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Thursday 6th April

Fulbright - National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship

United States - Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission

Fulbright - National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship

Currently Accepting Applications!

The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission is pleased to announce the competition for a new component of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for the academic year 2023-2024. 

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates for the Fulbright - National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship for the academic year 2023-2024.

General Information about the Fulbright Program & the Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship

The Fulbright Program: The Fulbright program is a prestigious international exchange program that is administered worldwide.  The Fulbright program promotes mutual understanding between the United States and Sri Lanka through educational and cultural exchange programs. Over the years, the Fulbright program has witnessed an exchange of students/scholars and professionals between the two countries and provided opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth, and built capacity in both countries.  The Fulbright program aims at fostering bi-lateral relationships and bringing the people of the United States and people of Sri Lankan closer together.

Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship: The Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship, provides an opportunity for Fulbright visiting scholars to connect with National Archives scientists and experts while conducting research at the National Archives’ state-of-the-art Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab  in College Park, Maryland.

This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Archives and Records Administration, an independent agency of the United States government charged with the preservation and documentation of U.S. government and historical records. The award was established to support archival science education, conservation, and research. 

Award Activity

This National Archive research facility is focused on scientific research to assist in the conservation, preservation, and ongoing public accessibility of cultural and historic artifacts, records, and documents.  The selected Fellow will work with a team of heritage science experts and get hands-on laboratory experience by working on a diverse range of projects that leverage institute scientists’ expertise in analytical chemistry, physics, computational modeling and materials science.  The National Archives collection includes materials ranging from paper and parchment to photographs, modern film, magnetic audio/visual tapes and digital files. Increasing knowledge about the collections and how to reduce the risks of damage and loss are the inspiration for research projects. The Fellow will be encouraged to participate by presenting his/her progress, collaborating on publications, and building peer networks.

Scientists are also active in professional organizations and regularly present and publish work that benefits the heritage science community. The Fellow will be encouraged to participate by presenting progress, collaborating on publications, and building peer networks.  Strong applicants will be emerging or established experts in scientific and technical fields relevant to heritage preservation and conservation, with projects that align with the work and goals of the National Archives Heritage Science Research and Testing Laboratory. Increasing knowledge about the collections and how to reduce the risks of damage and loss are the inspirations for research projects. Current project interests include sustainable environmental (temperature and humidity) management, developing early mold detection systems, and polymer characterization and aging. High quality projects will contribute to international collaborations in heritage science, and build relationships with U.S. experts and institutions.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be Sri Lankan citizens and have continuously resided in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years immediately prior to the award application deadline
  • Holder of at least a Master’s degree but a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience is preferred. Advanced Doctoral researchers completing dissertation projects related to heritage science are also eligible to apply
  • Age: All things being equal, preference will be given to applicants who are not close to retirement
  • Must not be applying for or holding a permanent resident visa (green card) in the United States; must not be a dual U.S./Sri Lanka citizen; and must not hold a work or resident visa in another country

Note: Strong applicants will be emerging or established experts in scientific and technical fields relevant to heritage preservation and conservation even though past experience with heritage science or archival research is not required.  

Eligible disciplines:

  • Heritage/Conservation Science
  • Preventative Preservation
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Microbiology
  • Statistics

Areas of Interest:

  • Cultural heritage preservation and conservation
  • Applications of technology to complex issues in heritage preservation and risk management
  • Data analysis and visualization

Grant Benefits:

  • J-1 visa sponsorship,
  • J-1 visa compliant health benefits
  • Round trip international travel to the United States. 
  • Modest stipend to cover living expenses, settling in, and professional development allowances, and if applicable, a modest dependent allowance. 
  • Invitation to participate Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Activities as well as Fulbright’s Outreach Lecturing Fund. 
  • Access to diverse, active, worldwide network of alumni who carry the impact of their transformational Fulbright experience far beyond the period of their exchange programs.  
  • Dependent costs for J visa compliant health insurance and travel costs of accompanying dependents are the responsibility of the participant. 

Award Length and Dates: Minimum of 5 months, maximum of 12 months, beginning in September 2023

Applications: Currently Open

Application Deadline: October 15, 2022

Application Link: Apply Online at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2023

Once you have started your application, make sure to select Fulbright-National Archives from the Award drop-down menu on the Country Information page.

For further information on the Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship, please visit the website: https://fulbrightscholars.org/fulbrightnationalarchives

Important Notes:  

  • Each applicant may not apply to more than one award category during a competition cycle.
  • All successful candidates will be required to reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant. 
  • Dependents will not be supported financially on this grant, but grantees may take their dependents at their own expense, per program policies prevailing at the time.
  • Material misrepresentation (e.g., plagiarism) at any time during the application or grant period is grounds for selection withdrawal or grant termination, as well as ineligibility for application to any US-SLFC grants in the future.
  • Applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.
  • Prospective Fulbright awards applicants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs

Due to the large volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of applications, and only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be notified.