Apply now for Fellowship in the Digital Humanities

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The Fellowship in the Digital Humanities at I Tatti supports scholars, librarians, archivists, and data science professionals who use digital technologies to research the Italian Renaissance and its transnational connections. Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month, plus up to USD 1,800 for relocation expenses, for a residential fellowship of four or six months in Florence, Italy.

About the Fellowship in the Digital Humanities

The Fellowship in the Digital Humanities at I Tatti supports innovative research combining humanities and social sciences with digital technologies. The fellowship focuses on the Italian Renaissance from the 14th to the 17th century, including its connections and exchanges across national and cultural boundaries. The programme is suitable for researchers investigating the Renaissance through methods such as: Digital methods for studying cultural and historical materials. Research may address subjects including art, architecture, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, material culture, and the history of science. Research Areas Supported Projects should demonstrate a meaningful connection between digital technology and Renaissance studies.

Potential research areas include:

Art and architecture: Digital analysis of artworks, buildings, collections, or cultural networks.

History: Digital reconstruction of historical events, places, people, and networks.

Literature: Computational textual analysis, digital editions, or literary databases.

Material culture: Digital documentation and analysis of objects and collections.

Music: Digital approaches to Renaissance musical sources and traditions.

Philosophy and religion: Digital analysis of intellectual and religious networks.

History of science: Digital investigation of scientific knowledge and its transmission.

Transnational Renaissance studies: Digital research examining cultural, intellectual, artistic, or commercial exchanges across regions.

Fellowship Benefits Successful fellows receive financial and academic support during their residence at I Tatti.

The fellowship provides:

USD 5,200 per month. A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800. A fellowship period of either four or six months. Access to scholarly resources and research facilities.

Participation in an academic community in Florence

Opportunities to attend conferences and lectures. Access to cultural activities, including concerts. Possibility of a rent-free apartment or housing subsidy, depending on availability and circumstances. Up to two fellowships are awarded each year. Residential Requirement This is a residential fellowship. Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area during the fellowship and spend at least three days each week at the center. Applicants should therefore ensure that their research can be conducted substantially in Florence and that they are prepared to participate actively in the intellectual life of I Tatti. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility depends on the applicant’s professional background and academic qualifications. Scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences Applicants in the humanities or social sciences must: Hold a PhD. Have a research project related to the Italian Renaissance and its transnational dialogues. Demonstrate relevant digital humanities or technical skills. Not currently be pursuing a PhD. Librarians, Archivists and Data Science Professionals Applicants from these professional fields must: Hold at least a Master’s degree. Have relevant professional or technical expertise. Demonstrate an appropriate connection between their skills and the proposed research. Not currently be pursuing a PhD. Additional Eligibility Requirements

Candidates should also:

Be comfortable working in English. Have familiarity with Italian. Possess relevant technical or digital research skills. Be capable of conducting most of their research in Florence. Be prepared to meet the residential requirements. Not have previously held an appointment at I Tatti, except for Graduate Fellows. Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars. Special consideration is also given to applicants who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy. What Does Digital Humanities Mean in This Fellowship? Digital humanities refers to the use of computational and digital methods to investigate questions traditionally studied through the humanities.

For example, a researcher could use:

Geographic mapping to study Renaissance trade or cultural networks. Text-mining tools to examine a large collection of historical documents. Data visualization to identify relationships between artists, patrons and institutions. Digital databases to connect manuscripts, artworks and archival records. Semantic web technologies to link historical people, places and objects. The important factor is that digital technology should contribute meaningfully to the research question rather than simply being used as an additional tool. Why This Fellowship Matters The fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to combine Renaissance scholarship and digital innovation within an international research environment. It can be particularly valuable for scholars whose projects require access to Italian research materials, archives, collections, libraries, networks or other resources that are difficult to access remotely. The residential format also encourages collaboration and intellectual exchange with other researchers working on Renaissance studies. How the Fellowship Works Applicants should develop a focused research proposal demonstrating both scholarly significance and appropriate use of digital methods.

Step 1: Develop a Research Project

Define a specific research question connected to the Italian Renaissance between the 14th and 17th centuries. The project may examine Italian Renaissance culture itself or its transnational connections.

Step 2: Explain the Digital Methodology

Clearly explain which digital tools or