Description

The Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries is now inviting applications for its 2025–2026 Visiting Research Fellowship program. This highly respected fellowship supports advanced research in the field of premodern manuscript studies, connecting scholars with the University’s extensive collections and digital initiatives.

About SIMS

Founded through the vision of Lawrence J. Schoenberg and Barbara Brizdle Schoenberg, SIMS is a globally recognized research hub dedicated to exploring and preserving the legacy of manuscript culture through modern technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Based at the University of Pennsylvania, SIMS manages a vast collection of premodern manuscripts with a strong focus on the history of science and philosophy. In addition to physical collections, SIMS provides open-access digital tools and resources such as:

1. Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts
2. BASIRA
3. VCEditor
4. Digital Scriptorium Catalog
5. OPenn
6. Digital Mappa

SIMS also organizes the annual Schoenberg Symposium on Manuscript Studies in the Digital Age and publishes the peer-reviewed Manuscript Studies Journal.

Degree Level

University of Pennsylvania USA SIMS Fellowships 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Pennsylvania.

The Visiting Research Fellowships are designed to encourage use of Penn’s premodern manuscript collections and engage scholars with SIMS’s digital resources and broader research community.

Fellowship Duration

1. Minimum: 1 month (4 work weeks)
2. Between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Number of Fellowships

1. Up to 3 fellowships
2. Stipend: $5,000 per fellowship

Location

1. Research must be conducted on-site at SIMS, though short visits to nearby collections are allowed.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• Manuscript Studies

Benefits

1. Access to world-class manuscript collections, including the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection
2. Integration into Philadelphia’s vibrant research community
3. Use of cutting-edge digital tools in manuscript studies
4. Participation in academic events and opportunities to present research at Penn Libraries

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

1. Live outside the greater Philadelphia area
2. Have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree by the fellowship start date
3. Demonstrate a clear and strong connection between your project and the Penn Libraries’ manuscript collections
4. Be an independent scholar or academic with a strong record (collaborative projects are also welcome)
5. For applicants without a Ph.D. at the time of applying, a letter from your dissertation advisor confirming degree completion by fellowship start is required

Note: Projects that incorporate digital methods (e.g., handwriting recognition, AI, computer vision) are especially encouraged.

Taxation and Visa Information

1. Fellowships are subject to U.S. income tax
2. Non-resident aliens may have up to 30% withheld, but may recover this through tax treaty benefits
3. Non-U.S. citizens will likely need a J-1 visa (apply early, as it can take up to 3 months)
4. Fellows must also obtain a Social Security number while in the U.S.

Application Procedure

Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025

Submit the following documents:

1. Project Proposal (2–3 pages) outlining:
2. Use of Penn’s manuscript resources
3. Project’s significance to the field
4. Work plan and timeline
5. Curriculum Vitae
6. Two letters of recommendation speaking to the project’s merit and relevance
7. Cover letter indicating interest in being considered for the ATBL Fellowship

Submission Method

Email application materials (PDF) to:

Lynn Ransom

Curator of Programs

Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies

Email: lransom@upenn.edu

OR mail printed copies to:

Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies

University of Pennsylvania Libraries

3420 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Notification of award will be sent by May 31, 2025.

Why Apply to the SIMS Fellowship?

1. Conduct high-level research in one of the world’s richest manuscript collections
2. Connect with leading scholars and digital tools in manuscript studies
3. Present your work at an Ivy League university and expand your academic network
4. Enhance your project with international collaboration opportunities, including the British Library

Apply by May 16, 2025, and explore how manuscript culture and modern technology intersect through this unique and prestigious research opportunity.

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