Leading Through the Humanities
2026 Summer Institute for PhD Students and Early-Career Scholars

The Humanities Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Florida's Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere, invites applications from graduate students and early-career scholars (postdocs and lecturers) in the humanities at Rice for our 2026 Summer Institute.

This one-week summer institute, held May 4–8, 2026, at UF, will bring together graduate students, early-career scholars, faculty, and staff from two prominent humanities centers in states experiencing significant higher education challenges, from unprecedented reforms to funding cuts and policy restrictions.

The goal of this summer institute is to support PhD students and early-career scholars navigating an increasingly complex academic and professional landscape by making the hidden curriculum of professional development visible. What are the present challenges? Potential futures? Lateral alternatives?

During the week, students from both institutions will come together to learn more about leadership, communication, and professional development for careers within and beyond the academy. Morning and afternoon sessions will include:

  • Advocacy and Institutional Navigation: Participants will learn about and develop skills to articulate the value of humanities work to diverse audiences, particularly in the context of budgetary pressure and policy challenges.
  • Leading Collaborative Projects: Participants will learn about building consensus, managing cross-institutional partnerships, and fostering inclusive decision-making in academic and cultural organizations, with attention to leading through uncertainty and change.
  • Strategic Communication in Crisis: Students will learn to craft clear and compelling narratives about humanities work and research impact for stakeholders, including developing frameworks for difficult conversations and building resilience in challenging institutional environments.

We have up to 5 spots available for Rice participants!

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Notification Date: March 30, 2026

APPLY NOW: https://forms.gle/foLv6CS9bWjVBQrG7

Questions? Contact Gabriela Garcia at gabriela.garcia@rice.edu.