Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program 2026: Fully Funded Three-Month Research Opportunity for Cultural Heritage Conservation Professionals.

Professionals and established researchers working in cultural heritage conservation and preservation have an opportunity to undertake advanced independent research through the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program 2026.

Organized by the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), the program provides selected scholars with a three-month residency at the Getty in Los Angeles, California. The residency is designed to give experienced conservation professionals dedicated time and access to specialist resources to develop research projects that can contribute new knowledge, methods, and perspectives to the conservation field.

The program is particularly valuable for professionals whose research can benefit from the Getty’s research collections, library resources, intellectual community, and conservation expertise.

Applications are currently open, and interested applicants must submit their materials by October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT-7).

About the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program

The Conservation Guest Scholars Program provides an opportunity for established scholars and professionals who have achieved distinction in the field of cultural heritage conservation to spend three months in residence at the Getty Conservation Institute.

During the residency, scholars are able to pursue their own research projects without their usual work-related obligations. This dedicated research period allows participants to concentrate on projects that could advance professional practice and contribute to wider discussions within cultural heritage conservation.

Scholars also become part of the intellectual community at Getty. During their residency, they can interact with other Getty scholars, fellows, interns, and professionals while making use of resources available at the Getty Center and Getty Villa.

The program has been active since 2000 and remains an important opportunity for professionals seeking to undertake independent research related to the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage.

What Is the Main Goal of the Program?

The central goal of the Conservation Guest Scholars Program is to support research that brings new knowledge and fresh perspectives to cultural heritage conservation.

Getty is interested in projects that can make meaningful contributions to conservation practice. Research may address areas involving cultural heritage objects, collections, architecture, sites, or related conservation and preservation challenges.

Successful applicants are expected to use their residency productively and independently, developing research that has clear relevance to the broader conservation field.

What Does the Three-Month Residency Offer?

Selected Conservation Guest Scholars spend three months in residence at the Getty Conservation Institute.

The available residency periods are:

• September–December
• January–March
• April–June

The grant provides $21,500 for the three-month residency.

In addition to the financial grant, selected scholars receive several forms of practical and research support.

Key benefits include:

• A $21,500 grant for the three-month residency.
• A workstation at the Conservation Institute.
• An apartment in the Getty scholar housing complex.
• Research assistance.
• A travel stipend.
• An available healthcare option.
• Access to Getty research resources and collections.
• Opportunities to engage with Getty scholars, fellows, interns, and other members of the intellectual community.
• Dedicated time to pursue an independent research project without normal work-related obligations.

The terms stated above apply as of August 2026 and may be subject to future changes.

Who Can Apply for the Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program?

The program welcomes applications from researchers and practitioners working in cultural heritage conservation or preservation.

Eligible areas can include work involving:

• Cultural heritage objects.
• Museum and heritage collections.
• Architecture.
• Historic and cultural sites.
• Conservation practice.
• Preservation.
• Related areas of cultural heritage research.

Applicants must have significant professional experience and an established record demonstrating their contribution to the field.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Professional Experience Requirement

Applicants should have at least seven years of professional experience.

They should also have an established record of:

• Publications.
• Professional contributions.
• Research.
• Conservation practice.
• Other achievements demonstrating distinction in the field.

Getty particularly encourages individuals from groups that are underrepresented within the cultural heritage conservation field to apply.

Important Academic Restrictions

The Conservation Guest Scholars Program is intended for established professionals and researchers rather than applicants pursuing initial doctoral-level research.

The program does not consider proposals for postdoctoral research or research that contributes toward a PhD or another academic degree.

Recent PhD graduates in chemistry and other physical or material sciences are instead directed toward Getty’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science, which is a separate opportunity.

Applicants should therefore make sure their proposed project fits the purpose of the Conservation Guest Scholars Program before applying.

APPLY HERE.

Can Applicants Use Getty’s Science Laboratories?

The Getty Conservation Institute may consider proposals that require access to its science laboratories.

However, laboratory use is dependent on:

• The availability of appropriate laboratory facilities.
• Staff availability.
• The amount of available staff time.

Laboratory access therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants whose projects involve Getty’s scientific facilities should also be prepared to conduct their research independently rather than relying on Getty Science department staff to carry out the work.

This is an important consideration when designing the proposed research methodology.

Eligibility for Previous Grant Recipients

Previous recipients of a Conservation Guest Scholar Grant may apply again, but they must observe a six-year waiting period before reapplying.

This means previous participation does not permanently prevent someone from applying again, provided the required waiting period has been completed.

Who Cannot Apply?

Certain individuals are excluded from the program.

The following are not eligible:

• Current Getty staff members.
• Members of the immediate families of current Getty staff members.
• Applicants proposing postdoctoral research.
• Applicants proposing research that contributes toward a PhD or another academic degree.

Applicants should carefully review these restrictions before investing time in preparing an application.

What Kind of Research Project Is Getty Looking For?

