Submit a proposal
The Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts welcomes research proposals and visiting scholars to collaborate on innovative, cross-disciplinary projects in objects-based and objects-inspired research.
We seek proposals which strike a balance between object-based (for example the study of a specific work of art, or groups of objects) and objected-inspired work (for example the development of new investigation methods or testing of a new conservation treatment). Proposed projects are expected to require significant technical expertise in addition to access to facilities. External proposals are expected from cultural institutions that do not have access to research facilities, as well as from museum or university scientists who lack highly specialized equipment. The projects are financially supported by the Center.
The goals of the program are to enrich the breadth, scope, and reach of scientific studies in the arts and in the wider field of conservation in the US and abroad, by leveraging resources at the Center’s resources at the Art Institute of Chicago and materials- and computer science departments at Northwestern University.
The Center, funded by the Mellon Foundation, is the first of its kind to make its resources open to both internal and external users via merit-review proposals. This framework offers a unique opportunity to pursue a double-pronged approach to both objects-based and objects-inspired scientific research in the arts.
External research program
The external research program is intended to launch short- or long-term collaborative research projects focused on:
- The scientific study of one object or a collection of objects with the aim of answering an important art-historical, technical, archaeological, or conservation question.
- The broader, fundamental issues in the analysis and conservation of artifacts. Areas that may be at the center of such broader studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Material identification, fabrication, and performance
- Material aging and degradation
- Restoration treatment development and testing
- New analytical and sensor technology development
Joint research projects are expected to be conducted by scientific staff of the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts in collaboration with Northwestern faculty, Art Institute of Chicago staff, and the external applicants. Proposed projects are expected to require significant expertise rather than simply access to facilities.
Visiting scholars
Applicants who may wish to make use of the Center directly to carry out their proposed projects may also apply for visiting research scholarships. The Center is able to assist in the arrangement of visa applications for visiting research scholars who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For more information on the requirements of the Northwestern J-1 visa process, visit the J-1 Exchange Visitors webpage of the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Deadlines
The deadlines for receipt of proposals will be April 15, 2025 and October 15, 2025.
Required Application Materials
Applications should be submitted online and include:
- A title page that includes the project title, an abstract, and the titles and signatures of all investigators.
- A description of the proposed research, up to five pages in length, to include the background, proposed project and objectives, expected achievements and impact, as well as plans for disseminations of the results.
- A two-page CV for the PI and for other key personnel.
- All professional appointments as well as most representative publications relevant to the proposed work.
- A list of specific artworks, monuments, archaeological, or other cultural heritage objects, provided in the appendix with images and descriptions of the objects, media, sizes and ownership information, if available.
- If the proposal includes a request for a visiting scholarship, desired dates and length of stay.
- If the proposed project involves radiation, chemical, and biological safety matters, please indicate clearly in the application.
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by members of the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts Peer Review Panel composed of both internal and external reviewers of international stature in the fields of conservation and conservation science, materials science, chemistry, art history, archaeology, environmental science, and/or computer science.
The selection will be based primarily on merit review criteria such as the scientific quality and originality of the proposed work. The applications should aim to increase the scholarly output (qualitatively and quantitatively) of scientific studies in the arts, optimize the use of the Center's facilities and expertise, foster lasting national and international scientific cooperation, and include elements of outreach to broader audiences across disciplinary boundaries.
The Center will not accept project proposals that have restrictions on the dissemination of the research results. All publications shall acknowledge support from the Mellon Foundation.
Questions?
You may direct inquiries to Miriam Williams, Project Coordinator for the Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts: miriam.williams@northwestern.edu
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals. Applications from women and minorities are especially sought.
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