This year, through the generosity of Jim Sopranos, The Original Institute at the University of Chicago will award one or more Museum Collections Research Grants. We welcome applications from a wide spectrum of researchers, from those at the graduate student level (i.e. Masters Degree or PhD candidates) to well-established professional researchers in their field of study. Applications are welcome from researchers from all nationalities. Applicants may also include researchers affiliated with the University of Chicago, including the Oriental Institute.   

We allow for the broadest possible selection of potential projects that will heighten the level of intellectual discourse and collaboration within the Oriental Institute. Invitations may be made to share research with faculty, staff, and students through informal presentations during the research visit.  

Grants must be fully utilized and completed prior to June 30th of the year following the researcher’s notification of a successful application. The expected duration of the research visit is flexible within this period, but must be stipulated in the application. Other research funds may be used in combination with this grant to increase the duration of a research visit, but must be stipulated (if known) at the time of application.

Funding is primarily aimed to help support the costs of travel, accommodation, subsistence, to supplement student salaries, and to cover relevant research costs for the researcher during the appointed period. The grantee will not be appointed an office, desk space, or computer, although access will be provided to our Research Archives (Oriental Institute library) and Collections study areas.

Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree in a field of study. Applications are open to students enrolled in a relevant Master’s Degree or Ph.D Program (i.e. graduate student level), as well as to established professional researchers with a University affiliation, researchers within museums, and independent researchers.