The James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation has awarded the Association for Asian Studies $20,000 to fund participation for Ming Studies scholars at the AAS 2026 Annual Conference in Vancouver, Canada.
The James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private, not-for-profit foundation which encourages and sponsors scholarly research and interpretation of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) in China. The Geiss Hsu Foundation supports studies of the predecessors and successors of the Ming, as well as contemporaries in geographic areas with which the Ming interacted.
The Geiss Hsu Annual Conference Travel Grant will award up to $2,000 each in travel support to scholars specializing in studies of Ming China, as well as scholars who engage in research related to the Ming. Applicants do not need to be a part of an organized session to receive the grant, nor do they need to be current AAS members.
Scholars of diverse rank and affiliation may apply for the grant, but preference will be given to contingent or part-time faculty, students, and independent scholars. The grant will cover expenses such as conference registration, airfare, and hotel. Recipients must be traveling to Vancouver from a distance of 100 miles or more to qualify.
Applicants should prepare the following information prior to filling in the online application form:
- Their AAS account number, even if they do not hold current membership. Applicants can register for a free account, or look up their account number, at the AAS online portal.
- The applicant’s plan for AAS conference participation (350 words maximum). This should include details of session presentation (if applicable), including title and focus, and a proposed plan for networking and engagement in conference activities.
- Explanation of the applicant’s current research and its connection to Ming Studies.
- A short statement of need (350 words maximum).
- CV (2-page maximum, in PDF format)
Please submit all materials by December 18, 2025 via the online application form to receive consideration. Awards will be announced in January 2026. Those who receive a travel grant award must submit a report after the AAS Annual Conference detailing their activities and how the travel grant enabled their participation in the conference. This report will be due within 30 days of conference conclusion.