The Hajji Baba Club Research Fellowship, 2022-2023

The Hajji Baba Club Research Fellowship

Kyrgyz Felt, Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Vinay Pande Collection, Greenwich, CT

To encourage and support primary research in the field of carpet studies, the Hajji Baba Club has established an annual fellowship. The next fellowship cycle will be from September 2022 to June 2023. Applications are due April 29, 2022. The award will be $5,000.

Eligibility
Pre-doctoral candidates, post-doctoral researchers and senior scholars will be considered. In exceptional cases, independent or unaffiliated scholars may also be considered. Pre-doctoral candidates should be registered currently in a PhD program at an accredited college or university and be working steadily toward their degree. Post-doctoral candidates and established, senior scholars should hold an academic position at an accredited college or university, or an equivalent position at an accredited museum. Independent scholars should have a credible track record of research and publications in the field of carpet studies.

No member of the Hajji Baba Club will be considered, nor will any projects of a commercial nature.

The Hajji Baba Club Fellowship is awarded in the spirit of international interest in the field of carpet studies, but of legal and practical necessity cannot be awarded to residents of countries outside of the diplomatic scope of the United States, nor of countries under certain U.S. imposed economic sanctions.

Materials required in PDF format:

1. An original, independent research proposal in English (max. 3,000 words) for a project in the field of carpet studies. The proposal should include:

A. A description of what will be accomplished during the fellowship period
B. A description of travel that might be undertaken for research
C. A proposed budget for research
D. A descriptive list of other fellowships and sources of support that may be held concurrently with the HBC Research Fellowship

2. A full curriculum vitae, including education, professional experience, honors, awards, and publications
3. A recent, sample publication
4. Contact information for three references, academic or museum-based, who can attest to the quality and relevance of the proposal and the suitability and integrity of the applicant
5. Pre-doctoral candidates should supply official undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Deadline
All materials should be sent by email to: fellowship@hajjibaba.org by April 29, 2022.

Selection
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Hajji Baba Club members knowledgeable in the field of carpet studies. Fellows are selected on the basis of their original research proposal, research accomplishments, creativity, and outstanding potential to become leading scholars in the field. The feasibility, relevance, importance, and creativity of proposed projects will be considered. Fellows will be announced by the end of June, 2022.

Terms of Award
The Fellowship period will last for ten months, from September 2022 – June 2023, during which time the Fellow may call themself the Hajji Baba Club Fellow.

The Fellowship award is paid in a single, lump sum. Fellowship funds may be used by the Fellow for any expense judged supportive of research and described in the project budget. Fellowship funds may not be used for indirect costs or overhead charges, nor for tuition fees.

Fellows are obligated to notify the Hajji Baba Club if they are changing institutions, or if the proposed project changes substantially.

Fellows are obligated to submit an interim report (by February 28, 2023) and final report (by July 31, 2023) detailing research activities and expenditures to date. Fellows will give a lecture in the Hajji Baba Club lecture series in New York, or online, during or following their fellowship period. Any publication of the research material supported by the HBC Research Fellowship should cite the support of the Hajji Baba Club, Inc., New York.

The Hajji Baba Club Inc. is a 301(c) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the study of and teaching about historical and antique carpets and textiles. Founded in 1932, it is the oldest organization of its type in America. Prominent collectors and scholars continue to form part of the HBC membership, along with many other enthusiasts. The Club sponsors research, funds exhibitions and publications, conducts field trips to public institutions and private homes, and holds monthly meetings (currently online) in which speakers present lectures and members share their knowledge. Please visit our website at hajjibaba.org.