National Archives and Record Administration Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship
The Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship, a component of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, 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. The award was established to support archival science education, conservation, and research.
Award Activity
The selected Fellow will work in the Heritage Science Research and Testing Laboratory of the National Archives, a state-of-the-art facility focused on scientific research to assist in the conservation, preservation, and ongoing public accessibility of cultural and historic artifacts, records, and documents.
Heritage science is an interdisciplinary field spanning the humanities and sciences. It focuses on enhancing the care, use, and management of cultural and historic objects using the tools and technology of math, science, and engineering disciplines.
The Fellow will work with a team of heritage science experts and get hands-on laboratory experience. Scientists work collaboratively with a variety of units within the archives and with other Washington, D.C.-area universities, and government agency partners on a diverse range of projects that leverage their 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.
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 their 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. Current project interests include sustainable environmental (temperature and humidity) management, developing early mold detection systems, and polymer characterization and aging. Past experience with heritage science or archival research is preferred, but not required. High quality projects will contribute to international collaborations in heritage science and build relationships with U.S. experts and institutions.
Current project interests include:
- sustainable environmental (temperature, humidity, light) management,
- developing early mold detection systems
- polymer characterization and aging.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates will be researchers or professionals in heritage science or related technical fields. A Master’s degree is required, but Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience is preferred. Advanced Doctoral researchers completing dissertation projects related to heritage science are eligible to apply. Past experience with heritage science or archival research is preferred, but not required.
Disciplines
Scientist using a handheld FTIR attachment to identify the plastic used to print this topographical map of a section of the moon
- Heritage/Conservation Science
- Preventative Preservation
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Microbiology
- Statistics
Areas of Interest
- Archival cultural heritage preservation and conservation
- Applications of technology to complex issues in heritage preservation and risk management
- Data analysis and visualization
Application Deadline: October 15, 2022
For questions related to the award or application process, please reach out to Susan Muendl (smuendl@iie.org), Assistant Director, Fulbright Multi-regional Programs, IIE. Interested applicants should contact IIE’s Multi-Regional Team at fulbrightnationalarchives@iie.org
Webinars
Upcoming - Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship Webinar - July 27, 2022, 2:00 PM EDT
Archive - Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship Webinar
Apply Online: https://cies.org/fulbrightnationalarchives
For all information about the Fellowship, visit https://cies.org/fulbrightnationalarchives
