Launched in 2014, the Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, promotes 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 foster networks and knowledge sharing amongst scholars. 
 
ACLS is building on past initiatives and furthering the program’s reach by:

• Turning toward Asia to engage 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 through supporting 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, but all applications must be submitted in English. All eligible scholars anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. 

Buddhist Studies is the academic study of the Buddhist tradition from its origins in ancient India to its present-day manifestations around the world. Scholars of Buddhism work in a number of disciplines, including, but not limited to, religious studies, history, philology, archaeology, art history, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, and gender studies.

The deadline for the following programs is November 30, 2023:​

• The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Dissertation Fellowships in Buddhist Studies
• The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Early Career Research Fellowships in Buddhist Studies
• The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Translation Grants in Buddhist Studies

The deadline for the following programs is January 18, 2024:

• The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies
• The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars