SMFS Rising Star Grant

Due: October 15, 2026.

Purpose 

This grant program supports the work of BIPOC medieval studies scholars whose work addresses the intersections of two or more of the following areas: race, gender, sexuality, disability, and social justice. This award particularly seeks to support work focused on medieval law/legal discourse; the work of scholar-activists; and/or those researching historical dimensions of racial justice issues.

The award is intended to support BIPOC medieval scholars who are in early stages of their career (e.g. graduate students and ECRs), independent scholars, or members of the academic precariate, in an effort to provide timely, meaningful support and to help their work become visible to the larger scholarly community. It is intended for the development of a conference paper, a journal article, or a dissertation chapter.  

Grant amount

One grant of $500 awarded annually

Eligibility

●      Who can apply? BIPOC medieval scholars who are in early stages of their career (e.g. graduate students and ECRs), independent scholars, or members of the academic precariate.

●      For what kinds of projects?  Projects with an intersectional scope and methodology (see details in “purpose’) such as conference papers, library visit, doctoral research/writing, or essay completion.

●      Membership? Applicants do not need to be members of SMFS, but a free two-year membership will be offered as part of the award. 

●      Residence? This competition is global and therefore open to BIPOC scholars residing anywhere in the world. 

Application process and materials required

●      The application form is available here. 

●      The form will ask for your name, contact info (email and postal address), project title, area(s) of academic study, university affiliation if applicable, current employment/student status, and a proposal (300-400 words).

●      The form will also ask you to upload a copy of your CV.

Timeline:

Call for applications opens	August 10, 2026
Applications close	October 15, 2026
Winner announced	November 15, 2026
Recognition of winner	At the 2027 International Medieval Conferences in Kalamazoo and Leeds

Questions? Write to Dr. Suzanne Edwards, sme6@lehigh.edu