RFAs: Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship in African Studies

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship Program invites applications from post-doctoral scholars for a six-month residential fellowship in Florence focused on cultural exchanges between Africa and the Mediterranean world from approximately 1250 to 1750. The fellowship provides USD 5,200 per month, along with a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800. The program supports research exploring historical, artistic, intellectual, and cultural connections between Africa and Italy, particularly during the early modern period. Fellows also receive access to the Biblioteca Berenson and other research resources at Villa I Tatti.

About the Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship Program

The fellowship is designed to deepen understanding of the historical and cultural connections between Africa and Italy and the wider Mediterranean world. Particular attention is given to research covering the early modern period, especially the 14th through 17th centuries. The program is intended for post-doctoral scholars with a strong background in African history and its global exchanges during the early modern period. Research Focus Preference is given to research projects addressing the relationship between Africa and Italy.

Eligible research fields include:

- Art history. - Archaeology. - Expressive cultures. - Musicology. - Economic history. - Intellectual history. - Political history. - Religious history. - Literature. - Languages. Research may examine the historical, artistic, intellectual, economic, political, religious, or cultural exchanges connecting Africa, Italy, and the Mediterranean world. Fellowship Duration The fellowship runs for six months, from January through June 2028. It is a fully residential fellowship, meaning fellows are expected to live in the Florence area throughout the fellowship period. Fellows must spend at least three days each week at the Center and actively participate in the academic environment. Fellowship Funding Selected fellows receive USD 5,200 per month for six months.

The fellowship also provides:

- A monthly stipend of USD 5,200. - A one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800. - A rent-free apartment when possible, with utilities not included. - Alternatively, a housing subsidy may be provided to help offset rental costs. - Access to research resources at Villa I Tatti. Housing arrangements are subject to availability. Research Resources at Villa I Tatti Fellows have access to the Biblioteca Berenson and other resources available at Villa I Tatti. These resources can support research involving the history, art, literature, culture, and intellectual exchanges of Africa, Italy, and the Mediterranean world. The residential structure also provides fellows with an opportunity to engage with an academic research community in Florence. Residential Requirements The fellowship requires fellows to live in the Florence area for the duration of the award.

Fellows must:

- Reside in the Florence area. - Spend at least three days per week at the Center. - Work exclusively on their proposed research project. - Participate in the academic environment. - Avoid other professional obligations during the fellowship. The fellowship does not permit fellows to take on teaching positions or other obligations during the award period. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is intended for post-doctoral scholars with a strong research background in African history and its global exchanges in the early modern world.

Applicants must:

- Hold a PhD at the time of application. - Have a solid background in African history and early modern global exchanges. - Be fluent in English, Italian, or French. - Propose research relevant to the fellowship’s thematic focus. - Be available for the full residential fellowship period. Previous I Tatti Appointments Applicants who have previously held appointments at I Tatti are not eligible. The exception is for applicants who have previously been Graduate Fellows. This requirement is intended to provide opportunities to scholars who have not already held appointments at the institution. How to Prepare a Strong Fellowship Application Applicants should present a research proposal that clearly demonstrates its relevance to the fellowship’s focus on Africa, Italy, and the Mediterranean world.

A strong proposal should:

- Clearly identify the research question. - Explain the project’s relevance to African and Mediterranean history. - Demonstrate knowledge of the early modern period. - Explain connections between Africa and Italy where relevant. - Identify the historical, artistic, intellectual, or cultural significance of the research. - Explain how the resources at Villa I Tatti can contribute to the project. - Demonstrate that the proposed work can be completed during the six-month residency. Preference may be given to projects that directly explore relationships between Africa and Italy. Why This Fellowship Matters The Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship provides scholars with dedicated time and resources to pursue advanced research into historical connections between Africa and the Mediterranean world. By combining financial support, residential research in Florence, access to specialised resources, and an academic environment, the fellowship enables post-doctoral scholars to develop research on Africa’s historical and cultural exchanges with Italy and the wider Mediterranean. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Marlène and Paolo Fresco Fellowship Program? It is a six-month residential fellowship in Florence for post-doctoral scholars researching cultural exchanges between Africa and the Mediterranean world from approximately 1250 to 1750. How much does the fellowship provide? Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month for six months. Is there relocation support? Yes. Fellows receive a one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800. Is housing provided? When possible, a rent-free apartment is provided, although utilities are not included. A housing subsi