Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program – Research Grant
The Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program supports established scholars and professionals working in cultural heritage conservation. Recipients spend three months in residence at the Getty Conservation Institute, where they pursue independent projects, use Getty research collections, and participate in Getty’s intellectual community. Getty states that the next application cycle for 2027–2028 residencies will open in August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Conservation Guest Scholars Program
Opportunity Type: Residential Research Grant
Organizer: Getty Conservation Institute
Duration: Three months
Residency Periods: September–December, January–March, or April–June
Grant: $21,500 under the currently published terms
Eligibility: Researchers and practitioners of all nationalities working in relevant conservation fields
Professional Experience: At least seven years
About the Conservation Guest Scholars Program
The Conservation Guest Scholars Program provides established scholars and professionals with dedicated time to pursue projects in cultural heritage conservation.
Recipients are based at the Conservation Institute for a three-month residency. During their stay, they can pursue their projects without their regular work obligations.
Guest Scholars may also use research collections at the Getty Center and Getty Villa. In addition, they participate in Getty’s intellectual community alongside other scholars, fellows, and interns.
Residency and Grant Support
Conservation Guest Scholars may undertake a three-month residency during one of the following periods:
• September–December
• January–March
• April–June
Under the terms currently published by Getty, a three-month residency provides a $21,500 grant.
The grant also includes:
✓ A workstation at the Conservation Institute
✓ An apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex
✓ Research assistance
✓ A travel stipend
✓ An available healthcare option
Getty notes that these financial terms apply as of August 2025 and may be subject to future changes.
Also read: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are welcomed from researchers and practitioners of all nationalities working in areas that include:
• Conservation
• Historic preservation
• Heritage science
• Related fields
Applicants should have:
• At least seven years of professional experience
• An established record of publications and other contributions to their field
Getty also encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups underrepresented across the cultural heritage conservation field.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Getty does not consider proposals for:
• Postdoctoral research
• Research contributing to a PhD
• Research contributing to another academic degree
Recent PhD graduates in chemistry and other physical or material sciences are directed to Getty’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science.
Current Getty staff and members of their immediate families are not eligible.
Previous Conservation Guest Scholar Grant recipients may apply again after a six-year waiting period.
Check: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Project Proposal
Applicants must prepare a project proposal of no more than five typed, double-spaced pages.
The proposal must include separate sections covering:
• Project description
• Methodology
• Expected outcome
• Contribution to advancing practice in the conservation field
• Applicant’s qualifications to carry out the project
• Benefits the project would gain from Getty resources
Applicants should also specify which components of the proposed project they intend to pursue while in residence at Getty.
Curriculum Vitae and Bibliography
Applicants are required to provide a curriculum vitae describing their professional activities.
A selected bibliography is also required. It should identify scholarly works, excluding the applicant’s own publications, that are important to the proposed project and establish its intellectual framework.
The selected bibliography must not exceed two typed, single-spaced pages.
Selection Process
Conservation Guest Scholar Grants are awarded competitively.
Applications are evaluated according to:
• Overall quality of the application
• Contribution of the project to advancing conservation practice
• Applicant’s previous achievements
• Applicant’s qualifications to undertake the project
• How the project would benefit from Getty resources, including library collections and staff
Letters of reference are not considered during the application evaluation.
Applications undergo screening by two separate selection committees comprising Getty staff and outside experts from conservation and adjacent fields.
Strong applications should demonstrate an original topic, clearly defined methodology and outcomes, potential impact on the field, ability to work independently, and a clear explanation of why Getty is appropriate for the proposed research.
Explore: OIST Research Internship 2026–2027 in Okinawa
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the Getty Foundation Grant Portal when the application cycle is open.
Applicants can create or update their account, begin an application, save their progress, and return to the same application before submitting it.
Getty currently states that the deadline for the 2026–27 cycle has passed and that the next application cycle for 2027–2028 residencies will open in August 2026. The programme page should therefore be checked for the updated application timeline before submission.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
