University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025 Now Open: Check Eligibility Criteria!

University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025: The University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025 is now officially open for applications, and it’s an exciting opportunity for scholars passionate about manuscript studies. The Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) invites researchers from across the world to apply for a funded one-month residency to study and explore its prestigious manuscript collections.

Whether you’re a seasoned academic, a postdoctoral researcher, or an independent scholar with a strong track record, this fellowship can offer you access to invaluable resources, a supportive intellectual community, and the chance to work with rare premodern manuscripts housed at one of the top Ivy League libraries in the U.S.

University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025

The University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025 is more than just a funded research opportunity—it’s a doorway into one of the world’s most vibrant scholarly communities in manuscript studies. With access to rare resources, expert mentorship, and even a chance to extend your work to the British Library, this program is designed to elevate your research and career.

What Is the SIMS Fellowship?

The SIMS Visiting Research Fellowship is a prestigious program offering a $5,000 stipend to scholars pursuing original research in manuscript studies. Fellows spend at least four work weeks in residence at the Kislak Center for Special Collections at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries.

This program is designed to support research involving the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection, medieval and early modern European manuscripts, and other primary sources related to global manuscript culture.

Why This Fellowship Matters

If your research involves premodern manuscripts, rare texts, codicology, paleography, or digital manuscript studies, this program is tailor-made for you. Past fellows have published widely cited academic work and built long-term collaborations during their stay at SIMS.

Who Can Apply For SIMS Fellowship?

This fellowship is open to a broad range of scholars, including:

1. Ph.D. holders in relevant fields such as history, literature, religious studies, or digital humanities.
2. Independent researchers with a solid publication record and demonstrable research achievements.
3. Postdoctoral candidates who expect to finish their Ph.D. before the fellowship begins.

Note: Applicants must live outside the Philadelphia area to be eligible for this program.

Fellowship Benefits and Perks

Here’s what selected fellows can expect:

1. Financial Support

You receive a $5,000 stipend for a one-month stay. This can cover travel, lodging, meals, and other research-related expenses.

2. Additional ATBL Grant

Thanks to a new partnership with the American Trust for the British Library (ATBL), SIMS Fellows may apply for an extra $2,500 grant to support related research at the British Library in the following year.

3. Unparalleled Access

1. The Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection
2. Over 3,000 premodern manuscripts and fragments
3. Digital tools and platforms for manuscript analysis
4. Mentorship and scholarly interaction with Penn faculty and staff

How to Apply for the SIMS Fellowship 2025

The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Project Summary (2-3 pages)

Your proposal must include:

1. The connection between your research and Penn’s manuscript collections.
2. The importance of your work to the wider field of manuscript studies.
3. A clear work plan and preferred dates for your on-site residency.

Step 2: Update Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Include academic qualifications, research history, publications, and current affiliations.

Step 3: Secure Two Letters of Support

These should come from scholars familiar with your field and the project. They should explain why your work matters and why you are a good fit for the SIMS fellowship.

Step 4: Cover Letter (Optional for ATBL Grant)

If you wish to be considered for the British Library add-on grant, mention it in your cover letter.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Email all documents in PDF format to: [email protected]
OR mail them to:

Lynn Ransom  
Curator of Programs  
Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies  
University of Pennsylvania Libraries  
3420 Walnut St.  
Philadelphia, PA 19104  

Timeline and Key Dates

1. Applications Due: Friday, May 16, 2025
2. Fellowship Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
3. ATBL Add-on (if selected): Research at British Library in 2026–2027

Practical Tips for a Winning Application

1. Be specific about which manuscripts you wish to consult.
2. Show relevance: Explain how your research fits into broader academic conversations.
3. Plan ahead: Reach out early to recommenders and double-check all deadlines.
4. Proofread your documents for clarity and professionalism.

Pro Tip: Read through SIMS’ past fellows and their projects to get inspiration and understand what makes a successful application.

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FAQs on University of Pennsylvania’s SIMS Fellowship 2025

Q1: Can students apply?

Only Ph.D. candidates who will have completed their degree by the fellowship start date can apply. You’ll need a letter from your advisor confirming your expected graduation.

Q2: Do I need to stay in Philadelphia for the full month?

Yes, the fellowship requires a minimum of four work weeks in residence at Penn Libraries.

Q3: Can teams apply?

Yes, collaborative projects are allowed, but the $5,000 stipend must be shared among all collaborators.

Q4: Can I reapply if I wasn’t selected previously?

Absolutely. Applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent years.