#USA #New York #ACLS #China Studies #Luce Foundation

Advancing China Studies: The 2026 Luce/ACLS Fellowships

In a significant move to foster scholarship in China studies, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has just announced the recipients of the 2026 Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships and Travel Grants. This initiative aims to support emerging scholars in their research and exploration of various aspects of China, with a cumulative funding of $405,000 allocated to 24 talented individuals.

Fellowship Overview

The Luce/ACLS Program in China Studies is generously funded by a $3 million grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, aiming to run through 2028. The fellowships are designed to promote a rich tapestry of perspectives that contribute meaningfully to both public and academic understanding of China. By encouraging research that traverses centuries and geographical boundaries, this program seeks to illuminate lesser-known facets of contemporary Chinese society and history.

Among the 24 recipients this year, eleven prestigious fellowships are designated for in-depth research on disparate topics. These range from the burgeoning China-U.S. short drama industry to the pivotal role of tungsten in shaping state power, and even the historical reconstruction of the Ashab Mosque in Quanzhou during the 14th century. The fellowships include six long-term awards valued at up to $45,000, providing adequate leeway for scholars to take necessary time off from their teaching commitments. Additionally, five flexible fellowships worth $15,000 each support scholars who juggle both teaching obligations and research, enabling them to drive their projects forward without compromising their academic responsibilities.

Alongside the fellowships, thirteen travel grants are being awarded to support PhD candidates and early-career scholars. Each grant, valued at $5,000, serves to facilitate visits to vital research sites in China or related collections around the globe. Recipients plan to conduct fieldwork in multiple locations, including Nanjing, Shenzhen, Jiangxi, and Xishuangbanna in China, as well as international sites in Japan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Importance of the Research

As noted by JM Chris Chang, ACLS Program Officer in China Studies, the selected fellows and grantees are tackling fascinating inquiries with innovative methodologies. They are building archives where none existed and tracing cultural and economic exchanges across continents. This commitment to rigorous scholarship is essential, particularly in these challenging times for the humanities—sustaining a new generation of scholars is crucial to fostering a profound understanding of China connected to contemporary global issues.

Yuting Li, Program Director for Asia at the Luce Foundation, underscores the significance of investing in early-career scholars to ensure the renewal of the field. The originality demonstrated by this year's cohort reaffirms the resilience of China studies, highlighting the capacity of the next generation of scholars to forge new paths amidst evolving academic conditions.

Professional Development

Furthermore, in 2026, the Luce/ACLS Travel Grantees will engage in a series of professional development workshops on public engagement. Led by Lindsay Krasnoff, a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University, these sessions will enhance the grantees' skills in public writing and media, extending their ability to contribute informed perspectives on public dialogues concerning China.

The Luce/ACLS Program in China Studies also plays an essential role in building capacities through initiatives like the Collaborative Grant and the China Studies Digital Mapping Project. These initiatives aim to broaden the availability of free and open resources, thus enhancing research opportunities for those engaged in the study of China.

Conclusion

Founded a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) stands as a nonprofit federation of 86 scholarly organizations, championing the idea that knowledge is a public good. With an enduring commitment to diversifying the fields of humanities and social sciences, ACLS continues to collaborate with various stakeholders to develop a robust infrastructure for scholarship. The Henry Luce Foundation, established in 1936, aims to deepen societal understanding and knowledge, with a vision for a more democratic and just world.

In summary, the 2026 Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships and Travel Grants not only highlight the importance of China studies but also celebrate the innovative spirit of emerging scholars who are poised to shape the future of this essential field.