The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies

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Launched in 2014, the Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, 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.

With a renewed commitment from The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global in 2024, ACLS will be expanding the program over the next three years with a number of new initiatives. These include:

• Supporting the next generation of scholars of Buddhist Studies through a new publication series for books written by early-career scholars.
• Enhancing public knowledge and understanding of Buddhism through a new collaborative public-facing initiative on community-engaged research, teaching, and translation to document the efforts of scholars working with Buddhist communities of practice and public audiences.
• Fostering a global network of scholars through mentorship and engagement with scholars at universities and monastic institutions in Asia, Europe, and the US.

Fellowships & Grants

In 2024-25, the program will continue to offer competitive fellowships and grants for dissertations, early-career researchers, translations, Buddhism Public Scholars, and for assisting institutions to establish new, tenure-track teaching positions with the New Professorships grant.

These are global competitions. There are no restrictions as to the location of work proposed or the citizenship/residence of applicants. The final products of research may be in any language, but all applications must be submitted in English. All eligible scholars anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. 
 
ACLS strongly encourages scholars affiliated with universities and monastic institutions in Asia to apply.

Institutional administrators (e.g., Office of Sponsored Projects) should read our general guidance.

Convenings & Workshops

The program regularly convenes scholars and experts in Buddhist Studies at annual workshops and retreats. In 2024-25, we expect to offer workshops for:

• Recent dissertation fellows to discuss work in progress with peers and senior scholars 
• Early career scholars preparing manuscripts for publication 
• Scholars in Asia writing effective applications 

Buddhist Studies is the academic study of the Buddhist tradition from its origins in ancient India to its present-day manifestations around the world. Scholars of Buddhism work in a number of disciplines, including, but not limited to, archaeology, art history, anthropology, cultural studies, gender studies, history, philology, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.

 
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by ACLS, is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity as integral components of merit that enhance the scholarly enterprise. It is a priority of this program that cohorts of fellows and grantees be broadly inclusive of different backgrounds, cultures, and any aspects that make one unique. In Buddhist Studies we seek balance in regard to citizenship and university affiliation, as well as in languages, topics, Buddhist traditions, and locations of research. 

Contact

Questions should be directed to BuddhistStudies@acls.org.