The McGill Library-Hume Society Research Travel Grant, funded through the generosity of the McGill University Library and the Hume Society, is available annually to a graduate student, professor or independent researcher who is interested in pursuing a project related to David Hume and his era.

The Rare Books and Special Collections Division of the McGill University Library has an extensive collection of material by and about David Hume, including original letters. The David Hume Collection aims to be as comprehensive as possible for eighteenth-century editions of Hume’s writings in English and in translation, and for contemporary comment and criticism, British and European. The collection also includes significant later editions and criticism along with portraits of Hume and some private correspondence.

The Grant, with a value of up to CAD $5,000.00, is open on a competitive basis.

Candidates must provide:
1. A description, 750 words maximum, of the intended project, and of the portion of it, if it is a large undertaking, which will be the focus of work done during the time spent at McGill.
2. Indication of what library material will be consulted.
3. A current curriculum vitæ giving details of completed and continuing research.
4. A letter of reference.
5. The dates they intend to work in the library (for this application cycle, the dates would ideally be before the end of summer 2026, but that is negotiable).

The recipient of the Grant will be required to submit a written report on their time at McGill that will be published on the Grant’s website (here is an example from Mark Spencer, the last recipient), and potentially give a talk about their work. The recipient will also be expected to acknowledge the award in future presentations of the work resulting from research undertaken at McGill.

Applications are now welcome and are due by 1 September 2025. They must be sent to: rarebooks.library@mcgill.ca For questions, please contact Ann Marie Holland (ann.marie.holland@mcgill.ca).