Organizer Information
McGill University, located in Montreal, Canada, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher learning. The McGill University Library system—specifically the Rare Books and Special Collections department—serves as a steward for unique primary source materials that support global research. The Library is committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation and acknowledges the Indigenous lands on which it stands. Through its various grants and fellowships, the organization fosters deep engagement with its world-class archives, including the monumental Moshe Safdie Archive, ensuring that the legacy of influential figures in architecture and the humanities remains accessible to the international creative and academic community.
Title & Description
The Moshe Safdie Archives Research Grant
This inaugural research grant is designed to support in-depth engagement with the professional and creative archives of world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The grant is intended for individuals whose projects—whether academic, historical, or practice-based—require on-site consultation of the Safdie Archives held at McGill. The archive is a rich repository of architectural history, urban planning, and design philosophy. This opportunity allows researchers to immerse themselves in original sketches, models, and documents, facilitating the production of new knowledge or creative insights related to Safdie’s extensive architectural career and its global impact.
Categories
Architecture, Urban Design, Visual Art, History, Archival Research, Design Theory, and Professional Practice.
Eligibility
The grant is open to a diverse range of applicants on an international scale. Eligible candidates include:
- Architects and Practitioners
- Historians and Scholars
- Graduate Students and Post-doctoral Researchers
- Independent researchers with a specific interest in Moshe Safdie’s career.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Funding: A reimbursement of up to $7,500 CAD for travel and travel-related expenses.
- Archival Access: Dedicated access to the Moshe Safdie Archives for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Publication Opportunity: The recipient is requested to submit a report of their work for publication in Library Matters.
- Academic Engagement: The winner will be invited to give a presentation at McGill University, providing a platform to share their findings with the university community.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents (naming files as Name_Year_Application):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail professional and academic experience.
- Project Proposal: A specific and clearly described research project that necessitates use of the Safdie Archives.
- Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must arrange for one recommendation letter to be sent directly to the library.
How to Apply?
Please send all documentation attached to an email to rarebooks.library@mcgill.ca.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
- Notification Date: February 2026.
- Residency/Research Period: The research must be carried out within the next fiscal year: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027.
- Minimum Duration: Research must span at least 2 weeks.
Location
Montreal, Canada
Additional Details
The selection committee gives preference to projects that are highly specific and demonstrate a clear need for the physical materials contained within the Safdie Archives. Recipients should be prepared to engage with the McGill community through their final presentation and published report. This grant represents a unique bridge between historical preservation and contemporary architectural practice.