Fulbright scholarships
Since April 2017 the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission has been awarding scholarships to US students and researchers in the fields of archaeology, anthropology, history, preservation of cultural heritage and museum studies in collaboration with the Balkan Heritage Foundation.
This special grant aims to support research in areas related to both Balkan archaeology and museum and heritage studies. It grew out of the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission’s partnership with the Balkan Heritage Foundation (BHF), an NGO whose mission is to support the study, preservation and promotion of cultural and historical (both tangible and intangible) heritage of Southeastern Europe (www.balkanheritage.org).
The award is suitable for individuals whose ongoing research or research interest is related to one of the following highlight topics for the 2027-2028 grant period:
● Ancient Greek and Thracian civilizations (5th – 2nd c. BCE) in the territory of present- day Bulgaria
● Roman civilization in the Balkans (2nd c. BCE - 4th c. CE)
● Heritage Studies: management, conservation and preservation of archaeological sites
● Museum Studies
● Zooarchaeology
Other topics which might be considered:
● Architecture and arts of late medieval and post medieval Balkans (12th -17th c. CE)
● Early Byzantine/Early Christian Balkans (4th - 7th c. CE)
● Underwater Archaeology
Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend information sessions organized by the Balkan Heritage Foundation online to discuss which field schools and research areas would be most appropriate to this grant.
The grantees can spend up to 10 months in Bulgaria working on individual research. They will be supervised and supported by an English-speaking academic supervisor and will have the opportunity to take part in an archaeological field school. Depending on their field of research, they will either start or finish their program with attendance at one of the relevant archaeological field schools and trainings by Balkan Heritage Foundation (www.bhfieldschool.org). The BHF field schools combine lectures on Bulgaria’s history and cultural heritage, archaeological excavations, conservation workshops and study trips to important historic and archaeological sites and museums. The field school is to supplement the student’s individual research and provide valuable hands-on experience. The Fulbright program will support the student with access to museums, libraries and specialists in the research field. At the end of the academic year, the student will be expected to produce a publishable paper or conference presentation on the research topic. Knowledge of Bulgarian is not required.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates holding a Master’s degree and Ph.D. candidates. Applicants should have an interest and background in archaeology, anthropology, history, art history, preservation of cultural heritage, museum studies and other directly related fields. Previous experience in Bulgaria and the region is not considered a disadvantage.
Degree Level of Applicant
● Master's
● Doctoral
