Through a generous bequest from Friedrich and Lieselotte Solmsen, the Institute for Research in the Humanities, University of Wisconsin - Madison, offers four to five Solmsen Fellowships each year to scholars outside UW-Madison working in the humanities on European history and culture in the classical, medieval, and/or early modern periods before 1700. Fellows are expected to be in residence throughout the academic year (except for short research trips, lectures, conferences, etc.) and may extend their residency through the following summer on a non-stipendary basis. Fellows are expected to present their work at an Institute seminar and participate in the weekly seminars. Applicants must be in possession of the doctorate at the time of application. The award provides a stipend of $51,000, office space, support services, and access to all university facilities.

The Institute accepts applications from senior scholars as well as young scholars with research projects that are well advanced; faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are not eligible. Independent scholars with the Ph.D. are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in possession of the doctorate at the time of application.