Public Humanities Fellowships
2025 - 26
The CIH Public Humanities Fellowships offer an unparalleled experience to exceptional post-candidacy doctoral students pursuing research in the Humanities to carry out a research project in a community organization for 12 weeks (at 20 hours a week) over the course of the summer, for a stipend of $7500 + TTI WIL Award.
The Fellowships are the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applied humanities research and to apply your hard won but exceptionally transferable skills in research, communication, critical thinking, writing, etc. for the public good. Depending on the position, you will gain experience in community-engaged policy work, have opportunities for mentorship, build practical writing skills in different areas (e.g., for grant writing, programme evaluation, non-academic training packages, and public facing communication of multiple different types and for multiple different audiences), widen your professional network, and broaden your skill base generally. Gaining such community engagement experience will be equally valuable in the eyes of future employers, whether you decide to pursue an academic career or not.
Among the organisations which we have partnered with in the past, since launching this programme in 2020, are the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Esker Foundation, Centre for Sexuality, The Confluence, Alzheimer Calgary and Simon House Recovery Centre. Each Fellowship opportunity advertised is a project devised by the community organisations according to their needs, i.e. these projects are not designed to match anyone’s specific research fields and indeed you are strongly encouraged to challenge yourself by applying for a Fellowship opportunity which has no obvious connection at all to your research area.
The overall goals of the programme are twofold:
- To show high-level Humanities doctoral students how transferable their skills are.
- To show community organisations the benefits of employing Humanities doctoral students.
Hear from a former Fellow about her experience working with Fort Calgary
Nella Darbouze-Bonyemme speaks about her experience as a Calgary Institute for the Humanities Public Humanities Fellow during the spring and summer of 2022, developing tours and public programming for Fort Calgary.
The application process
In late September each year, the community projects to be carried out in the spring/summer of the following year will be advertised. The deadline for applications for the current round of Fellowships is November 3, 2025. For details about what to include in your application see further below.
The applications will be reviewed and the most promising candidates invited for an interview. Please note that the selection process is highly competitive and invitation for an interview is not a guarantee of an offer.
What do you commit to if your application is successful?
Those whose applications are successful and who are offered one of the Fellowships commit to the following:
- To apply for a Transformative Talents Internships (TTI) in November, as part of the funding process.
- To participate, in the W2026 term, in a series of six seminars spaced out over the term. These seminars are designed to encourage deeper thought about what it actually means to be a Public Humanities Fellow.
- To carry out their work at their respective community organisation from May 13 to August 5, 2026.
- To give a public presentation about their experience, which will be scheduled in mid-to-late September 2026 after the completion of the projects.
Eligibility
To be eligible to hold a CIH Public Humanities Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria: (1) You must be a PhD student pursuing a Humanities-oriented dissertation; (2) you must have completed your candidacy requirements before the work placement starts in May 2026, and (3) you must also be enrolled as a full-time PhD student until at least the end of August 2026.
Please note that the principle upon which this program is founded is that your general skills as Humanities doctoral students are transferable. There is no requirement or expectation that your own research area matches any of the advertised positions; indeed, as noted above, in the ideal placement it does not.
2025-26 Public Humanities Fellowship Opportunities
View placement opportunities for the 2025-26 Public Humanities Fellowships. Applications should be customized according to the opportunity or opportunities you are applying for.
LOCATION: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
TITLE: Representation and Cultural Safety
DATES: May 14–August 9, 2026
The Calgary Institute for the Humanities in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Public Humanities Fellowship Placement with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
Job Description:
CCIS is looking for a Public Humanities Fellow to contribute to our work around newcomer engagement, cultural safety, cultural thinking, research ethics, and data equity. Although we cannot at the moment predict the specific form or focus, this process of consultation and policy making will take place in Spring 2026. The commitment to this placement will be dedicated to this space of work leveraging on the research and knowledge transfer abilities of public humanities fellows, as well as their area of focus and education.
Cultural Safety: “is an outcome that is based on respectful engagement which recognizes and strives to address power imbalances inherent in the health and social services system. It results in an environment free of racism and discrimination where people feel safe receiving health care” (Government of NWT 2016: 9). Cultural safety is part of the “continuum” that includes cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence, but cultural safety is “the ultimate end” (Government of NWT 2016: 9).
About the Organisation:
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) is a non-profit organization that offers settlement and integrations support and services to all immigrants and refugees in Calgary and Southern Alberta. For over 40 years, CCIS has worked towards developing and delivering innovative programs and services that are enriched by the engagement of our funders, partners, and local community. As one of the largest Settlement agencies in Canada, CCIS ensures that our services respond to the needs of ethnically diverse communities with Calgary. Our deeply rooted involvement with ethno-cultural communities is reflected in the diversity of our staff, our leadership, and our Board of Directors. Combined with our volunteer collective, CCIS is represented in almost every cultural, faith based, and linguistic background observed in the changing makeup of our City.
