Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program

The Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program offers established professionals and researchers in cultural heritage conservation the opportunity to spend three months at the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles while pursuing an independent research project.

The program is open to applicants of all nationalities working in the conservation or preservation of cultural heritage, including objects, collections, architecture and historic sites. The 2027–2028 residencies are offered through the Getty Conservation Institute.

What the program offers

Selected scholars spend three months in residence at Getty, where they can focus on their own research without regular professional obligations. Participants have access to research collections at the Getty Center and Getty Villa and become part of Getty's international community of scholars, fellows and interns.

Residencies are available during one of three periods:

• September–December

• January–March

• April–June

Each scholar receives a $21,500 grant for the three-month residency. The program also provides an apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex, a workstation at the Conservation Institute, research assistance, a travel stipend and access to a healthcare option.

Eligibility

Applicants must be researchers or practitioners working in cultural heritage conservation or preservation and can be from any country.

Candidates should have:

• At least 7 years of professional experience

• An established record of publications or other significant contributions to the conservation field

• A research project that can be pursued independently during the residency

Applications related to the conservation of objects, collections, architecture and sites are welcome.

Projects undertaken as part of a PhD, postdoctoral research or another academic degree are not eligible for this program. Recent PhD graduates in chemistry, physical sciences or materials science are instead encouraged to consider Getty's Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit their application through the Getty Foundation Grant Portal.

Required materials include:

• A project proposal of up to 5 double-spaced pages

• An abridged CV of up to 5 single-spaced pages

• A selected bibliography of up to 2 pages

The proposal should explain the project, methodology, expected results, its contribution to conservation practice, the applicant's qualifications and why Getty's resources are particularly relevant to the research.

Letters of reference are not considered as part of the selection process.

Selection process

Applications are evaluated competitively based on the overall quality of the proposal, its potential contribution to conservation practice, the applicant's previous achievements and qualifications, and the value of Getty's resources to the proposed project.

Applicants are expected to receive the results in March or April 2027.

Application deadline

October 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM Los Angeles time.