As Johns Hopkins University celebrates its 150th anniversary, it’s launching the Sesquicentennial Awards Program. This initiative honors its legacy of research and innovation while looking ahead to a promising future.
The awards come in two main categories:
- Envisioning the Future Awards: These grants will support academic programs that bring together scholars from Johns Hopkins and other institutions. The goal is to reflect on current fields of study and determine how the university can enhance future contributions.
- Artistic Lens Awards: This category invites ideas that engage the community through artistic projects. These can explore the university’s history, its present, and its future.
Proposals for both awards are due by January 9, 2026, and recipients will be announced on February 13, 2026. A second round of awards will be available in the spring. To learn more and submit a proposal, check out the university’s sesquicentennial celebration website.
Envisioning the Future Awards
These awards offer up to $25,000 for Johns Hopkins faculty. They aim to support departments and centers in hosting gatherings that promote deep discussions about the current and future state of various academic fields. All recipients are expected to share their insights in academic and public settings. Proposals can span multiple disciplines or focus on one specific area.
Artistic Lens Awards
Awards of up to $15,000 are available for students, faculty, staff, postdocs, and alumni who propose projects at the intersection of arts and ideas. This includes exhibits, performances, and forums that reflect on the university’s past, present, and future. Participants can explore creative expressions across different mediums and collaborate in unique ways.
Research shows that arts engagement can significantly boost community well-being and creativity. In a recent survey, 65% of participants reported that arts involvement enhanced their sense of belonging and purpose. Initiatives like the Artistic Lens Awards could tap into this potential, enriching the social fabric of the university.
As Johns Hopkins embarks on this exciting chapter, it encourages innovative thinking and creative solutions. The Sesquicentennial Awards are not just about recognition; they’re about shaping the future together.





