CCIS works at the intersection of Culture and Systems with a focus on equity and inclusion. Recently, this has translated down to ensuring equity in the health space as it applies to access for priority populations such as Newcomers. CCIS is involved in several research projects in the space of Public Health that invite a review of access of current health practices. CCIS also works in the area of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with a specific focus on Cultural Responsiveness across all components of a given organizational system. An example of projects in this space includes developing sector specific Newcomer Engagement Strategies, Cultural Thinking Workshop development and facilitation, and projects focused specifically on Data Equity and representation. Currently we are working on a Newcomer Research Library that is an accessible digital library of research on immigrants and refugees in Alberta. The library provides insight into topics and themes that researchers and community organizations highlight most frequently, while also highlighting gaps in Academic literature. CCIS also works very closely with the University of Calgary with the intent of advocating for, and placing influence on, ethical principles for research on newcomer populations. This includes working with Research Ethics Board around existing process and policies and the need for potential change.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Amanda Koyama, Director of Strategic Engagement of CCIS, and Gina Vetro, Community Researcher Coordinator, you will:
- Conduct literature reviews as they relate to cultural thinking and safety, equity, inclusion, and diversity
- Help turn research findings into practical tools that strengthen inclusion and organizational practices
- Contribute to Engagement Frameworks by mobilizing knowledge into practical application as it relates to all aspects of organizational effectiveness and inclusion
- Inform how cultural safety could be embedded through organizational policies, practices, and staffing.
- Determine how to best involve communities for inclusive design to ensure cultural and physical safety.
- Support program planning, evaluation, and grant writing
- Develop reports, presentation, policy briefs, and other knowledge mobilization materials that synthesize findings for various audiences
- Contribute to, and recommend changes for the Newcomer Research Library – especially the liaison with Academics and research students
Qualifications:
- Background in community-based research methods
- Experience writing literature reviews
- Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources
- Critical and analytical thinking
- Ability to work independently
- Strong writing skills
- Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion work and/or training a plus
- Familiarity with theories and frameworks on race and racism, or on the role of place and space considered an asset
- Expertise in theories/frameworks for analysing place/space a plus
- Experience in training, facilitation, and/or program development considered an asset
Eligibility:
To be eligible as a Public Humanities Fellow at the Calgary Institute for the Humanities, University of Calgary, you must: (a) be post-candidacy by the time the work placement begins; (b) be enrolled as a full-time student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies from September 2025 to the end of August 2026; (c) be carrying out doctoral research which employs a humanistic approach.
LOCATION: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary), 750 9 Ave SE
TITLE: Creative Experience, Exhibition & Program Research & Development
DATES: May 14–August 9, 2026
The Calgary Institute for the Humanities in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Public Humanities Fellowship Placement with The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
Job Description:
The Confluence is looking for a Public Humanities Fellow to help us broaden the stories we share about this layered site. Specifically, the fellow will help research, develop, and new programs (both youth and public) materials and exhibitions that broaden the stories of this place. They will collaborate with the Director of Creative Experience, Sr. Programs Manager and Collections Manager. They will also take part in other related tasks at the museum to gain valuable insights into visitor experience and programming.
About the Organisation:
In spring 2024, Fort Calgary changed its name to The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
Under this new name, we are freer to expand the narrative of this place to encompass the many diverse histories of the land. Stories of the North-West Mounted Police and Fort Calgary help to define this place and will always be a part of the narrative here, but there are other important stories to be told, too. At The Confluence, storytelling is liberated, and history is an open and welcoming book.
The confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers has been a place of significance to Indigenous peoples long before 1875, when the North-West Mounted Police established a site of colonial occupation called Fort Calgary and prepared the way for a new settler-colonial community. This place remains significant to Indigenous peoples today, and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland now strives to provide the space and opportunity to reflect on the past and help create better paths for our future.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Lindsie Bruns (Director of Creative Experience) & Natalie Heaton (Sr. Programs Manager), the Public Humanities Fellow will:
- Work with the Team to finalize an interpretive plan and scope for future exhibit plans.
- Complete primary and secondary source research using in-person and online archives and libraries.
- Develop content and components for School Programs and Public Programs, including lesson plans, activity guides, educational materials, interactive presentations, and hands-on learning experiences, based on thorough research and aligned with curriculum standards and audience needs
- Participate in visitor experience and public programming tasks as needed, including: supporting the front desk and supporting major community events (such as National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Day, Heritage Day).
Qualifications:
- Experience with research; experience with historical or archival research is an asset.
- Strong writing and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a small, enthusiastic team.
