanges between Italy and the East Christian world.

Relevant research may explore:

- Cultural exchange. - Cross-cultural contacts. - Artistic interactions. - Intellectual exchange. - Religious connections. - Movement of people and ideas. - Material culture. - Historical interactions. - Scientific exchange. - Connections across the Mediterranean. Preference is given to projects that draw upon the history and cultural patrimony of both Italy and the East Christian world. Eligible Academic Disciplines The fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research across a broad range of fields.

Eligible areas include:

- Art. - Architecture. - Archaeology. - History. - Literature. - Material culture. - Music. - Philosophy. - Religion. - Science. Applicants are encouraged to take interdisciplinary approaches where appropriate to their research questions. Fellowship Structure The fellowship is divided into two residential terms. I Tatti Term The first term takes place at Villa I Tatti in Florence from mid-July 2027 to mid-January 2028.

During this period, fellows receive:

- USD 5,200 per month. - A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800. Fellows must reside in Florence and actively participate in the scholarly community at I Tatti. Dumbarton Oaks Term The second term takes place at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC, from January 24 to May 12, 2028.

During this term, fellows receive:

- USD 17,500 grant. - USD 6,000 one-time research grant. - On-campus housing or a housing allowance. - Weekday lunches. - Pre-paid air or rail travel. These benefits provide substantial financial and practical support during the Washington, DC research period. Total Fellowship Value The total minimum grant value of the fellowship is USD 42,800. In addition to the direct financial grants, fellows receive valuable in-kind benefits, including: - Housing support. - Travel support. - Weekday lunches during the Dumbarton Oaks term. The combination of financial and in-kind support allows fellows to focus primarily on their research throughout the residential fellowship. Residential Requirement The fellowship is fully residential and requires fellows to live in the host cities during the respective terms.

Fellows must:

- Live in Florence during the I Tatti term. - Live in Washington, DC during the Dumbarton Oaks term. - Participate actively in both scholarly communities. - Devote themselves to the proposed research project. The residential structure is an important part of the fellowship because it encourages sustained interaction with scholars, researchers, and academic communities at both institutions. Exclusive Research Commitment Selected fellows are expected to devote themselves exclusively to their proposed research project throughout the fellowship period. Fellows may not undertake other professional obligations during the fellowship. This requirement allows participants to dedicate their time to research, scholarly exchange, and participation in the activities of both institutions. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is intended for early- and mid-career scholars with appropriate academic and research backgrounds.

Applicants must:

- Have a PhD at the time of application. - Have a strong background in Italian Renaissance and/or Byzantine Studies. - Have proficiency in English. - Have at least reading knowledge of Italian. - Propose research relevant to the fellowship’s focus on Italy and the East Christian world. - Be able to complete the required residential terms in Florence and Washington, DC. - Commit exclusively to the proposed research during the fellowship. Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

- Proficiency in English. - At least reading knowledge of Italian. Italian language skills are particularly relevant to research involving Italian Renaissance sources and cultural materials. Italian Renaissance and Byzantine Studies Background Applicants should have a strong academic background in Italian Renaissance Studies and/or Byzantine Studies. Projects that meaningfully connect these fields and examine cultural exchange between Italy and the East Christian world are particularly relevant to the fellowship’s objectives. Preference for New Institutional Associations Priority is given to applicants who have no previous association with either I Tatti or Dumbarton Oaks. This preference helps create opportunities for scholars who have not previously participated in the scholarly communities of these institutions. Wh