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Who may apply?

Short-Term Travel Fellowships are available to scholars at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral levels.

Applications from former fellows are welcome after an interval of six months, provided they have submitted a final report for previous award periods. Applicants should be aware that all proposals are evaluated solely on the merits of the project and the availability of resources in the History of Science Collections.

Scholars whose principal residence or place of employment is inside the central Oklahoma area may not apply for short-term travel fellowships.

What constitutes the central Oklahoma area?

The central Oklahoma area, as determined by the Mellon Travel Fellowship Committee, is defined as the area within 100 miles of Norman, Oklahoma. Any scholar whose principal residence or place of employment is located within this region is ineligible for a short-term travel fellowship.

What criteria are used in evaluating fellowship applications?

In general, fellowship applications are evaluated under the following three criteria:

•the significance of the proposed project

•the applicant's ability to complete the proposed project

•the appropriateness of the proposed project to the resources of the History of Science Collections

The selection process is competitive and all three criteria are considered very carefully. Because the Travel Fellowship Program is specifically designed to encourage use of Collections materials, the third criterion is especially important.

How are fellows selected?

The selection committee for the Mellon Travel Fellowship Program consists of the Curator of the History of Science Collections, The Chair of the History of Science Department, and one additional member of the History of Science Program at the University of Oklahoma. The committee will solicit expert opinion of members of other departments at the University when applications demand it.

How can I learn about the resources of the History of Science Collections or the History of Science Program at the University?

Scholars wishing to apply are advised that information about the History of Science Collections may be found on the Internet; information about the History of Science Department may be obtained online as well. Both sites contain contact information. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their projects with members of the History of Science Program at the university.

What are the housing arrangements for fellows?

The University of Oklahoma maintains an on-campus hotel with a variety of accommodations, ranging from single rooms to cottages. Meals may be arranged through the University's Food Services. Arrangements can also be made through a variety of hotels and motels in Norman. Successful applicants should request information as soon as their fellowship term is set.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications are evaluated three times each year. Deadlines for submission are October 15 (for research conducted January 1 - April 30), February 15 (for research conducted May 1 - August 30) and May 15 (for research conducted September 1 - December 30).

Andrew W. Mellon Travel Fellowship Program

History of Science Collections

University of Oklahoma Libraries

401 West Brooks, Room 380

Norman, OK 73019 

405/325-2741