With the support of the Irish American Cultural Institute, whose mission is to promote an intelligent appreciation of Ireland and to highlight the role and contributions of the Irish in America, University of Limerick is pleased to invite applications for the O’Malley Fellowship: Advancing Irish Studies, a 12-week placement, to be held during the Spring semester, from January/February 2026.
The Fellowship is designed to support advanced research in the fields of Irish literature, history, or cultural studies, and to contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at University of Limerick. Research in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) at the University of Limerick plays a vital role in shaping knowledge, culture and society both in Ireland and internationally.
The fellowship will run biennially, with the next O'Malley Fellow to take residence in the spring semester of 2028.
Through innovative projects and interdisciplinary collaboration, scholars in AHSS are advancing understanding of many disciplinary areas. This research engages deeply with questions of identity, creativity and social change.
It illuminates Ireland’s past and present while connecting to global conversations about democracy, justice, migration, sustainability and digital transformation. AHSS research at UL not only enriches academic knowledge but has real-world impact, informing public policy, strengthening communities and enhancing cultural life.
With strong links to national and international partners, AHSS researchers at UL contribute to public discourse, heritage preservation, and innovation in the creative industries.
Their work underscores the importance of humanistic and social scientific perspectives in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
The fellowship provides scholars with the opportunity to pursue their research while engaging with faculty, students and the wider academic community. Fellows are expected to deliver at least one public lecture or seminar on their research during their residency.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to postgraduate scholars affiliated with a U.S. university who hold, or are completing, a terminal degree in their discipline (e.g., PhD, MFA, or equivalent). Applicants may be of any nationality; U.S. citizenship is not required.
Duration
12 weeks
Support
The fellowship includes a stipend of US$40,000 (payable in 3 instalments), desk space, and access to university libraries, archives, and research facilities. Travel fees/accommodation are at the expense of the successful candidate.
Obligations
The obligations and duties of the holder are as follows:
- During his/her residence, the holder is to give one faculty seminar or lecture on the subject of his/her research.
- During his/her residence, the holder is to be available for limited consultation with postgraduates in the appropriate discipline.
- Any essay, book, or other research output arising from the O’Malley Fellowship award must carry a credit line identifying the University of Limerick, O’Malley Fellowship: Advancing Irish Studies, with the Irish American Cultural Institute
- Upon return to the United States, the holder may be asked to prepare and deliver a lecture based upon his/her research for an audience to be selected by the IACI.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit the requested materials to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities
and Social Sciences Research Office at ahssadr@ul.ie
The closing date for applications is the 30th September 2025, at 5pm IST. Assessment and decision to be made by mid/late November with the successful candidate notified by 28th November 2025. The University reserves the right to defer the award until Fall of 2026.
Application Requirements
- Cover letter
- A CV, including a list of publications
- A 1-2 page research proposal outlining the project to be pursued during the fellowship; the proposal should outline how your participation will contribute to the intellectual and academif life of University of Limerick.
- Contact details for two referees
Assessment Criteria Weight (%)
Research Proposal 30%
Academic Merit / Track Record 25%
Impact & Relevance 20%
Career Development 15%
Institutional Fit 10%
