#United States #Research Triangle Park #Fellowship #National Humanities Center #Humanities Scholars

National Humanities Center Welcomes New Scholars for 2025-26 Academic Year

The National Humanities Center (NHC), based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, has officially appointed 32 exceptional scholars as its Fellows for the academic year 2025-26. This diverse group of Fellows was chosen from a highly competitive pool of 588 applicants, representing universities and colleges across 13 states in the U.S., as well as from Canada and Hong Kong.

A Center for Innovation and Research

Established in 1978, the NHC serves as a unique independent institute dedicated to advancing the study of humanities. Its residential fellowship program provides a conducive environment for scholars to delve into their research interests, which span a wide array of disciplines. The chosen Fellows this year will explore themes ranging from African American studies, anthropology, to music history and performance studies, making significant contributions to the field.

The Newest Cohort of NHC Fellows

Each Fellow will undertake an individual research project throughout their tenure at the Center, presenting their findings in seminars and participating in lectures and conferences, thereby enriching the intellectual community at the NHC.

Among the Fellows, notable projects include:

• - Christy Anderson from the University of Toronto, who will explore architectural influences through her project titled "Castles of the Sea."
• - Tressie Cottom, affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on narratives of Black mothering in her chosen topic, "The Vivian Black Mothering and Daughtering Amidst Movements."
• - Alison Beringer from Montclair State University is set to investigate premodern perceptions of art in "Virgil as Sculptor: Premodern Literary Perceptions of the Art of Sculpting."

The breadth of topics reflects the NHC's commitment to fostering diverse scholarly inquiry, emphasizing humanistic scholarship across multiple fields.

Importance of Fellowship Funding

To support these promising projects, the NHC announces a substantial financial commitment, with over $1,570,000 allocated in fellowship grants. This funding is facilitated through the Center's endowment and in partnership with key foundations including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the Henry Luce Foundation. These resources empower fellows to pursue their research full-time while taking a leave from their regular academic responsibilities.

Celebrating Scholarly Excellence

Martha Kelly, Vice President for Scholarly Programs at the NHC, expressed her excitement with the announcement, stating, "We are thrilled to support the thrilling and important work of these scholars. Their selection comes from a larger global pool, evidencing the critical role academic freedom plays in today's world." The upcoming fall marks the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic and intellectually enriching period for the NHC as these Fellows bring their unique perspectives and research endeavors to the surface.

The NHC continues to stand at the forefront of humanities research, advocating for its role in shaping understanding and dialogue in society. Each Fellow's contribution will undoubtedly help illuminate the complexities of human experiences and interactions throughout history.

In summary, the NHC's scholarship program not only promotes research that advances humanities knowledge but also nurtures a thriving environment of intellectual collaboration. The 2025-26 cohort of Fellows exemplifies the best of what humanistic inquiry can achieve today, and their work will resonate well beyond their residence at the Center.