Simon Fraser University (SFU) has opened applications for the 2027–2028 Jack and Doris Shadbolt Fellowship in the Humanities, offering selected fellows up to C$75,000 for a full academic-year appointment. For artists, writers, academics, knowledge keepers and creative practitioners seeking a platform to develop ambitious projects while engaging with a wider university and public community, a major opportunity is now available in Canada. The fellowship is designed for individuals working across the humanities and arts who are interested in using creative practice, research and publicly engaged scholarship to address important social, cultural and contemporary concerns. Applications are now open, with the deadline set for October 23, 2026. What Is the Jack and Doris Shadbolt Fellowship? The Jack and Doris Shadbolt Fellowship in the Humanities is a program of Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). It aims to strengthen the visibility and impact of humanities and arts by supporting scholars and creative practitioners whose work contributes to critical engagement with major issues affecting society. The fellowship reflects the legacy of Jack and Doris Shadbolt, who viewed artistic and scholarly work as closely connected to the natural, cultural and social environments in which people live. Since its launch in 2019, the program has supported up to five Shadbolt Fellows each year. Rather than being limited to conventional academic research, the fellowship takes a broad approach to the humanities and arts. Fellows may engage in research, teaching, artistic creation, performance, writing, knowledge sharing, community engagement and public outreach during their residence at SFU. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is particularly relevant to established or emerging professionals whose work falls within the broadly defined fields of the humanities and arts. Potential applicants may include: Academic scholars Artists and creative practitioners Writers Knowledge keepers Researchers Public humanities practitioners Individuals engaged in interdisciplinary humanities and arts projects The fellowship encourages projects that explore how creative and critical work can contribute to making the world a better place. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed activities align with values including reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, communication, coordination and collaboration. The program is therefore suitable for applicants whose work goes beyond individual achievement and has potential relevance to communities, institutions or broader public conversations. What Funding Does the Fellowship Provide? One of the major attractions of the Shadbolt Fellowship is its substantial stipend. Selected fellows receive C$25,000 per term, with payments made in two-week instalments. The stipend does not include benefits. The funding structure is: One term – four months: C$25,000 Two terms – eight months: C$50,000 Three terms – one academic year: C$75,000 A full-year fellowship can therefore provide up to C$75,000 in stipend funding. Appointments normally run from September to August, although fellows may also be appointed for one or two academic terms depending on the arrangement. Normally, Shadbolt Fellow appointments are non-renewable. What Will Fellows Do at SFU? Successful fellows will be hosted by an academic unit, department, school, program or research centre within SFU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. They may also have a secondary affiliation with another SFU unit, including other faculties, the Library or non-academic units. During their residence, fellows may participate in activities such as teaching, research, artistic creation and community or public outreach. The fellowship is intended to create meaningful interaction between fellows, students, faculty members and the wider community. Through their research, creative work, performances and other activities, fellows can contribute new perspectives while expanding their own intellectual and creative horizons. An important component of the fellowship is public engagement. Each fellow will be expected to deliver at least one public lecture, performance or another form of community or public outreach connected to their fellowship project. Fellows will also be expected to remain available for occasional informal consultations with students and faculty. Why This Fellowship Stands Out The Shadbolt Fellowship offers more than financial support. It provides an opportunity to become part of an academic and creative community while developing work that can reach audiences beyond traditional university settings. Its broad definition of the humanities and arts makes the program particularly attractive to applicants working across disciplines or combining academic research with creative practice. The emphasis on public engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity and collaboration also means that applicants can position projects around contemporary social and cultural questions rather than focusing exclusively on conventional scholarly outputs. For researchers, writers and artists with projects capable of generating meaningful conversations, the fellowship could provide both financial space and an institutional environment in which to develop that work. Application Deadline and Information Session Applications are currently being accepted for the 2027–2028 Jack and Doris Shadbolt Fellowships in the Humanities. Application deadline: October 23, 2026Host institution: Simon Fraser University, CanadaStipend: C$25,000 per termMaximum full-year funding: C$75,000Duration: One to three academic termsLocation: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada Prospective applicants can also attend an online question-and-answer information session scheduled for: September 21, 20263:00–4:00 p.m.Online via Zoom Applicants with questions about the program can contact the fellowship team at shadbolt_fellows@sfu.ca. How to Apply Applicants interested in the 2027–2028 fellowship should review the official fellowship application requirements carefully and prepare a proposal that clearly communicates their project, its significance and how they intend to contribute to the SFU and wider public community. A strong application should make clear not only what the applicant plans to research or create, but also why the project matters and how it connects with the fellowship’s emphasis on creative and critical engagement. Particular attention should be given to the potential for collaboration, public outreach and meaningful engagement with students, faculty and communities. With applications closing on October 23, 2026, eligible scholars, artists, writers and other humanities and arts practitioners are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early. This is an opportunity to secure up to C$75,000 while developing meaningful humanities or arts work within one of Canada’s leading university communities. LEARN MORE HERE Applicants should consult the Simon Fraser University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences fellowship page for the complete application instructions, requirements and updates before submitting an application. Stay connected with Global South Opportunities for the latest scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, grants, and career opportunities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel and be the first to discover new opportunities. Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to visit the official OAS and IACHR websites to verify all information, confirm eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official application portal.