Latest news with #humanities
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
American Council of Learned Societies Names 2025 ACLS Leading Edge Fellows
Early-Career PhDs to Join Nonprofit Organizations in Communities Across the Country NEW YORK, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is pleased to name 16 new ACLS Leading Edge Fellows. The ACLS Leading Edge Fellowship Program supports outstanding recent PhDs in the humanities and social sciences as they work with organizations advancing justice and equity in communities across the United States. The program is made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. In 2025, fellows will take up two-year positions designed to take advantage of the diverse skills of PhD humanists while contributing to the impactful work of host organizations, including The Afiya Center (Dallas, TX), Open Communities (Evanston, IL), and Sojourner House (Providence, RI). The 2025 Leading Edge Fellows earned PhDs from 14 universities and represent a wide array of humanistic disciplines, including American studies, art history, Black studies, communications, English, geography, philosophy, psychology, religion, and women's studies. "ACLS is excited to announce the 16 Leading Edge Fellows who will join our 2025 host organization partners to build capacity through work in narrative strategy, policy research, advocacy, and community outreach," said Desiree Barron-Callaci, ACLS Senior Program Officer for US Programs. "Our fellows will also have the opportunity to learn from colleagues with diverse forms of professional training, and work with communities in Florida, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and more. We are grateful to our partner organizations who collaborated with ACLS to design positions that creatively harness the power of humanistic training and participated in the program's multi-stage review process." Meet the 2025 Leading Edge Fellows and learn about their positions. Leading Edge Fellows receive a $72,000 stipend in the first year and $74,000 in the second for in-person positions, with fully remote fellows receiving a $70,000 stipend in the first year and $72,000 in the second. The award also comes with access to health insurance and an annual budget of up to $3,000 for professional development activities, as well as networking, mentorship, and career development resources provided by ACLS. The Mellon Foundation recently awarded ACLS a $3 million grant to continue the Leading Edge Fellowship Program. The grant will allow ACLS to place an eighth cohort of recent humanities and social sciences PhDs in two-year positions with nonprofit organizations across the country in 2026. Information about the upcoming competition, including eligibility guidelines, partner organizations, and applications will be available in January 2026. Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation's largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Mellon believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through its grants, Mellon seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Media Contact Anna Polovick Waggy, American Council of Learned Societies, 6468307661, awaggy@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Council of Learned Societies Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Large language models that power AI should be publicly owned
Large language models (LLMs) have rapidly entered the landscape of historical research. Their capacity to process, annotate and generate texts is transforming scholarly workflows. Yet historians are uniquely positioned to ask a deeper question – who owns the tools that shape our understanding of the past? Most powerful LLMs today are developed by private companies. While their investments are significant, their goals – focused on profit, platform growth or intellectual property control – rarely align with the values of historical scholarship: transparency, reproducibility, accessibility and cultural diversity. This raises serious concerns on a) opacity: we often lack insight into training data and embedded biases, b) instability: access terms and capabilities may change without notice, and c) inequity: many researchers, especially in less-resourced contexts, are excluded. It is time to build public, open-access LLMs for the humanities – trained on curated, multilingual, historically grounded corpuses from our libraries, museums and archives. These models must be transparent, accountable to academic communities and supported by public funding. Building such infrastructure is challenging but crucial. Just as we would not outsource national archives or school curriculums to private firms, we should not entrust them with our most powerful interpretive technologies. The humanities have a responsibility – and an opportunity – to create culturally aware, academically grounded artificial intelligence. Let us not only use LLMs responsibly but also own them responsibly. Scholarly integrity and the future of public knowledge may depend on Dr Matteo VallerianiMax Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin, Germany Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Dreams, discipline and a dash of doodling: Meet Oman's CBSE class 12 toppers
MUSCAT: Behind every top score is a story — of quiet resolve, unexpected surprises, snack breaks turned study sessions, and families that stood firm like a backbone. What's common among Oman's Class 12 CBSE toppers is not just their academic excellence, but a deep sense of self-awareness, passion for learning beyond textbooks, and a belief in balance. Whether from commerce or humanities, these students charted their own unique paths to success — with creativity, curiosity and calm. No rigid routine, just meaningful study: Sakina Jariwala, ISWK In her remarks from Mumbai, Sakina — the Indian School Wadi Kabir student who topped Oman in the humanities stream (98.4%) — admitted her study routine wasn't rigid, but it worked for her. 'If I'm being totally honest, I didn't have a strict, fixed study schedule. I was mostly surviving off mini phone and snack breaks to freshen up. But when I did study, I made sure it actually counted,' she said. Her approach leaned heavily on understanding over rote learning. Psychology was her favourite subject 'It wasn't about memorising random facts, I could actually see it play out in everyday life, which made it super interesting.' Creative to the core, Sakina said she finds calm in origami, doodling, and Pinterest boards. 