Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies - D.W. Smith Fellowship

D.W. Smith Fellowship

You will receive a one-off research grant of about 1,950 EUR (CAD 3,000), awarded once a year. This grant supports a project on the 18th century covering any aspect of this period, including literature, history, philosophy and art. The Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (CSECS) provides the funding. The grant is intended for researchers who do not have easy access to university funding. You will use the funds to cover the research costs set out in your budget.

Who can apply

• Career stage: You must be a PhD student in at least your third year, a postdoctoral researcher, a part-time professor or lecturer, a full-time professor without tenure-track status, or an independent researcher. Full-time professors with tenure-track status or permanent appointments are not eligible to apply, as the fellowship is intended for individuals without institutional research funding.
• Field of study: Any subject that deals with the 18th century, such as history, literature, philosophy or art history.
• Membership: You must be a paying member of the CSECS at the time of application.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Previous scholarship holders have come from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
• Previous winners: You may reapply even if you have already received the scholarship; however, repeat applicants will be ranked lower on the list.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the CSECS online form by 15 May, in either English or French. You must submit a CV of no more than two pages and a research proposal of no more than 1,000 words, which must include a budget breakdown. A committee will then assess the applications and select the winner in the spring.

How realistic are your chances?

The pool of applicants is small: only those who conduct research into the 18th century, are members of the CSECS and do not hold a permanent academic post are eligible to apply. Only one fellowship is awarded each year, which keeps competition within this group high. If your project clearly fits within the relevant period, you are applying for the first time, and you submit a convincing, well-costed proposal, your prospects are good.