The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is pleased to announce the opening of the Buddhism Public Scholars in Buddhist Studies competition, an initiative made possible by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global. Applications for the competition must be submitted by January 27, 2026, 9:00 PM EST.
This year, ACLS has partnered with two international host organizations to create exciting opportunities for our global community of Buddhist Studies scholars: Lion's Roar in Halifax, Nova Scotia and The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK.
ACLS will place up to five early-career scholars of Buddhism in one-year professional positions with host institutions that present and interpret knowledge of Buddhist traditions. The selected Buddhism Public Scholars will use their academic knowledge and professional experience to bolster the capacity of museums and publishers in Buddhist art and thought in any tradition and location where Buddhism is practiced.
Organizations participating in this competition are:
* The Courtauld Institute of Art (London, United Kingdom)
* Lion's Roar Foundation (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
* Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis, MN)
* Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art (New York, NY)
* The Tricycle Foundation (New York, NY)
Fellows will receive a stipend, funds for professional development and research expenses, and a relocation allowance, if eligible. Please visit the Buddhism Public Scholars webpage for a breakdown of compensation according to the host location.
Applicants for the Buddhism Public Scholars competition must have a PhD in the humanities or social sciences conferred between September 1, 2020 and June 30, 2026. Applicants must have work authorization in the country in which the host institution is located. Neither ACLS nor the host institution will sponsor scholars for visas.
ACLS Program Officer Daphne Weber will host two informational webinars for an overview of the hosting organizations and job descriptions, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria for the 2025 Buddhism Public Scholars competition.
Applications will be accepted only through the ACLS online application system. Applicants should not contact any of the host institutions directly.
General Information Sessions: October 15, 2025 and December 2, 2025 (register via ACLS website).
For full details and application instructions, please see the official Call for Applications on the ACLS website:
https://www.acls.org/competitions/the-robert-h-n-ho-family-foundation-buddhism-public-scholars/