I Tatti, the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, has announced the Craig Hugh Smyth Fellowship, a distinguished opportunity designed for curators and conservators engaged in advanced research in any aspect of the Italian Renaissance.
The Craig Hugh Smyth Fellowship is a residential program, available for 4 or 6 months. This fellowship offers an unparalleled environment, providing scholars with precious time to pursue their studies without interruptions, coupled with maximum scholarly resources.
Fellows are expected to become part of the vibrant intellectual community, participating in conferences, lectures, and concerts, alongside enjoying activities specifically reserved for them.
Exploring the Craig Hugh Smyth Fellowship
Applicants should be established scholars currently working as a curator or conservator for an educational or cultural institution. Proposed research projects may relate to personal interests or be undertaken on behalf of their home institution and can represent a segment of a larger ongoing project.
A crucial requirement for all candidates is to be conversant in English and possess familiarity with Italian. Furthermore, applicants must be able to carry out the majority of their research in Florence.
Priority in the selection process will be given to early- and mid-career scholars, and I Tatti particularly welcomes applications from scholars from all nations, with special consideration for those who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.
Funding and other benefits
- Two fellowships are awarded each year, offering a generous grant of $5,200 USD per month.
- Additionally, a one-time supplement of up to USD 1,800 is provided to help offset relocation expenses. Applicants are invited to indicate their preference for either the fall term (September through December) or the winter-spring term (January through June).
Application requirement
- For those interested in applying, applications can be submitted in either English or Italian. All applications must be submitted electronically.
- Scholars are permitted to apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.
- A vital part of the application process involves securing two letters of recommendation
- Applicants must arrange for two scholars who know their work well to submit recommendations online. These recommendations can also be submitted in English or Italian.
- Successful fellows are personally responsible for obtaining a visa and health coverage, also covering any accompanying family members if appropriate.
When and how to apply
For the 2025-2026 cycle, the submission deadline is November 15, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
The I Tatti, Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, offers the Craig Hugh Smyth Fellowship for curators and conservators engaged in advanced research on the Italian Renaissance. This residential fellowship lasts for either 4 or 6 months, providing an ideal environment for focused study with extensive scholarly resources. Fellows are encouraged to join the intellectual community by participating in conferences, lectures, and social events.
Eligible applicants should be established scholars working with an educational or cultural institution, proficient in English, and familiar with Italian. Research projects can be personal or on behalf of the scholar's institution. Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars and those lacking access to Italian research materials and facilities. The fellowship provides two annual awards, including a USD 5,200 monthly stipend and a one-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800, with options to choose between the fall or winter-spring terms.
Applications must be submitted electronically in English or Italian by November 15, 2025, for the 2025-2026 cycle. Applicants may apply for only one I Tatti fellowship per academic year and must provide two letters of recommendation. Successful candidates are responsible for their visa and health insurance arrangements.
