The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) invites applications for The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies 2025-26 competitions. In cooperation with the Foundation, ACLS awards fellowships and grants supporting work that will expand the understanding and interpretation of Buddhist thought in scholarship and society, strengthen international networks of Buddhist scholars, and increase the visibility of new knowledge and research on Buddhist traditions.
NEW in 2025-26
ACLS is offering Public Impact Grants in Buddhist Studies to support projects that make knowledge about Buddhism accessible to more people and improve public understanding of Buddhist art, texts, and traditions by promoting engagement between Buddhist Studies scholars and public audiences or communities of practice.
Translation projects are welcome.
Worldwide Scope
These are global competitions. All scholars—anywhere in the world—who are engaged in the study of any aspect of Buddhist traditions are welcome to apply. With the exception of Buddhism Public Scholars, which requires work authorization in the host organization’s country, there are no restrictions as to the location of work proposed or the citizenship of applicants.
ACLS strongly encourages scholars affiliated with universities and monastic institutions in Asia to apply.
Applications must be submitted in English, but the final products of research may be in any language. Work proposed must be in the humanities and social sciences.
Awards
- Dissertation Fellowships: Ten-month stipends to PhD candidates for full-time preparation of dissertations.
- Early Career Research Fellowships: Nine-month stipends to pre-tenure scholars for research and writing.
- Public Impact Grants: One-year awards supporting collaborative or individual projects that will enhance public knowledge and understanding of Buddhism.
- New Professorships: Multiyear grants to colleges and universities to establish new teaching positions in Buddhist Studies. Competition opens in September 2025.
- Buddhism Public Scholars: Awards place early-career scholars in positions at museums and publishers. These positions are initially one-year placements that are renewable for a second year. Competition opens in September 2025.
Deadlines
- Dissertation Fellowships, Early Career Research Fellowships, and Public Impact Grants: November 20, 2025, 9:00 PM EST
- New Professorships and Buddhism Public Scholars: January 27, 2026, 9:00 PM EST
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by ACLS, is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity as integral components of merit that enhance the scholarly enterprise. It is a priority of this program that cohorts of fellows and grantees be broadly inclusive of different backgrounds, cultures, and any aspects that make one unique. In Buddhist Studies we seek a range of university affiliations, as well as diversity in languages, topics, Buddhist traditions, and locations of research. The program welcomes applications from all eligible individuals, and selection is made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, or any other aspect of identity.
Questions? Contact us at BuddhistStudies@acls.org.
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