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

Launched in 2014, the Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, has promoted the academic study of Buddhism and the dissemination of knowledge of Buddhism through support for dissertations, research, and writing, and by assisting institutions to establish new, tenure-track teaching positions.  Annual symposia have fostered networks and knowledge sharing.

The renewal of support for this program in 2021 by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global, marks a turning point in several respects.  In the coming years (2021-24), ACLS will build on these initiatives and expand their reach.

An explicit turn toward Asia to include Buddhist scholars and communities
Enhancing the public spread of Buddhist values and insights through a Buddhism Public Scholars program
Expanding the worldwide audience for Buddhist Studies by supporting Fellows’ translations and publicly accessible scholarly writing

These are global competitions. 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. However, all applications must be submitted in English.

Buddhist studies engage Buddhist traditions as well as contemporary developments in many fields, including history, philosophy, archaeology, art history, anthropology, philology, and studies of religion. For the purpose of these competitions, Buddhist studies are defined broadly. 

The program will annually sponsor three types of workshops

For recent dissertation Fellows to discuss work in progress with peers and senior scholars
For early career scholars preparing manuscripts for publication
For scholars in Asia for writing effective applications and articles for international publication

All eligible scholars anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.

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 balance in regard to citizenship and university affiliation, as well as in languages, topics, Buddhist traditions, and locations of research.

Opportunities & Deadlines

Name	Type	Due
Dissertation Fellowships in Buddhist Studies	Fellowship	November 16, 2022
Early Career Research Fellowships in Buddhist Studies	Fellowship	November 16, 2022
Translation Grants in Buddhist Studies	Grant	November 16, 2022
Buddhism Public Scholars	Fellowship	January 11, 2023
New Professorships in Buddhist Studies	Grant	January 11, 2023