Swenson Family Fellowship

Swenson Family Fellowship in Eastern Christian Manuscript Studies for Junior Scholars

For graduate students or postdoctoral scholars with demonstrated expertise in the languages and cultures of Eastern Christianity. Awardees must be undertaking research on some aspect of Eastern Christian studies requiring use of the digital or microfilm manuscript collections at HMML. Postdoctoral scholars are understood to be those who at the time of application are within three years of being awarded a doctoral degree. The program welcomes international applicants, but does not sponsor J visas.

  • Funder

    Established in 2012 by Dr. Gregory T. and Jeannette Swenson, with their son Nicholas Swenson

  • Awarded

    Semi-annually

  • Number

    At its discretion, HMML may choose to award more than one fellowship per cycle

  • Amount

    $2,500 – $5,000, based on project proposal and length of residency (two to six weeks)
Swenson Scholar Swenson Scholar

Notices

Apply for a Fellowship at HMML

Scholar Resources

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Use of funds

  • Funds may be applied toward travel to and from Collegeville, housing and meals at Saint John’s University, and costs related to duplication of HMML’s microfilm or digital resources (up to $500)
  • Fellowships may be supplemented by other sources of funding, but may not be held simultaneously with another HMML award
  • Stipend holders must wait at least two years before re-applying

Application deadline

  • March 15 for residencies between July and December of the same year
  • October 15 for residencies between January and June of the following year

Application submission

  • Letter of application with current applicant contact information, the title of the project, length of the proposed residency at HMML and its projected dates, and the amount requested (up to $5,000)
  • Description of the project to be pursued, with an explanation of how HMML’s resources are essential to the successful completion of the project; applicants are advised to be as specific as possible about which resources will be needed (maximum length: 1,000 words). Use the online Reading Room and contact the curator in charge of your subject area to shape your project proposal. Though priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the necessity for accessing microfilm and uncataloged digital materials that are exclusively available on site, all applications are welcome
  • Updated curriculum vitae
  • Confidential letter of recommendation by an adviser, thesis director, mentor, or, in the case of post-doctoral candidates, a colleague who is a good judge of the applicant’s work

Applicants

  • Send all materials as email attachments to fellowships@hmml.org
  • Add “Swenson Fellowship” in the subject line

Letter of recommendation authors

  • Send letter directly as email attachment to fellowships@hmml.org
  • Add “Swenson Fellowship + applicant’s name” in the subject line

Fellowship FAQs

Eligibility

HMML considers research projects that utilize HMML’s collections to advance scholarship. Applications that propose productive use of HMML’s resources are more likely to receive fellowship awards.
HMML considers research projects that utilize HMML’s collections to advance scholarship. Applications that propose productive use of HMML’s resources are more likely to receive fellowship awards.
Yes! We are free and open to all researchers. Learn about practical information for traveling and staying at HMML on the Practical Information for Fellows and Visiting Scholars page.

Application Requirements

HMML offers three different types of fellowships. Please check the webpage of each fellowship for the requirements.
HMML considers three primary criteria for fellowship application:
  • The significance of the proposed project
  • The demonstrated need to visit HMML in person to examine on-site resources
  • The appropriateness of the proposal for HMML’s collection
You can submit questions to fellowships@hmml.org. We have a small staff that answers a large number of inquiries from researchers all over the world. Response times can vary.

Submitting Your Application

Send all application materials as email attachments to fellowships@hmml.org. Please include the fellowship you are applying for in the subject line of the email.

For Accepted Fellows

You must give HMML a 3-4 weeks’ notice before your arrival to ensure everything is prepared for your visit.

HMML cannot host fellows or visiting scholars from December 17 – January 15 due to Winter Break. When planning your dates, please keep in mind that HMML is closed for holidays and has shorter hours during the summer months.

You can find library opening hours here. HMML is located in the Alcuin Library at Saint John’s University.
No. Fellows are required to have continuous residency. In rare circumstances and cases of special need, we will consider a request to divide the award.
Yes. Fellows are welcome to extend their stay; however, the amount of the fellowship stipend cannot be increased. After the fellowship period ends, the researcher will assume responsibility for all expenses.
No. HMML is not authorized to provide documentation for obtaining a visa. We cannot offer advice on obtaining a visa, and encourage all visitors to look at the VisaWizard to determine their requirements.
Applicants planning to stay on the Saint John’s University campus or at the College of Saint Benedict must purchase health insurance in advance of the visit, and will be asked to show proof of coverage. Insurance plans for travelers to the United States are available from numerous online providers at reasonable cost.

Questions

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