Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship, USA28 Views

Supporting the Next Generation of Anthropological Thinkers

For emerging scholars in anthropology, the transition from doctoral research to impactful academic contribution can be daunting. The Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship, offered by the Wenner-Gren Foundation, addresses this critical phase by providing the resources and time necessary for early-career researchers to complete significant writing projects. This fellowship is designed specifically for anthropologists seeking to produce publishable work from their already completed research. The fellowship enhances global anthropological knowledge while ensuring that scholars can refine and share their findings through books or peer-reviewed journal articles.

The Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship supports post-PhD scholars in anthropology, offering funding for writing-up research that contributes to the advancement of the discipline globally.

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About the Wenner-Gren Foundation

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization devoted to advancing anthropology worldwide. Through fellowships, grants, and conferences, it fosters international collaboration and innovation in anthropological research. The Foundation is recognized for supporting scholars whose work broadens our understanding of humanity in its diverse forms.

The Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of its cornerstone programs, designed to support the development and dissemination of high-quality anthropological scholarship.

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Fellowship Objective and

Focus

The primary goal of the Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship is to support the writing phase of anthropological research. The fellowship is not intended for new research but rather to enable postdoctoral scholars to synthesize and publish previously gathered data.

This makes it ideal for anthropologists who have recently completed their PhD and now need uninterrupted time to focus on publishing their results in reputable outlets.

Projects may involve:

• • Preparing a book manuscript based on dissertation research
  • Writing a series of peer-reviewed journal articles
  • Synthesizing long-term ethnographic or archaeological research findings

The focus is on intellectual depth, theoretical significance, and advancing the field of anthropology.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• • Hold a PhD or equivalent degree in anthropology (or a closely related field)
  • The PhD must be completed at the time of application
  • Preference is given to applicants within ten years of completing their PhD
  • Applicants must be fluent in the language of publication (typically English)

There are no citizenship or

residency restrictions, which makes the fellowship globally accessible.

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Funding and Fellowship Duration

The fellowship provides US$40,000 in support, which can be used flexibly over the twelve-month award period. The funding is meant to cover:

• • Living expenses
  • Travel (related to writing or research consolidation)
  • Publishing preparation costs
  • Other professional activities related to writing and dissemination

This financial support allows recipients to take time off from teaching or administrative duties, facilitating deep engagement with their research outputs.

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Areas of Research and Disciplinary Scope

The Hunt Fellowship supports research within all subfields of anthropology, including:

• • Cultural anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Biological anthropology
  • Linguistic anthropology

Projects with a strong theoretical component and critical engagement with current anthropological debates are prioritized. Interdisciplinary approaches are also welcome, as long as they contribute to the development of anthropological theory and practice.

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Application Process

The application process involves several carefully structured components. Applicants must submit:

1. 1. Online application form via the Wenner-Gren Foundation portal
   2. A comprehensive project statement (maximum 1500 words) detailing:
      • The significance of the research
      • The structure of the proposed publication (book/article)
      • Its relevance to anthropology
   3. Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication history
   4. Letter of recommendation from a scholar familiar with the applicant’s work
   5. Detailed budget and timeline for the twelve-month fellowship period

The application deadline is typically in May, with awards announced in November. Candidates should monitor the official Wenner-Gren program page for updated information.

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Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

• • Scholarly quality and originality of the proposed writing project
  • Contribution to anthropological theory and knowledge
  • Feasibility of completing the project within the fellowship period
  • Candidate’s prior research achievements and publication record

A strong proposal clearly articulates how the final output will advance the discipline and engage with broader anthropological conversations.

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Tips for a Strong Application

To maximize success, applicants should:

• • Clearly describe the theoretical framework and contribution of the work
  • Outline the structure and content of the planned publication
  • Provide realistic and detailed timelines
  • Avoid overly descriptive summaries; focus on argument and analysis
  • Choose a recommender who knows their academic work well

Applicants should also ensure that the proposal reflects coherence, maturity of thought, and readiness for publication.