'Basically, if it's creative or calming, I'm into it,' she added. Even during the intense prep months, she didn't disconnect completely. 'I believe you need little breaks to stay sane and focused.' Though she wasn't expecting to top, the moment she found out was unforgettable. 'I was actually in shock when I saw my marks. But once it sunk in… yeah, I was over the moon. Still feels surreal.' She is planning a BBA with a focus on marketing, right here in Oman. Family, she added, was her biggest emotional support. 'My parents didn't pressure me or stress me out about marks — they just trusted me to handle things my way. That kind of space made a big difference.' She also recalled the warmth of celebrating with friends and cake, and thanked her teachers for being a calm, consistent support throughout. 'They were always there to clear doubts, motivate us, and just keep things steady even when we were all freaking out.' From accounts to authors, joy in both: Sanghvi Anand, ISM Sanghvi, a Class 12 student of Indian School Muscat, topped the commerce stream in Oman with 97.8%. She described her preparation as intense but ultimately fulfilling. 'There were times when it felt like a lot to handle... but gradually, I found my rhythm.' Calm and composed walking into the exam hall, she aimed to top her school — but the Oman topper title left her stunned. 'It took a moment to sink in... I felt proud. All the late nights and revision marathons had truly paid off.' With a natural flair for Accounts and Applied Math, Sanghvi also finds Economics deeply engaging. 'Understanding how real-world systems work, connecting theories to what we see in the news or experience in daily life — that was fascinating.' Her hobbies span public speaking, baking, reading and playing the guitar. 'Reading became my go-to way to relax during breaks... baking was comforting. It gave me a moment to breathe.' Sanghvi plans to pursue Chartered Accountancy in India. 'It's a field that's both challenging and rewarding. I see it as a solid foundation for the career I want to build.' Her family's support, she said, was unwavering. 'They believed in me even when I was unsure, and that kind of emotional strength really helped me keep going.' On her celebration to mark the occasion, she replied: 'It was simple and intimate. Just my family and I. They've been part of this journey from the very beginning, so celebrating with them felt right.' She also credited her teachers and school for constantly encouraging growth. 'They went beyond the syllabus — they challenged us to think deeper. Co-curriculars like Model United Nations (MUN) and the business pitch competition ISM BRIDGE enriched my school life. MUN helped me grow as a speaker and critical thinker... and ISM BRIDGE gave me a real-world sense of entrepreneurship.' Consistency and confidence: Tarnjot Kaur, ISWK Ranked third in commerce across Oman (97.2%), Indian School Wadi Kabir's Tarnjot Kaur said her strategy was consistency. 'We started regular testing in November, and that gave me a solid base. By the time the final exams arrived, I felt prepared and confident.' She scored a perfect 100 in Accountancy and said Economics helped her understand global trends. 'It was fascinating how events in the world suddenly made more sense when you studied them through an economic lens.' A passionate debater and Model UN delegate, Tarnjot also led ISWK's Business & Entrepreneurship Club in Grade 12 and spearheaded a sanitary health campaign called SHE: Show Her Empowerment, collecting more than 4,000 sanitary pads for shelters and public outreach. She now heads to the University of Bristol in the UK to pursue a degree in Law — a field she sees as her calling. 'My parents, both in STEM fields, always encouraged me to carve my own path. And my teachers — they were available at any hour, answering our doubts and offering reassurance.' Her celebration was spiritual and sweet. 'We started the day with ardaas (prayer) at the Gurdwara, and then spent time as a family. I also made sure to call my grandparents back in India — they were waiting to hear the news!' More than marks From psychology to accountancy and economics to activism, these toppers displayed that excellence isn't just about textbooks — it's also about curiosity, community and calm. Whether planning a career in law, marketing or finance, each of them carries forward more than just marks — they bring with them confidence, character and compassion.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DOGE cuts to humanities threaten Tri-Cities cultural programs and democracy
In a matter of weeks, more than $10 million in grants for Washington state's cultural communities has vanished. In early April, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was gutted by DOGE, grants to museums and libraries were canceled, and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) project grants were rescinded. Organizations affected include Humanities Washington, a nonprofit that presents and funds cultural programs in Benton and Franklin counties and across the state at museums, libraries, schools, senior centers, historical societies, and more. Here in the Tri-Cities, these cuts would mean the end of Prime Time Family Reading — a program that helps children with reading by involving their families — at the Pasco and Kennewick libraries. It also means the end of invaluable speakers bureau events at the Richland Public Library, East Benton County Historical Society, Columbia Basin College and more places. These free talks bring neighbors together, in-person, to listen to a talk and discuss current issues — an antidote to our polarized online world. Most troubling of all? These cuts are unconstitutional. Congress appropriated funds for the NEH with bipartisan support, making this not only an attack on the cultural sector but an attack on democracy, checks and balances, and Congress's power of the purse. The impacts for the Tri-Cities are very real, and the time is now to speak up and take action. No matter your political views or other beliefs, the humanities are the bedrock of a healthy