The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies

မြန်မာ | 中文（简）| 中文（繁）| हिंदी | 日本語 | ខ្មែរ | 한국어| ພາສາລາວ | Монгол хэл | नेपाली | සිංහල | བོད་ཡིག་ | ภาษาไทย | tiếng V iệt  

Launched in 2013, the Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, promotes the academic study of Buddhism, strengthens international networks of Buddhist Studies scholars, and increases the visibility of new knowledge and research on Buddhist traditions.

The program includes fellowships and grants that support research, writing, translation, teaching, and public positions in Buddhist Studies, as well as convenings, workshops, and special initiatives that foster networks and knowledge sharing amongst scholars, communities of practice, and the broader public.

With a renewed commitment from The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global in 2024, ACLS expanded the program with new initiatives designed to support the next generation of Buddhist Studies scholars,  enhance public knowledge and understanding of Buddhism, and strengthen the program’s global network of scholars.

Fellowships & Grants

In 2025-26, the program will offer:

• Fellowships for dissertations, early-career researchers, and Buddhism Public Scholars
• Grants for scholars and groups working on public scholarship and for institutions to establish new, tenure-track teaching positions with the New Professorships grant.

These are global competitions. With the exception of Buddhism Public Scholars, which requires work authorization in the host organization’s country, there are no restrictions as to the location of work proposed or the citizenship/residence of applicants. The final products of research may be in any language, but all applications must be submitted in English. All eligible scholars anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. 
 
ACLS strongly encourages scholars affiliated with universities and monastic institutions in Asia to apply.

Informational Webinars and Workshops for Applicants

ACLS offers informational webinars and virtual workshops for potential applicants to select fellowship and grant programs. In 2025-26, we expect to offer the following:

• An informational webinar covering the eligibility requirements, application components, and evaluation criteria for the Dissertation Fellowship.
• Feedback on draft applications for Dissertation Fellowship applicants enrolled in universities located in Africa, Asia (including the island nations of the Pacific), Latin America, and the Middle East.
• A workshop for Dissertation Fellowship applicants enrolled in universities located in Africa, Asia (including the island nations of the Pacific), Latin America, and the Middle East.
• Informational webinars for applicants to the Buddhism Public Scholars Fellowship.

Information on how to register for these sessions will be posted here once available.

Resources for Fellows and Grantees

Global Buddhism Series

In partnership with Yale University Press, the Global Buddhism Series will support the next generation of scholars of Buddhist Studies through a new publication series for books written by fellows and grantees whose research has previously been funded through the program.

A call for proposals with instructions on how to apply was sent to recent awardees in summer 2025.

Publication Subventions

Subventions of up to $5,000 will be awarded to a small number of fellows or grantees to aid in publishing a manuscript. The publication must be a product of research funded by the Program in Buddhist Studies.

We anticipate that this competition will launch in early November 2025. A call for applications with instructions on how to apply will be sent to recent awardees by November 2025.

Workshops & Events

ACLS aims to foster a global network of scholars through mentorship, outreach, and engagement with scholars at universities and monastic institutions in Asia, Europe, and North America. The program regularly convenes international scholars and experts in Buddhist Studies at annual workshops and retreats. In summer 2026, we expect to offer workshops for:

• Recent dissertation fellows to discuss work in progress with peers and senior scholars.
• Early career scholars preparing manuscripts for publication.

Special Projects

Public Scholarship in Buddhist Studies

ACLS is undertaking a new initiative on public scholarship to encourage collaboration with Buddhist communities of practice and dissemination of Buddhist Studies research to public audiences. For information on defining and conducting public scholarship, please visit the American Academy of Religion’s Guidelines for Supporting and Evaluating Public Scholarship in Religion.

About Buddhist Studies

Buddhist Studies is the academic study of the Buddhist tradition from its origins in ancient India to its present-day manifestations around the world. Scholars of Buddhism work in a number of disciplines, including, but not limited to, archaeology, art history, anthropology, cultural studies, gender studies, history, philology, philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and sociology.

The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by ACLS, is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity as integral components of merit that enhance the scholarly enterprise. It is a priority of this program that cohorts of fellows and grantees be broadly inclusive of different backgrounds, cultures, and any aspects that make one unique. In Buddhist Studies we seek a range of university affiliations, as well as diversity in languages, topics, Buddhist traditions, and locations of research. The program welcomes applications from all eligible individuals, and selection is made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, or any other aspect of identity.

Contact

For questions about the competitions or more information on future events or fellow resources, please contact [email protected].

Institutional administrators (e.g., Office of Sponsored Projects) should read our general guidance.