Benefits of Being a Fellow at CHF

Scholars at CHF enjoy many opportunities to interact with colleagues.

There are usually 8-10 fellows in residence at any one time at CHF. Together with nearly a dozen scholars on staff, CHF has a sizeable community of people working in some aspect of the history and sociology of the chemical and molecular sciences, technologies, and industries. An active community of scholars Fellows have numerous opportunities to interact with colleagues at conferences, colloquia, workshops, and receptions at CHF as well as at other events around Philadelphia. On Tuesdays in the spring and fall, fellows are invited to present their research to CHF staff and visitors at informal talks known as Brown Bag Lectures. CHF also has regularly scheduled workshops in which fellows and staff can present work-in-progress to colleagues for critical commentary.

Research tools
Long-term fellows are given an office, a computer, and a dedicated phone line. Depending on availability, some short-term fellows may get an office as well, but most short-term fellows receive their own work space in the Othmer Library’s Jacobs Reading Room with wireless Internet access. All fellows have access to the resources of CHF’s Othmer Library and Special Collections and, thanks to an arrangement with the University of Pennsylvania’s History and Sociology of Science Department, all CHF fellows have access to the resources of Penn’s libraries as well. Full interlibrary loan and document delivery services are also provided through the Othmer Library.

PACHS
The Philadelphia Area Center for History of Science (PACHS) is a new consortium of 11 area research institutions (including CHF) establishing Philadelphia as an East Coast hub for the study of the history of science, technology, and medicine. PACHS-sponsored regional colloquia allow some CHF fellows to disseminate their research to a wider audience.

Housing search support
While CHF does not have housing for fellows, we do help scholars find a place to live and acclimate to the area. Please call with any questions about living in Philadelphia during your time at CHF.

Questions?
Check our Fellowship FAQ or e-mail fellowships@chemheritage.org.