The quality and relevance of the proposed research project are central to the selection process.

A strong proposal should demonstrate an original research topic, a clearly defined methodology, realistic outcomes, and a meaningful contribution to conservation practice.

Applicants should explain not only what they want to research but also why the project matters to the wider field.

A strong project should clearly address:

1. What is the research problem?
2. Why is the topic important to cultural heritage conservation?
3. What methodology will be used?
4. What part of the research will be conducted during the Getty residency?
5. What outcomes are expected?
6. How could the project advance conservation practice?
7. Why is the applicant qualified to undertake the research?
8. Why are Getty’s resources particularly valuable to the project?

The strongest applications will make a convincing case that Getty is an appropriate and necessary environment for the proposed research.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit several important components through the Getty Foundation Grant Portal.

1. Project Proposal

The project proposal must not exceed five typed, double-spaced pages.

The proposal must include distinct sections covering:

• Project description
• Methodology, including which components will be pursued while the applicant is in residence at Getty
• Expected outcome
• Contribution of the project to advancing practice in the conservation field
• Applicant’s qualifications to execute the project
• Benefits of Getty resources to the project

Applicants should ensure that the proposal remains focused and clearly connects their research goals with the resources and intellectual environment available at Getty.

2. Abridged Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide an abridged CV highlighting their most relevant professional activities.

The CV must not exceed five typed, single-spaced pages.

Rather than submitting an unnecessarily long professional history, applicants should prioritize experience, research, publications, conservation work, and achievements that demonstrate their ability to successfully complete the proposed project.

3. Selected Bibliography

Applicants must also submit a selected bibliography.

This section should identify scholarly works, other than the applicant’s own publications, that are important to the proposed research and help establish the project’s intellectual framework.

The selected bibliography must not exceed two typed, single-spaced pages.

Applicants should select sources that demonstrate their understanding of the existing scholarship surrounding their research topic.

How Applications Are Submitted

Applications are submitted through the Getty Foundation Grant Portal.

When applications are open, applicants can:

• Create an account.
• Update their account information.
• Create a new application.
• Save their application.
• Return later to continue working on the application.

Getty recommends using Google Chrome for the best experience with the application portal. Applicants may also use Firefox or Safari.

Internet Explorer is not compatible with the portal.

Applicants should also be careful when returning to a saved application.

After creating and saving an application form, applicants should return through the “Applications: In Progress” section of the portal. Creating a new application instead of returning to the saved version could result in accidentally creating multiple versions of the same application.

Getty Conservation Guest Scholar Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting application materials is:

October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT-7).

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications. Preparing a strong research proposal, CV, bibliography, and supporting materials can take considerable time.

It is advisable to begin preparation well before the deadline and allow sufficient time to review all application materials before submission.

How Will Applications Be Evaluated?

The Conservation Guest Scholar Grants are awarded through a competitive selection process.

Applications are evaluated according to several major criteria.

Overall Quality of the Application

Reviewers consider the strength, clarity, coherence, and overall quality of the submitted application.

Applicants should ensure that all parts of the application work together and clearly communicate the purpose and value of the proposed research.

Contribution to Conservation Practice

The proposed research should have the potential to contribute to the advancement of practice within the cultural heritage conservation field.

Applicants should clearly explain the potential significance of their research beyond their own professional or academic interests.

Applicant’s Past Achievements

Getty considers the applicant’s previous accomplishments and professional record.

A strong history of relevant professional work, publications, research, and other contributions can demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to complete the proposed project.

Qualifications to Undertake the Project

Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the experience, knowledge, and professional expertise required to successfully execute their research.

The proposed project should be realistic in relation to the applicant’s background and capabilities.

Benefit of Getty Resources

Applicants must clearly explain how the project would benefit from Getty’s resources.

This may include:

• Getty library collections.
• Research collections.
• Conservation resources.
• Getty’s intellectual community.
• Relevant staff expertise.
• Other resources available through the Getty Center and Getty Villa.

A strong application should avoid simply stating that Getty is prestigious. Instead, applicants should identify specific resources and explain how those resources will directly support their research.

Letters of Reference Are Not Considered

Applicants should note that letters of reference are not considered in the application evaluation.

Therefore, applicants should focus their preparation on the required application materials and on developing a strong, clearly structured research proposal.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

Applications go through a rigorous screening process involving two separate selection committees.

The committees include:

• Current Getty staff members.
• External experts with backgrounds in conservation.
• Experts from adjacent fields of study outside Getty.

This multidisciplinary review process allows applications to be assessed from both conservation-specific and broader professional perspectives.

What Makes a Strong Application?

According to the program’s evaluation approach, strong applications should demonstrate several important qualities.

Originality

The proposed research should address an original or meaningful topic capable of adding new knowledge or perspectives to conservation.

Clear Methodology

Applicants should explain exactly how they intend to conduct the research and what activities will be undertaken during the residency.

