In a September 13, 2024, Buddhistdoor Global article, ACLS Director of International Programs Deena Ragavan is interviewed about The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies. The interview focuses on how the program has evolved over the past decade to address the “needs of scholars in an increasingly uncertain world for humanities programs at universities.”
Based in Hong Kong, Buddhistdoor Global is an online Buddhist journal that provides a diverse range of Buddhist content to the world.
Often scholars of Buddhist studies—like many other fields—find themselves in positions of increasing precarity within higher education due to a shrinking academic job market as well as challenges brought on by the pandemic. The program has expanded not only financial support for these scholars—four of the five competitions benefit pre-tenure and independent scholars to some extent—but also through social and academic support.
Deena Ragavan
ACLS Director of International Programs
Photo: 2024 Program in Buddhist Studies Early Career Retreat in Mexico City
Launched in 2014, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by ACLS, promotes the academic study of Buddhism, strengthens international networks of Buddhist Studies scholars, and increases the visibility of new knowledge and research on Buddhist traditions. The program includes fellowships and grants that support research, writing, translation, teaching, and public positions in Buddhist Studies, as well as convenings, workshops, and special initiatives that foster networks and knowledge sharing amongst scholars, communities of practice, and the broader public.
