Paul Klemperer Fellowship In The History Of Medicine

The Paul Klemperer Fellowship in the History of Medicine supports research using the Library's resources for scholarly study of the history of medicine. The recipient will use the Library's collections while in residence at the NYAM Library. Applications from researchers whose projects engage with the history of health equity or healthspan are encouraged.

The Klemperer Fellow is expected to spend at least four weeks in New York City, conducting research in the New York Academy of Medicine Library. Fellows are required to make a public presentation about their project at NYAM, to contribute a post for our blog, and to submit a final report on the research conducted in the Library by the end of the award period. All fellowship obligations must be completed during the calendar year for which the fellowship is awarded.

Eligibility Requirements

We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, academic disciplines, or academic status. Preference will be given to (1) those whose research will take advantage of resources that are uniquely available at NYAM, and (2) individuals in the early stages of their careers. To ensure a smooth fellowship experience, applicants must have independent legal authorization to remain in the United States for the full duration of the fellowship. Please note that NYAM is not a visa-granting institution and cannot provide visa sponsorship or immigration assistance. Applicants with any potential via or immigration concerns are encouraged to review their eligibility carefully before applying.

Application Process and Instructions

Please read the instructions below to assist you in completing the application form. If you have questions about the instructions, the application process, or the Library’s collections, please call 212-822-7313 or send email to  history@nyam.org. Applicants are encouraged to call or email for more information about the collections.

A complete application includes: 

• One copy of the materials requested in the application
• Two letters of recommendation

Please submit your application electronically.
Email your materials as attachments to history@nyam.org.
Attachments must be in Word, Adobe PDF, or Rich Text Format.
Please include the appropriate extension in filename and give your application an easily understood name, i.e. "YourNameFellowshipApp.pdf"

Letters of recommendation should be emailed as attachments to history@nyam.org by the recommender, not by the applicant.

Deadline

Current applications are for fellowships that may be used between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applications are due by the end of the day on Friday, August 22, 2025. Letters of recommendation are due by the end of the day on Monday, August 25, 2025. Applicants will be notified of whether or not they have received a fellowship by Friday, October 10, 2025.

Award Information

Each Klemperer fellow receives a stipend of $5,000 to support travel, lodging and incidental expenses for a flexible period between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The Klemperer Fellow is expected to spend at least four weeks in New York City, conducting research at the New York Academy of Medicine Library. Besides completing a research project, each fellow will be expected to make a public presentation at NYAM, contribute a post to our blog, and submit a final report. All fellowship obligations must be completed during the calendar year for which the fellowship is awarded. Applicants should provide specific information in their proposals about the collection items they plan to use by including a separate bibliography of resources they intend to consult with their application materials.

The selection committee, comprising prominent historians and medical humanities scholars, will choose the fellow from the pool of applications. These fellowships are awarded directly to the individual applicant and not to the institution where he or she may normally be employed. None of the fellowship money is to be used for institutional overhead.

Publications

Any publications resulting from work supported by the fellowship must acknowledge the assistance received from the New York Academy of Medicine Library. Copies of such publications should be submitted to the Library.

Contact information

Historical Collections
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10029
Email: history@nyam.org
Telephone: 212-822-7313