The Princeton University Department of Art & Archaeology Visual Resources division provides visual materials to support the department curriculum and research. Visual Resources also manages the documentation of the various archaeological expeditions the department has undertaken in e.g., Syria, Sardis (Turkey), Antioch (Turkey), Morgantina (Sicily), and Polis (Cyprus). In addition, Visual Resources maintains faculty collections of photographs, including the Pennoyer collection of WWII damage to Italian monuments, the archives of Byzantinist Kurt Weitzmann, and the documentation of the restoration of Hilandar Monastery in Mount Athos by Slobodan Nenadovic, to name just a few.

Every year, we host several visiting scholars to consult these collections, and while we welcome visitors, we recognize that having the ability to travel to Princeton is an undertaking many cannot afford. While we are taking steps to digitize these collections for public accessibility, many collections remain accessible only through on-site visits. To assist scholars in using these collections, Visual Resources accepts applications for a competitive short-term residency award.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 Research Award.

Visual Resources invites applications for a Research Award for late-stage undergraduates, doctoral students, recent doctorates, tenured faculty, non-tenured faculty, and independent scholars. The award covers round-trip airfare (up to $1500) and ground transportation to Princeton, as well as accommodation for one week and meals covered by reimbursement.

Applications must be received by November 1, 2024 for awards to be implemented between March 2025 and November 2025. Applicants are invited to submit a letter of interest that includes a short project description outlining the need for in-person research, and their CV. Because this is not a fellowship, we are unable to sponsor visas. We encourage applications from individuals whose interests, perspectives, and experiences align with Princeton’s commitment to building a diverse intellectual community, and who, through their research, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of Princeton’s academic community.

Please submit your application (the letter of interest with short project description and CV) to [email protected] as a pdf with your surname as part of the filename.

Q: I’ve been to Visual Resources already; can I apply for this?

A: Yes.

Q: I’d like to utilize the Princeton University Library Collections as well, during my visit, is that possible?

A: Maybe. The focus of your work should be on the collections of the Department of Art and Archaeology managed by Visual Resources. However, if you wish to consult the Princeton University Library Collections while here, you are welcome to reach out to them separately to do so.

Q: Will you sponsor my visa? 

A: No. These are not appointments through the Dean of the Faculty’s office, and therefore not eligible for visa sponsorship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should consult with your home institution about visa issues before applying/traveling.

Q: I live far away. Should I even bother applying?

A: We want to offer this to scholars who would otherwise not be able to make the journey. Please do apply.

Q: When will I hear if I have been given an award? 

A: Applicants will be notified by December 1, 2024. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again.

Q: When should I plan to visit? 

A: The academic year at Princeton is full of interesting events open to the public, but the summer is also a wonderfully quiet time for research on campus. We only suggest that you avoid major events on campus (e.g.: commencement and reunions) as well as student move-in and the first week of classes. Please consult the University Academic Calendar for guidance.

Q: I have additional questions. Whom can I ask?

A: Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any additional questions.