#USA #New York #humanities research #ACLS Fellowship #ACLS Fellows

Celebrating Academic Excellence: The 2026 ACLS Fellows

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has proudly announced the 2026 ACLS Fellowship awardees, comprising a group of talented scholars who will receive over $3.5 million in total to support their research in the humanities and social sciences. As ACLS commemorates its 100th anniversary of grantmaking, this fellowship program stands out as its longest-running initiative, dedicated to recognizing and promoting outstanding scholarship across various fields.

About ACLS Fellowships

Established to provide crucial financial support, ACLS Fellowships offer up to $60,000 for periods of research ranging from six to twelve months. The program caters particularly to scholars in various stages of their careers, with a notable emphasis on early-career individuals who are often engaged in innovative research. This year’s cohort includes more than half of the recipients being scholars who do not hold tenure-track positions or are independent scholars, further demonstrating ACLS's commitment to fostering diverse academic experiences.

ACLS President Joy Connolly expressed pride in the recent awardees, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to knowledge and society. She highlighted that deeper insights into humanity arise from painstaking research and scholarly efforts that need dedicated time and resources. The fellowships aim to provide just that, enabling scholars to focus on their projects and develop their arguments thoroughly.

Profile of the 2026 ACLS Fellows

The 2026 fellows represent a rich tapestry of educational backgrounds and institutional affiliations, including public universities, private research institutions, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and cultural organizations like museums. Their research touches upon a diverse array of subjects, including:

• - The historical narratives of convicts on the galleys of the Spanish monarchy
• - An exploration of early Black intellectual thought regarding race
• - Investigations into the voices of poets and historians from Gaza
• - A study of disability history during the post-Soviet transition
• - The connections between Latin American literature and Soviet narratives
• - An analysis of evolving attitudes towards abortion in ancient Roman society

Such varied and impactful projects not only contribute to the academic discourse but also serve to enhance public understanding of critical social issues. Each fellow is expected to produce original work that will significantly advance their fields of study.

The presence of independent scholars and those in teaching-intensive roles who receive additional support is also indicative of ACLS's adaptive approach to grantmaking. Recognizing the need for flexibility and additional funds for those less traditionally situated in academia, ACLS aims to cultivate a more inclusive scholarly community.

The Legacy of ACLS

Since its founding in 1919, the ACLS has functioned as a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations, acting as a primary representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. Upholding the belief that knowledge should serve as a public good, ACLS collaborates with many institutions and individuals to broaden the scope and dissemination of scholarly knowledge. The organization not only supports its member organizations but also encourages a diversity of identities and experiences within the academic landscape.

Through initiatives like these fellowships, ACLS continues to strengthen the infrastructure of scholarship in the humanities, ensuring that research and knowledge production remain dynamic and accessible. As the organization enters its second century, it looks forward to championing even more innovative scholarship and developing future leaders in academia.

For more information on the 2026 fellows and their projects, visit the ACLS website and explore the remarkable contributions these scholars will make over the coming years.