Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars

The Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars seeks to address the paucity of women at the highest levels of research in mathematics by giving exceptionally talented women extra research support during their mid-career years. The fellowships are open only to women.

About this Fellowship

This fellowship was established in 2017 with a generous gift by Joan and Joseph Birman.

For the 2021/2022 academic year: $50,000

The most likely awardee is a mid-career woman, based at a U.S. academic institution, with a well-established research record in a core area of mathematics. The fellowship will be directed toward those for whom the award will make a real difference in the development of their research career. Candidates must have a carefully thought-through research plan for the fellowship period. Special circumstances (such as time taken off for care of children or other family members) may be taken into consideration in making the award. The fellowship can be used to provide additional time for research of the awardee, or opportunities to work with collaborators. This may include, but is not limited to, course buy-outs, travel money, childcare expenses, or support to attend special research programs.

Most Recent Fellowship: 2021

Helen Wong, an associate professor of mathematics at Claremont McKenna College, has been awarded the AMS Joan and Joseph Birman Fellowship for Women Scholars for 2021-2022. Wong's research is in quantum topology and applications of topology.

See previous winners

Next Fellowship:  March 2023

Application Deadline:  December 1, 2021

Application procedure:  Learn about the application procedure.

Apply now

Contribute to the Birman Fellowship Endowment