Request for Applications: Nottebohm Fellowship Programme
Section
The Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and the Museum Plantin-Moretus in Antwerp invite applications for the 2025–26 Nottebohm Fellowship Programme, offering travel grants to support research on the history of the early printed book from the 15th to the 18th century.
The fellowship promotes research on the collections of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library and the Museum Plantin-Moretus for the history of the early printed book (15th–18th century) in Antwerp. Projects must relate to specific items or collections in these institutions and will be selected on the basis of their relevance to at least one of the institutions, as well as the merits, feasibility, and significance of the proposed research.
Each year, two short-term Nottebohm fellowships are awarded to researchers of any nationality and at any career stage—early career, independent, or established—provided they reside more than 250 km from Antwerp. The grants are intended to allow scholars to travel to Antwerp for a minimum research stay of two weeks. Fellows from Europe may receive up to €2,000, and those from outside Europe up to €3,000, with funds covering transportation and accommodation only. Successful applicants must begin their research visit within one year of acceptance.
Applications must include a concise curriculum vitae with a short bibliography, two signed letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s research domain and work, and an application letter. The letter should contain a research proposal of 750–1500 words detailing the research questions, methods, and specific collections to be studied, the planned duration of the stay, and a budget proposal covering eligible costs. Proposals must be submitted by email to the designated contacts by 1 October 2025, with award decisions communicated by 1 November 2025.
The grant will be paid after the research period is completed, following submission of a written report of 1000–2500 words and proof of expenses. Fellows are expected to acknowledge the grant in all resulting publications and provide copies of their work to the institutions. They may also be invited to contribute to public outreach, participate in interviews, or lead workshops for Antwerp University students and researchers.
Curators at both institutions will support the fellows throughout their stay, providing an intake interview, introductions to the collections and research tools, and regular feedback sessions to assist in the progress of their work.
For more information, visit Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library.