democracy. The humanities preserve and explore our history and help us better understand each other, acting as a bulwark against the rampant polarization affecting American society. The founders of the United States built our country on the humanities, gleaning lessons from history, philosophy, and literature to create our Constitution. Cutting this cultural funding ignores the foundational role they have played in shaping America's values since its creation, and puts our freedom to learn and express ourselves at serious risk. Further, the percentage of funding taken by the cultural sector is minuscule. The average American pays roughly 60 cents a year for NEH services that enhance the quality of life in communities here and across the U.S., and generate a large economic return and local jobs. This is less than the cost of a postage stamp. And the idea that this makes any kind of a dent in the federal budget is absurd. In fact, the NEH budget is so small, lists the NEH as '0.0 percent of the federal budget.' As a board member of Humanities Washington, I know firsthand that defunding the NEH and Humanities Washington won't improve our nation's economic standing. On the contrary, it will devastate a critical economic and educational sector and will have a major impact on the quality of life in our region. Unfortunately, the struggle continues. President Trump's current budget request to Congress zeroes out funding for cultural programs. This has happened before, but Congress creates the national budget and it is imperative they know how valuable these programs are to all of us in the Tri-City area. All of these cuts rip the fabric of our cultural life, and public outcry is vital to ensuring this funding is restored for the benefit of people in local communities. We urge people to reach out to Congressman Newhouse, Senator Murray, and Senator Cantwell, requesting that federal funding to the NEH be reinstated and continued. Congress should reclaim its power of the purse and restore the funding it appropriated, keeping our state's cultural sector thriving. Brianna Hoffman is a member of the Humanities Washington board of trustees and a Kennewick resident.
ABC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Staff cuts and humanities department changes flagged at UTAS to address declining enrolments
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) will cut 13 arts and humanities staff and scrap dedicated tourism courses, as part of a proposed restructure. The university's proposal will merge the humanities and social sciences faculties into a single school, which would lead to some courses being discontinued. The 13 positions would be cut through targeted and voluntary redundancies. The restructure would also include dividing the School of Creative Arts and Media into two parts, and re-establishing the music conservatorium. The National Tertiary Education Union's (NTEU) Tasmanian secretary Ruth Barton told ABC Radio Hobart that university staff are feeling angry and disappointed. Professor Lisa Fletcher, UTAS Interim Academic Lead, College of Arts, Law and Education said financial challenges, workload issues, and declining student numbers in arts programs informed the decision to restructure. The ABC understands the university decided to discontinue the graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters of tourism, environmental and cultural heritage in 2023. Professor Fletcher said the university is committed to delivering courses across the humanities, social sciences and creative arts. Undergraduate student Ally Brown is studying psychological sciences at UTAS, and a gender studies course. She said she felt the university's decision devalued and de-prioritised the arts and humanities faculties. "You feel a bit [on the] outer, for sure, doing a humanities degree because the uni doesn't care about it and UTAS isn't known for it," Ms Brown said. Dr Barton said students may be forced to move to the mainland to study subjects that aren't available locally. "If students want to do things like certain specialties or follow certain interests, their ability to follow those interests will be limited," she said. Ms Brown said this would be problematic due to the financial strain it may put on students. "A lot of people don't have the option to switch to a mainland uni financially," she said. There are a number of proposed changes to humanities and creative arts and media courses. The university has proposed to discontinue Asian Philosophy units in its Philosophy major, as well as Indonesian and German language studies. Up to three staff in the Arts department and one in the Theatre department will lose their jobs. Dr Barton said this decision was confusing for staff, as Tasmania has a prominent arts sector. Professor Fletcher said UTAS was committed to ensuring the continuation of arts — both creative and the humanities — in their proposal. "It is fundamental that we continue to offer those vital disciplines, not just for the career opportunities that they drive, but also because they lead to a better society," Professor Fletcher said. Dedicated tourism courses will also be cut. Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT) chief executive Amy Hills said she was disappointed UTAS would no longer have a dedicated tourism course. According to the state government, tourism contributes to $4.55 billion or 10.8 per cent of Tasmania's Gross State Product. The direct and indirect contribution of tourism in Tasmania to GSP is the highest in the country. "One in six Tasmanians are supported by the visitor economy," Ms Hills said. Professor Fletcher said students can still study a Bachelor of Business majoring in tourism or hospitality management. "Tourism is an important industry for Tasmania and the university continues to support the sector where we can add value," she said. The university's proposal will also see social work and psychology shift to the school of health. It would also see police and emergency management courses moved to paramedicine, with two roles within policing and emergency management to be axed. The university said it will carry out a four-week consultation period with staff about the proposed changes. Dr Barton said that the process is tokenistic. Ms Fletcher said the proposal period is "genuine".
