The Getty Conservation Institute has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program, inviting accomplished researchers and professionals in cultural heritage conservation to apply before the October 1, 2026 deadline.

The programme offers established scholars the opportunity to undertake a three-month residency at the Conservation Institute, where they can focus on independent research projects without regular work commitments. During the residency, participants will have access to the Getty Center and Getty Villa research collections while engaging with Getty scholars, fellows and interns through the institution’s academic and intellectual activities.

Eligibility

Applications are open to researchers and practitioners of all nationalities working in cultural heritage conservation or preservation. Eligible fields include the conservation of objects, collections, architecture and heritage sites.

Applicants are expected to have at least seven years of professional experience alongside an established record of publications and other significant contributions to the conservation field.

The programme also encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups that remain underrepresented within the cultural heritage conservation sector.

However, proposals intended for postdoctoral research or research contributing toward a PhD or other academic degree are not eligible. Recent PhD graduates in chemistry and other physical or material sciences are instead advised to apply for the Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science.

Residency benefits

Successful applicants will undertake a three-month residency during one of the following periods:

• September–December
• January–March
• April–June

Each selected scholar will receive $21,500.

In addition to the grant, recipients will be provided with:

• A workstation at the Getty Conservation Institute
• Accommodation in the Getty scholar housing complex
• Research assistance
• A travel stipend
• An available healthcare option

Project proposal requirements

Applicants must submit a project proposal of no more than five pages, typed and double-spaced, outlining their proposed plan of study.

The proposal should include the following sections:

• Project description
• Methodology, specifying which components of the project will be pursued during the Getty residency
• Expected outcome
• Project’s contribution to advancing professional practice in the conservation field
• Applicant’s qualifications to carry out the project
• Benefits the project will gain from Getty’s resources

Applications for the 2026/2027 Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program close on October 1, 2026.

For more information, visit the official webpage of the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program.

Source: Opportunities for Africans