Defined Outcomes

The proposal should identify realistic and meaningful outcomes that could emerge from the research.

Impact on the Field

Applicants should explain how their project could contribute to conservation practice and why the findings could matter to other professionals.

Independent Research Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate that they can work independently, particularly because access to Getty staff expertise and laboratory facilities cannot always be guaranteed.

Strong Case for Getty

One of the most important elements is explaining why Getty is the right place to undertake the proposed research.

Applicants should connect their project directly to Getty’s collections, library, facilities, research environment, or other available resources.

When Will Applicants Receive a Decision?

Applicants are expected to be notified of the Getty Conservation Institute’s decision by March or April 2027.

This means applicants should be prepared for a selection process that continues for several months after the October 2026 application deadline.

Relationship With Other Getty Scholar Programs

The Conservation Guest Scholars Program is related to other Getty residential research opportunities, including the Getty Scholars Program at the Villa.

The Getty Villa Scholars Program supports advanced research that contributes to understanding and preserving cultural heritage, particularly in relation to the arts and cultures of antiquity.

Conservation Guest Scholars and Getty Villa Scholars live within the same complex and participate in shared activities and lectures.

This creates opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration between researchers working in related areas.

However, applicants should note that the programs have separate application processes. Applying to one does not constitute an application to the other.

Frequently Asked Questions and Further Information

Getty provides a collection of frequently asked questions addressing common issues concerning its residential grant opportunities.

Applicants who still have questions about the Conservation Guest Scholars Program can contact the Getty Conservation Institute at:

gcischolars@getty.edu

Applicants should use the official Getty information and application portal when preparing and submitting their applications.

Why This Opportunity Is Significant

The Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program can be particularly valuable for experienced cultural heritage professionals who have a research project but lack the dedicated time, facilities, collections, or intellectual environment needed to develop it fully.

The three-month residency creates an opportunity to step away from normal professional obligations and concentrate on an independent research project.

The combination of financial support, housing, travel assistance, research resources, and access to the Getty’s scholarly community makes the program a substantial professional development opportunity.

For professionals working across conservation, museums, heritage sites, architecture, collections, and related areas, the program can provide an environment for developing research with potential implications for the wider field.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Applicants interested in applying can strengthen their submissions by taking a strategic approach.

1. Start With a Focused Research Question

Avoid making the project unnecessarily broad. Clearly identify the problem or question the research intends to address.

2. Explain the Conservation Relevance

Make a direct connection between the research and cultural heritage conservation practice.

3. Make the Getty Connection Specific

Do not simply state that Getty has excellent resources. Identify the particular collections, library resources, facilities, or research environment that will help the project.

4. Demonstrate Independence

Since the research is expected to be independently conducted, applicants should show that they have the expertise and capacity to execute the project.

5. Keep the Proposal Within the Page Limit

The project proposal must not exceed five typed, double-spaced pages. Applicants should therefore prioritize the most important information.

6. Present Relevant Professional Experience

The abridged CV should focus on achievements that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to undertake the proposed research.

7. Develop a Strong Intellectual Framework

The selected bibliography should show that the applicant understands important existing scholarship related to the proposed project.

8. Apply Early

Because the deadline is based on Los Angeles time, applicants in other parts of the world should take the time difference into account and submit before the final deadline.

Key Details at a Glance

• Program: Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program
• Organizer: Getty Conservation Institute
• Location: Getty, Los Angeles, California
• Residency: Three months
• Grant: $21,500
• Housing: Apartment in Getty scholar housing complex
• Travel: Travel stipend included
• Work facilities: Workstation at the Conservation Institute
• Research support: Research assistance included
• Healthcare: Available healthcare option
• Professional experience: At least seven years
• Application proposal: Maximum five typed, double-spaced pages
• Abridged CV: Maximum five typed, single-spaced pages
• Selected bibliography: Maximum two typed, single-spaced pages
• Application deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT-7)
• Decision notification: March or April 2027
• Application method: Getty Foundation Grant Portal

Conclusion

The Getty Conservation Guest Scholars Program 2026 offers established cultural heritage conservation professionals an opportunity to dedicate three months to independent research within the Getty’s internationally recognized research environment.

With a $21,500 grant, accommodation, travel support, a workstation, research assistance, and access to Getty’s collections and intellectual community, the program provides significant support for professionals seeking to develop research that can advance conservation practice.

The opportunity is particularly suited to experienced practitioners and researchers with at least seven years of professional experience and a strong record of publications and other contributions to cultural heritage conservation.

Applicants should focus on developing an original and clearly defined research project, demonstrating a practical methodology, explaining the project’s potential impact, and making a compelling case for why Getty’s resources are essential to the work.

Applications are currently open, and the deadline is October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Los Angeles time (GMT-7). Prospective applicants should carefully review the requirements and begin preparing their proposal, CV, and bibliography well in advance of the deadline.

For more OFY Grant opportunities VISIT HERE.