- Willingness to be flexible and to embrace an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ attitude when necessary.
- Multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize projects tasks efficiently
- Knowledge of the diverse histories of Treaty 7 territory, either through education or lived experience, is an asset.
Eligibility:
To be eligible as a Public Humanities Fellow at the Calgary Institute for the Humanities, University of Calgary, you must: (a) be post-candidacy by the time the work placement begins; (b) be enrolled as a full-time student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies from September 2025 to the end of August 2026; (c) be carrying out doctoral research which employs a humanistic approach.
LOCATION: Lougheed House (707 13 Ave SW)
TITLE: Research & Program Developer
DATES: May 14–August 9, 2026
The Calgary Institute for the Humanities in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Public Humanities Fellowship Placement with Lougheed House National & Provincial Historic Site.
Job Description:
Lougheed House is looking for a Public Humanities Fellow to support the research and development of new public program offerings. This task brings together historical and site-specific research, industry research, and program development while working with a dynamic and collaborative team. The role will report to the Director, Engagement & Experience, and will involve collaboration with the broader Programs & Exhibitions team.
About the Organization:
Lougheed House was built in 1891 by James and Isabella Lougheed, two of Calgary’s early city builders, and is a Provincial and National Historic Site. Located in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary amid several acres of heritage gardens and green space, the historic house is an accredited museum and significant Calgary landmark. It features a regular exhibition program, and hosts events, tours, and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Lougheed House acknowledges that it is part of Treaty 7 territory and the Métis homeland.
Lougheed House was built with the intention to convene community and cultivate connections; this continues as the foundational purpose of Lougheed House and Beaulieu Gardens. At Lougheed House, we engage with community collaborators and include multiple perspectives on shared experiences. We create collective experiences that reflect the diversity of Calgary, past and present, and build community relationships. As our city and communities change and grow, so does Lougheed House. As a home for all, Lougheed House National & Provincial Historic Site will continue to create spaces for community to convene, learn, find joy, and engage with our shared past and ever-changing present.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director, Engagement & Experience, the Public Humanities Fellow will:
- Complete industry research to better understand the museum and heritage sector landscape, analyze trends in the sector, and make recommendations for Lougheed House programming and offerings.
- Complete historical research about Lougheed House and its evolving place in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada’s history, and synthesize into content that can be used for temporary exhibitions and/or programs.
- Develop a new public offering based on industry and history research in collaboration with the Programs & Exhibitions team.
- Support other museum tasks as required, including but not limited to program facilitation/support (may include evenings and weekends); collections management support; and visitor experience and admissions support.
Qualifications:
- Experience with research; experience with historical or archival research is an asset.
- Strong writing and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a small, enthusiastic team.
- Willingness to be flexible and to embrace an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ attitude when necessary.
- Interest in, or knowledge of, the history of Calgary and western Canada is an asset.
Eligibility:
To be eligible as a Public Humanities Fellow at the Calgary Institute for the Humanities, University of Calgary, you must: (a) be post-candidacy by the time the work placement begins; (b) be enrolled as a full-time student in the Faculty of Graduate Studies from September 2025 to the end of August 2026; (c) be carrying out doctoral research which employs a humanistic approach.
Application procedure
Applications must contain:
The resume should summarize academic projects and achievements, work experience, skills, and university and community involvement. You may find it useful to look at the following handbook if you are wondering how to frame your skills for work in a non‐academic setting.
The cover letter should be single-spaced (no more than two pages) and address the following:
- What draws you to the CIH Public Humanities Program?
- Which specific position are you applying for and why? How would it fit into your graduate career trajectory? (If you are interested in more than one of the roles, we recommend you provide a separate cover letter for each, emphasizing how your skills make you the best fit for that position.)
- What specific strengths, experiences (academic as well as non‐academic), and achievements make you a strong candidate for the specified position?
- Any other relevant information you would like to share with the adjudication committee.
We seek two letters of reference, preferably from academic referees who are familiar with (and can speak to) your graduate studies trajectory, recent relevant achievements and experiences, and suitability for a Public Humanities Fellowship. Letters of reference for public humanities candidates should be sent directly to the CIH by email to cih@ucalgary.ca. Referees should be informed exactly which positions you are applying for, but only one letter per candidate is required; referees do not need to provide a separate letter for each role you are interested in.
- One letter must be from your supervisor. This letter should also affirm that taking on this commitment will not significantly impact your ability to complete your degree requirements in a timely fashion.
- The second letter may be from another academic or from a non-academic (for example, it could be from someone at a community organisation at which you worked or volunteered).
Past Public Humanities Fellows and Placement Opportunities
In 2020-21, we set out to partner community organisations with highly skilled doctoral students in the Humanities to collaborate on an organisation-specified project over the course of 12 weeks.