The Center for Icon Studies (CIS) at the Museum of Russian Icons promotes the study of all aspects of sacred icons. While the main focus of the Museum is Russian icons, CIS takes a broader perspective. It is interested in the origin and development of orthodox icons from the Byzantine period to the modern era around the globe.

To promote this goal the Center is offering The Raoul and Mary Smith Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant. This annual grant funds a Ph.D. candidate to conduct in-house research at the Museum. The grant recipient will use the Museum’s resources – a collection of over 1,000 icons, a 2000+ volume research library, and a network of scholars and museum professionals – to conduct their research. In addition, the research will support the CIS and the Journal of Icon Studies, published annually by the Museum.