KU Libraries call for applications for 2026 travel grants enabling hands-on access to primary source materials

LAWRENCE — Researchers from across the United States and abroad are invited to apply for a 2026 Spencer Research Library travel grant, designed to support in-depth research using the library’s collections and facilitate direct access to curator and librarian expertise. The online application is open until Jan. 4, 2026, with applicants notified by Feb. 20. 

“These travel awards enable folks who live too far away to easily visit our reading room to immerse themselves in our collections in a way that enriches and informs their projects far beyond what is possible remotely,” said Beth Whittaker, director of Kenneth Spencer Research Library and associate dean for distinctive collections. “They also help fellow scholars who might be working on similar projects to be aware of the incomparable materials we hold here in Lawrence.”  

The three travel grants, each with a maximum of $1,500, may be used for airfare, accommodations or other expenses incurred while traveling to Spencer Library. Faculty, undergraduates, graduate students or independent researchers living outside a 100-mile radius from Lawrence, Kansas, may apply. The grants include a general collections travel award, as well as awards focused on Spencer Library’s African American Experience collections and Polish collections. 

“Every year, we have been able to bring in a wide range of scholars to explore our collections through the generosity of our supporters,” Whittaker said. “Passionate donors have supported this kind of work, and it is very much appreciated by both the recipients and our own team.” 

Spencer Library Special Collections Curator Elspeth Healy said the travel awards provide an opportunity for in-depth collaboration, which has proven valuable for both visiting researchers and the library. 

“Visiting scholars are often experts on the material they are here to see, so we at Spencer benefit immensely from the specialized knowledge they possess about the items in our collections,” Healey said. “At the same time, our curators’ knowledge of the broader Spencer collections means that we are often able to alert the visiting scholars to related materials that are relevant to their research, but which they might not have considered without the more sustained conversational back-and-forth that the travel awards permit.” 

The connection with one of last year’s travel award recipients, independent researcher Georgi Parpulov, was incredibly valuable to Spencer and to the discoverability of Spencer’s medieval Greek manuscripts, said Eve Wolynes, special collections curator.  

“Dr. Parpulov added extensive bibliographic information about our materials, which he made publicly available, including identifying dates, authors, content and specific manuscripts from which our manuscripts were actually copied — also noting other parts of an original codex from which a fragment had been separated,” Wolynes said. “His work will make our materials more discoverable and usable by future scholars, and I've been very excited to bring these materials to the attention of local faculty and even in some classes as well.” 

A full list of previous awardees and more information about the grants is available on the Spencer Library website.