Gaines Center seeking nominations for Outstanding Lecture in the Humanities
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2025) — The Gaines Center for the Humanities is now accepting nominations and self-nominations for the second annual Lecture for Outstanding Research in the Humanities. This opportunity recognizes advances in the humanities by early career scholars at the University of Kentucky, spotlighting groundbreaking work related to Gaines Center’s annual theme. The 2025-26 theme is “Origins.”
Coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Origins” will engage with the prism of disciplinary viewpoints offered by the humanities, arts and the sciences. The center will highlight the multiplicity of beginnings not only for Lexington and the United States but also for current technologies, social institutions, political movements, the planet, humans and other species as the city and nation commemorate — and reckon with — their respective 250th anniversaries. Ideal lecturers will have developed research in a humanities-focused field that complements, engages or challenges the theme of “Origins.”
The 2026 lecture will be Feb. 18, 2026. Nominations and self-nominations will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 1, and can be submitted via the online portal. Nominations require a 300-word description of the candidate’s work and how it furthers inquiry in the humanities, specifically around the theme of “Origins.” Candidates will also need to supply an updated CV. This opportunity is open to faculty or staff of any rank currently employed at the University of Kentucky. Questions may be directed to the Gaines Center Director, Michelle Sizemore, Ph.D., at michelle.sizemore@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.