University of Pennsylvania USA SIMS Fellowships 2025

Overview

Founded through the vision of Lawrence J. Schoenberg and Barbara Brizdle Schoenberg, SIMS is a globally recognized research hub dedicated to exploring and preserving the legacy of manuscript culture through modern technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Based at the University of Pennsylvania, SIMS manages a vast collection of premodern manuscripts with a strong focus on the history of science and philosophy. In addition to physical collections, SIMS provides open-access digital tools and resources such as:

Description

Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts

BASIRA

VCEditor

Digital Scriptorium Catalog

OPenn

Digital Mappa

SIMS also organizes the annual Schoenberg Symposium on Manuscript Studies in the Digital Age and publishes the peer-reviewed Manuscript Studies Journal.

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

Live outside the greater Philadelphia area

Have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree by the fellowship start date

Demonstrate a clear and strong connection between your project and the Penn Libraries’ manuscript collections

Be an independent scholar or academic with a strong record (collaborative projects are also welcome)

For applicants without a Ph.D. at the time of applying, a letter from your dissertation advisor confirming degree completion by fellowship start is required

Note: Projects that incorporate digital methods (e.g., handwriting recognition, AI, computer vision) are especially encouraged.

Additional Information

About Sims

Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts

BASIRA

VCEditor

Digital Scriptorium Catalog

OPenn

Digital Mappa

SIMS also organizes the annual Schoenberg Symposium on Manuscript Studies in the Digital Age and publishes the peer-reviewed Manuscript Studies Journal.

Degree Level

University of Pennsylvania USA SIMS Fellowships 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at University of Pennsylvania.

The Visiting Research Fellowships are designed to encourage use of Penn’s premodern manuscript collections and engage scholars with SIMS’s digital resources and broader research community.

Fellowship Duration

Minimum: 1 month (4 work weeks)

Between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Number Of Fellowships

Up to 3 fellowships

Stipend: $5,000 per fellowship

Location

Research must be conducted on-site at SIMS, though short visits to nearby collections are allowed.

Available Subjects

Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.

Manuscript Studies

Benefits

Access to world-class manuscript collections, including the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection

Integration into Philadelphia’s vibrant research community

Use of cutting-edge digital tools in manuscript studies

Participation in academic events and opportunities to present research at Penn Libraries

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

Live outside the greater Philadelphia area

Have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree by the fellowship start date

Demonstrate a clear and strong connection between your project and the Penn Libraries’ manuscript collections

Be an independent scholar or academic with a strong record (collaborative projects are also welcome)

For applicants without a Ph.D. at the time of applying, a letter from your dissertation advisor confirming degree completion by fellowship start is required

Note: Projects that incorporate digital methods (e.g., handwriting recognition, AI, computer vision) are especially encouraged.

Taxation And Visa Information

Fellowships are subject to U.S. income tax

Non-resident aliens may have up to 30% withheld, but may recover this through tax treaty benefits

Non-U.S. citizens will likely need a J-1 visa (apply early, as it can take up to 3 months)

Fellows must also obtain a Social Security number while in the U.S.

Deadline Friday May 16 2025

Submit the following documents:

Project Proposal (2–3 pages) outlining:

Use of Penn’s manuscript resources

Project’s significance to the field

Work plan and timeline

Curriculum Vitae

Two letters of recommendation speaking to the project’s merit and relevance

Cover letter indicating interest in being considered for the ATBL Fellowship

Submission Method

Email application materials (PDF) to:

Lynn Ransom

Curator of Programs

Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies

Email: lransom@upenn.edu

OR mail printed copies to:

Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies

University of Pennsylvania Libraries

3420 Walnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Notification of award will be sent by May 31, 2025 .

Why Apply To The Sims Fellowship

Conduct high-level research in one of the world’s richest manuscript collections

Connect with leading scholars and digital tools in manuscript studies

Present your work at an Ivy League university and expand your academic network

Enhance your project with international collaboration opportunities, including the British Library

Apply by May 16, 2025 , and explore how manuscript culture and modern technology intersect through this unique and prestigious research opportunity.

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Funding

Partial Funding

Organization

University of Pennsylvania

Degree

Fellowship

Subjects