The University of Iowa has long been a home base for writers and humanists who produce high-caliber scholarship and creative work.

Working together, the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Office of the VP for Research, Office of the Provost, and several other university centers and institutes invest substantially in the humanities disciplines—history, classics, languages, literature, philosophy, religion, and world-renowned writing programs. 

Funding

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Substantial financial support for research and teaching initiatives

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Services

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Comprehensive services to assist faculty and students in their scholarly work

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Space / Time

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Dedicated space/time allocated for research and teaching activities

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Visibility

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Recognition and celebration of achievements and contributions of our community

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Upcoming Events

Application Deadline: Obermann Symposium Directorship (2027–28) promotional image

Application Deadline: Obermann Symposium Directorship (2027–28)

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 5:00pm
111 Church Street

Is there a burning topic in your discipline or a topic that cuts across disciplines that we should bring to campus? Is there a format for the conversation that can energize an intellectual community around that topic? That might be the perfect topic for an Obermann Symposium!

In addition to a compelling topic, we invite co-directors to propose national and international speakers who can offer richly diverse perspectives on the symposium theme. We also want to highlight the work of UI and local...

Book Matters: Tisa Bryant and Sarah Minor promotional image

Book Matters: Tisa Bryant and Sarah Minor

Friday, November 13, 2026 7:00pm
Prairie Lights Books
Join Tisa Bryant, associate professor of English, and Sarah Minor, assistant professor of English, as they read from their latest books and discuss the themes that shape their work. This event is free and open to the public.
Fall Undergraduate Research Festival  promotional image

Fall Undergraduate Research Festival

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 3:30pm to 6:00pm
University Capitol Centre
Fall Undergraduate Research Festival: Wednesday, November 18th, 2026

Past Events

OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow promotional image

OSA at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow

Saturday, August 8, 2026 (all day)
Meskwaki Powwow Grounds
OSA educators will be joining the Meskwaki Cultural Center and Museum staff in the History Exhibit tent at the 110th Annual Meskwaki Powwow! Learn about archaeology and OSA's Tribal partnerships. Chat to archaeologists and try some hands-on games and activities!
Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Obermann Writing Collective promotional image

Application Deadline: Fall 2026 Obermann Writing Collective

Thursday, August 27, 2026 5:00pm
111 Church Street

This program offers accountability to artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project (articles, essays, fellowship or grant applications, dissertations, book projects, edited volumes, etc.) who want dedicated time, a cozy space, and a community for the practice of writing. Each group meets once a week for 1.5 hours in the Writers' Attic at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies (111 Church St.). Weekly writing sessions include brief check-ins, goal setting, and...

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