AMS Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science

Scholarship Sponsored by American Meteorological Society

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is inviting applications for its Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science. This fellowship supports PhD students completing dissertations on the history of the atmospheric sciences, or on closely related oceanic or hydrologic sciences.

Why this fellowship exists
- Purpose: To support dissertation research in the history of atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic science and to strengthen working relationships between historians and practicing scientists.
- Mentoring: The Society will make an effort to place the fellow in a mentoring relationship with an appropriate scientist or historian.

Who should apply
- Eligible applicants are graduate students in good standing at U.S. institutions who are proposing to complete a dissertation on the history of atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic science.
- AMS particularly encourages applications from women, people of color, and students with disabilities—groups traditionally underrepresented in these sciences.
- Previous applicants who were not awarded may reapply.

What the fellowship provides
- Stipend: $20,000 for one year of dissertation research. The fellowship cannot be deferred and must be used in the year awarded.
- Flexibility: Funds may be used to support research away from your institution if your thesis advisor approves the plan.
- Additional benefits: Free AMS membership during the award year. The recipient is invited to present their research at the History Symposium at the AMS Annual Meeting one year after the award; the abstract submission fee will be waived.

Application checklist
Please prepare the following materials. Note: if anything here conflicts with instructions on the AMS website, follow the official AMS guidance—always double-check deadlines and final requirements before submitting.

Required documents
1. Online application (complete the AMS form).
2. Cover letter and curriculum vitae (vita).
3. Academic transcripts (undergraduate and graduate; official or unofficial as allowed).
4. Detailed dissertation description and research plan (up to 10 pages). This should explain your dissertation topic, methods, sources, and a realistic plan for how the fellowship year will advance your work.
5. Short project summary (1–2 pages) suitable for reviewers and committee members—clear, focused, and accessible to someone outside your subfield.
6. Three letters of recommendation, including one letter from your dissertation advisor.
7. If you already have a collaborating mentor (scientist or historian), a letter from that mentor confirming their willingness to work with you on the proposed project.
8. Simple budget outlining estimated travel and living expenses for the fellowship year.

Helpful reminders
- Get your advisor’s approval if you plan to conduct research away from your home institution.
- Ask letter writers early and give them a deadline at least two weeks before the application deadline.
- Make the 1–2 page summary readable to non-specialists—reviewers come from different backgrounds.

Where to go for final instructions
- Before you submit, check the AMS website or the fellowship announcement for the official deadline, any changes to required materials, and the submission portal. If anything here seems different from the official announcement, follow AMS.

Good luck — and if you’d like, I can help you draft a clear 1–2 page summary or review your 10-page research plan for clarity and organization.