The American Council Of Learned Societies (ACLS) stands as a beacon for the humanities and social sciences, championing research, scholarship, and the vital role of these disciplines in today’s world. This update highlights some of the recent activities and ongoing initiatives from ACLS, demonstrating its commitment to fostering intellectual inquiry and supporting scholars across diverse fields.
ACLS Advocacy in Action: Defending Expertise and Truth
In an era where expertise and research are increasingly challenged, the American Council of Learned Societies is taking proactive steps. President Joy Connolly’s “Advocacy in Action” initiative directly addresses the assaults on expertise, free inquiry, and truth within the humanities and social sciences. This crucial advocacy work underscores ACLS’s dedication to combating misinformation and ensuring that rigorous scholarship continues to inform public discourse and policy. Learn more about ACLS’s advocacy efforts and how they are working to protect the integrity of humanistic and social science research.
Read the Message
Expanding Access to China Studies Resources: A Digital Gateway
The American Council of Learned Societies, in partnership with the Luce Foundation, is breaking down barriers to China studies research. The new Luce/ACLS China Studies Digital Archives Mapping Project website serves as an invaluable, free resource, guiding researchers to open databases essential for China studies. Furthermore, the project identifies leading university libraries that extend their services to scholars outside of traditional academic affiliations. This initiative significantly broadens access to critical resources, fostering a more inclusive and expansive field of China studies.
Learn More
Innovation in Action: Showcasing Change in Higher Education
Higher education is in constant evolution, and the American Council of Learned Societies is at the forefront of documenting transformative change. “Innovation in Action: Case Studies for Change in Higher Education” is an insightful collection of stories showcasing institutional, programmatic, and curricular innovations across US colleges and universities. This resource provides valuable examples and inspiration for educators and administrators seeking to foster positive change within their own institutions, highlighting the dynamic landscape of higher education.
Explore the Studies
2024 CEO Fall Meeting: Addressing Key Issues in Academia
The American Council of Learned Societies recently convened its Conference of Executive Officers (CEO) in Austin, Texas. This crucial meeting brought together leaders from ACLS member societies to engage in vital discussions about the pressing issues facing academic societies and the broader landscape of humanities and social sciences in higher education. The 2024 CEO Fall Meeting served as a platform for collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning, ensuring that ACLS and its member organizations remain responsive to the evolving needs of the academic community.
Learn More
Public Pathways: Insights into PhD Careers Beyond Academia
For PhD graduates in the humanities, career paths are increasingly diverse. The American Council of Learned Societies’ new report, “Public Pathways: Lessons about PhD Careers from 10 Years of Mellon/ACLS Public Fellows,” sheds light on the expansive career opportunities available to humanities PhDs beyond traditional academic roles. Drawing on a decade of the Mellon/ACLS Public Fellows program, this report explores both the opportunities and challenges PhD holders encounter in various workplaces, providing valuable insights for graduate students and academic institutions alike.
Read the Report
2024-25 Fellowship and Grant Competitions: Investing in Scholarly Research
The American Council of Learned Societies continues its long-standing commitment to supporting scholars through its prestigious fellowship and grant programs. ACLS has announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 fellowship and grant competitions. These programs are designed to support researchers across all fields within the humanities and interpretive social sciences, providing crucial funding and recognition to advance groundbreaking scholarship. For those pursuing advanced research in these fields, ACLS fellowships and grants represent significant opportunities.
Learn More and Apply
ACLS Supports a Diverse Community of Humanistic Scholars
The American Council of Learned Societies is not just an organization; it’s a vibrant community of scholars. ACLS actively supports a diverse range of researchers in the humanities. To see the tangible impact of ACLS’s commitment, explore the “Meet Our Recent Awardees” section and discover the impressive individuals and projects that ACLS has recently supported. This highlights the breadth and depth of scholarship that the American Council of Learned Societies champions.
Meet Our Recent Awardees
Strategic Priorities: Advancing the Humanities and Interpretive Social Sciences
The American Council of Learned Societies operates with clear strategic priorities, all centered on advancing the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Understanding these priorities provides deeper insight into ACLS’s mission and ongoing work. Explore ACLS’s strategic priorities to learn more about their long-term goals and commitments to these vital academic fields.
Inclusive Excellence: Building a Just and Equitable Future
ACLS is deeply committed to inclusive excellence. This commitment is reflected in their Anti-Racism plan and other initiatives designed to dismantle biases within academia and society at large. ACLS strives to create a more just and equitable world, mirroring this ideal within its own operations and the scholarly community it supports. Learn more about ACLS’s dedication to inclusive excellence and its ongoing efforts to foster a more equitable academic landscape.
Support ACLS: Invest in the Future of Scholarship
The American Council of Learned Societies relies on contributions to sustain its crucial work. By supporting ACLS, you directly contribute to the research endeavors of scholars across the nation and worldwide. Your contribution helps ACLS continue to fund fellowships, grants, and initiatives that are vital to the advancement of the humanities and social sciences.
Stay connected with the American Council of Learned Societies by signing up for the monthly ACLS Community Newsletter. Receive regular updates on programs, events, and important announcements, keeping you informed about the latest news and opportunities from ACLS.
Sign Up for the Newsletter