The Frankel Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan provides annual fellowships for scholars and artists from around the world to conduct research in relation to a given theme. Established through a generous financial contribution from the Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Heritage Foundation, the Frankel Institute is the only one of its kind at a public university in the United States. The Institute is committed to interdisciplinary, multilingual work spanning ancient times through the contemporary era. By combining intellectual autonomy with the ideal of a scholarly community, it offers global leadership in Jewish Studies.
Expressing a deep commitment to Jewish learning, the Jean and Samuel Frankel Jewish Heritage Foundation provided a $20 million endowment in 2005 to establish the Frankel Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan. In the same year, Deborah Dash Moore was appointed Director of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and Frederick G.L. Huetwell Professor of History. On November 9, 2005, the University celebrated the official inauguration of the Institute and, soon after, it announced its first theme year and call for fellowship applications.
The major goal of the Frankel Institute is to provide an intellectually stimulating environment, promote an atmosphere of openness, and encourage constructive criticism. It seeks to advance Jewish Studies globally and considers diversity and pluralism as fundamental characteristics of a public university and emphasizes such principles in all endeavors. Additionally, the Institute offers a broad range of events to the public, including lectures, symposia, art exhibitions, and musical performances.
Deadline: Nov. 4, 2024
2025-26 Theme Year, Jews and Media.
Fellowship applications are accepted from both tenured and untenured faculty as well as from recent Ph.D.’s without a tenure-track position and professors emeriti. Where appropriate, applications are accepted from independent artists, documentary film-makers, and writers.
You may apply either for a full academic year (usually September 1-April 30) or for a single term (Fall terms runs September-December and Winter Term runs January-April). Fellows can serve no more than two terms within a period of four years.
The Frankel Institute is structured as a residential fellowship. With advance notification, alternative arrangements may be available.
All fellows receive compensation of $62,000 for a full academic year fellowship, or $31,000 for a single term. Additionally, University of Michigan health benefits are available for fellows who carry a 50% or greater appointment for four consecutive months.