Mellon Fellowship Program

Short-term research fellowships are available for periods between two and eight weeks in length to support research utilizing the collections of the Vatican Film Library. Applications must demonstrate need to consult the primary source materials of the library. All topics will be considered that are served by the collections, such as history, philosophy, theology, literature, art, science, paleography, codicology, illumination, text editing, library history, etc.

Fellowships are open (regardless of nationality) to post-doctoral scholars and to doctoral candidates formally admitted to a Ph.D. program working on their dissertations. Fellowships are not available to researchers residing within 100 miles of Saint Louis University. This program is supported by the generosity of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Award

The fellowship provides the cost of air travel within the continental United States and a living allowance of $2,250 per month. Accommodation and health care are not included in the fellowship.

Application Materials

Applications should contain the following:

Cover letter specifying proposed dates, duration, and title of research project
Project proposal of not more than two to three pages
Curriculum vitae
List of manuscripts or other materials to be consulted and a select bibliography of materials relating to the subject
Letter of recommendation from an advisor (only for doctoral candidates)

Deadlines

Fellowships are awarded three times yearly. Completed applications should be submitted according to the following deadlines:

March 1: For research in June to August
June 1: For research in September to December
October 1: For research in January to May

Submissions

Submit applications and inquiries to vfl@slu.edu. Address applications to: Vatican Film Library Mellon Fellowship Program, Knights of Columbus Vatican Film Library, Pius XII Memorial Library, Saint Louis University, 3650 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63108-3302.

Research in the Vatican Film Library is also supported by the NEH Research Fellowship, offered by the Saint Louis University Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Both fellowships may be extended further through the Saint Louis University Center for Religious and Legal History Fellowship. These fellowships may be held consecutively, but not concurrently. Please indicate if you are submitting applications for more than one program

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Across SLU internal and student awards:

1. Strong Academic Credentials: High GPA, strong performance in coursework, and evidence of previous scholarly activity.
2. Clear Research or Professional Goals: Well-articulated research plans and how funding will enhance outcomes.
3. Institutional Endorsement: Support from faculty mentors and departments for assistantships or internal awards.
4. Alignment with Award Criteria: Tailoring applications to clearly meet each programme’s requirements.
5. Prepared Proposal Materials: Strong personal statements, letters of recommendation, and clear budgets (for research proposals).

🛠 Practical Tips for Applicants

✔ Start early: Internal proposal deadlines often precede external submission windows.
✔ Work with Research Development Services: They can refine proposals for external competitions and manage compliance processes.
✔ Get Faculty Support: Letters of support and mentorship plans boost competitiveness.
✔ Understand Review Criteria: Tailor each application to the specific focus of the award.
✔ Use University Resources: SLU’s GO Centers help with grant preparation and submission logistics.

📌 Summary: Competitive Support at SLU

Support Type	Target	Focus	Typical Platform
Internal Research Grants	Faculty & researchers	Seed and career development	Spark grants, Beaumont Fund, President’s Research, Scholarship Opportunity Fund
Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships	Graduate students	Tuition & stipend support via dept. or university
Graduate & GSA Awards	Master’s/PhD students	Professional development, research progression
Undergraduate Scholarships	Undergrad students	Merit/need-based tuition support
International Scholarships / External Funding	Int’l students	Merit/need-based aid and external awards (e.g., Fulbright)

🔍 When SLU Funding Is a Good Fit

✔ You’re a faculty researcher building preliminary data to pursue external grants.
✔ You’re a graduate student seeking tuition support via assistantships or institutional fellowships.
✔ You’re an undergraduate or international student aiming for merit or need-based scholarships.
✔ You want professional development support for conference participation or specialized training.

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Saint Louis University

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 1 N Grand Blvd St. Louis, MO 63103

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