Announcing the 2026 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship Recipients

The 2026 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellows

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has unveiled its 2026 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship recipients, drawing attention to innovative research strategies within the humanities and social sciences. This program, which began in 2023 thanks to the support from the Mellon Foundation, is designed to help doctoral students expand their research through unique methodologies, collaborations, and formats.

According to Alison Chang, ACLS Senior Program Officer for US Programs, these fellows exemplify some of the most dynamic and cutting-edge scholarship in the field today. "We are thrilled to support their endeavors and are eager to see their future contributions to academic discourse and beyond," she stated. A total of 50 scholars were chosen from over 1,000 candidates through a comprehensive peer review process that enlisted the help of more than 170 experts.

Each fellow is awarded a substantial grant of up to $52,000, which includes a stipend of $42,000, project-related expenses of up to $8,000 for research development, and $2,000 for external mentorship. This financial backing allows scholars to pursue innovative research paths that may include transdisciplinary studies and non-conventional formats.

The collective research topics among this year’s cohort are eclectic and captivating. For instance, one fellow is investigating female scribal traditions in Medieval Europe, while another explores how sound has been weaponized within the anti-abortion movement in the United States. Additionally, research on female-led resistance against ecological and state violence in the Niger Delta showcases the diverse foci these fellows maintain. One project even conducts a multi-sited ethnography on sonic de/militarization in East Asia, linking sound with complex societal themes such as peace and militarism.

Founded a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies serves as a significant advocate for research in humanities and social sciences. It promotes the view that knowledge should serve the public good, thereby enhancing the flow and diversity of scholarly knowledge through its network of 86 member organizations. ACLS collaborates with academic institutions, organizations, and individuals to continue to bolster the evolving framework of scholarship.

The Mellon Foundation, the largest foundation for the arts and humanities in the United States, plays a crucial role in supporting scholars. Their mission is to foster diverse arts and humanities initiatives that enhance community engagement and drive critical thinking. They believe that these fields allow us to express our humanity and that everyone deserves access to beautiful, meaningful experiences.

In essence, the 2026 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowships signify a leap towards a more inclusive and innovative academic research environment. The selected fellows represent not just a wide variety of research interests, but also a commitment to redefining scholarly approaches within their disciplines. With such promising research avenues on the horizon, the impact of this year's fellows is sure to resonate through the academic community and beyond, leading to transformative insights and discoveries.