Dreaming of a Fellowship at University of Pennsylvania – Are you dreaming of a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania? The prestigious Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Research Fellowships! Whether you’re an aspiring scholar, a graduate student passionate about manuscripts, or an early-career researcher, SIMS 2025 offers an extraordinary opportunity to dive deep into one of the world’s richest manuscript collections.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about SIMS 2025 — from eligibility and benefits to how you can apply. Let’s explore why this could be a career-defining opportunity for you.
Dreaming of a Fellowship at University of Pennsylvania
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | SIMS 2025 Research Fellowships |
| Offered By | Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies, University of Pennsylvania |
| Target Audience | Graduate & Undergraduate Students, Visiting Scholars |
| Location | University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA |
| Application Deadline (Students) | May 2, 2025 |
| Deadline (Visiting Fellows) | May 16, 2025 |
| Fellowship Period | Academic Year 2025–2026 |
| Fields of Study | Manuscript Studies, Digital Humanities, History, Art History, etc. |
| Official Website | schoenberginstitute.org |
The SIMS 2025 Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania is more than just a research opportunity. It’s a chance to grow as a scholar, build your network, and make a lasting contribution to the world of manuscript studies. Whether you’re a budding historian or a digital humanities enthusiast, this is your moment to shine.
Don’t forget: Student applications close on May 2, 2025, and Visiting Fellow applications are due May 16, 2025
What is the SIMS Fellowship?
The Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) is part of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. It houses the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection, one of the most comprehensive private collections of premodern manuscripts in North America.
The SIMS Fellowships are designed to:
- Support emerging scholars and students in exploring manuscript studies.
- Encourage the use of digital humanities tools.
- Promote collaboration and scholarship using Penn’s digitized manuscript collections.
- Provide hands-on experience in digital archiving, metadata management, and paleography.
Types of Fellowships Available
1. Graduate & Undergraduate Student Research Fellowships
These are on-campus fellowships open to students at the University of Pennsylvania. Students will:
- Conduct a research project using Penn’s manuscript collections.
- Work with SIMS faculty and staff in a collaborative environment.
- Develop digital humanities skills by engaging in SIMS-supported projects.
- Present their findings in SIMS-sponsored seminars or public exhibitions.
Deadline to apply: May 2, 2025
2. Visiting Research Fellowships
These fellowships are for scholars outside the Philadelphia area. Visiting Fellows will:
- Spend time on campus conducting manuscript research.
- Collaborate with SIMS experts.
- Access Penn’s world-class library resources.
- Deliver a public lecture or workshop on their project.
Deadline to apply: May 16, 2025
Why Should You Apply?
Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Access to Rare Manuscripts: The Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection includes over 300 manuscripts covering subjects like astronomy, philosophy, medicine, and more.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Work alongside renowned scholars and librarians at Penn.
- Digital Tools: Gain experience with cutting-edge tools in digital manuscript studies, including the Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts (SDBM).
- Funding Support: Although specific financial details vary, many SIMS fellowships provide a stipend and travel support.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with scholars from top institutions worldwide during your fellowship.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Dreaming of a Fellowship at University of Pennsylvania?
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Students must be currently enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Visiting Fellows must reside outside the Philadelphia area and hold an academic or professional background in relevant disciplines.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Most applications will require:
- A project proposal (1–2 pages)
- A current CV
- Letter(s) of recommendation (for student applicants)
- A brief statement of interest outlining how SIMS resources will benefit your work.
Step 3: Submit Online
All applications must be submitted through the official SIMS application portal: schoenberginstitute.org/fellowships
Success Stories: Real People, Real Impact
Many SIMS fellows have gone on to publish research, pursue PhDs, or land faculty roles. For example:
- Dr. Elizabeth Urban, a former Visiting Fellow, used her time at Penn to complete a chapter of her book on medieval Islamic texts.
- Jordan Neal, a Penn graduate student, built a digital project that mapped manuscript transmission across the Mediterranean.
- Maya Singh, a SIMS undergraduate fellow, presented her project at a national conference and co-authored a paper.
These fellowships don’t just offer access to manuscripts — they open doors to your academic and professional future.
What Makes SIMS Special?
- Interdisciplinary Environment: Historians, linguists, codicologists, digital humanists, and librarians collaborate regularly.
- Open Access Philosophy: Most digitized manuscripts are freely available online via OPenn.
- Global Network: SIMS collaborates with institutions like the British Library, Vatican Library, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
- Hands-On Learning: Fellows can digitize manuscripts, curate exhibits, and contribute to metadata enhancement.
- Archival Expertise: Gain exposure to rare book curation, conservation techniques, and cataloging standards.
Career Benefits of SIMS Fellowships
- CV Enhancement: Add a prestigious fellowship to your academic record.
- Publication Potential: Many fellows develop papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals.
- Graduate School Applications: Strengthen your profile for competitive PhD or postdoctoral programs.
- Teaching Tools: Learn methods and resources you can bring to future classrooms.
FAQs
Q1: Is there any financial support?
Yes, most fellowships offer stipends and travel support, especially for Visiting Fellows. Check the official site for full details.
Q2: Can international applicants apply?
Yes! The Visiting Fellowships are open to international scholars as long as they meet the criteria.
Q3: Do I need prior manuscript experience?
Not necessarily. Enthusiasm and a well-thought-out research proposal can go a long way.
Q4: Can undergraduates apply?
Yes, SIMS encourages undergraduate involvement, especially for the Penn-based student fellowship.
Q5: Where can I find examples of past projects?
Visit the SIMS blog and past fellowship pages at schoenberginstitute.org for inspiration.
Q6: Can fellows work remotely?
Student fellows are expected to be on campus. Visiting fellows typically complete their research in residence, but hybrid options may be available in exceptional cases.
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