The Schara-Dwyer Archival Research Scholarship is a $1,000, six-month research award to work with archival materials available through The Murray Bowen Archives Project’s (TMBAP’s) website.
The application period for 2026 has now closed. Information for 2027 will be posted once it is available.
Applicable archival materials include:
The Oral Histories: TMBAP’s Oral Histories are thoughtful stories, told by those who knew Dr. Murray Bowen, as to the impact Dr. Bowen himself and Bowen theory more broadly had in shaping many other people’s lives. These interviews reveal both the way Dr. Bowen lived his theory and the power of Bowen theory to make human behavior both more scientific and understandable. The Oral Histories include interviews with Dr. Robert Cohen and Dr. Warren Brodey, both of whom worked with Dr. Bowen during his time at NIMH, and document the history of the development of Bowen theory.
The Videos: Dr. Bowen was a pioneer in the use of the latest technology to record presentations, clinical sessions, and teaching tapes. In his lifetime, hundreds of video tapes were produced of Dr. Bowen. The clips available on TMBAP’s website are pieces from this extensive collection. Visitors to this website now have the opportunity to watch Dr. Bowen as he teaches, lectures and discusses Bowen theory with audiences across the country.
The Letters: Through an online edition of Commitment to Principles, TMBAP makes available a curated collection of Dr. Bowen’s professional letters. Selected, compiled, and edited by Clarence Boyd, these letters reveal the principles that guided Bowen’s thinking, his relationships with colleagues, students, and family, and the steady focus that shaped his lifelong work. Accompanied by contextual introductions and reflections, the letters provide rare insight into Bowen’s process of applying theory to his work and his ongoing effort to live the theory.
Requirements and Application Materials:
CV or Resume
One Letter of Recommendation. Referees should have sufficient knowledge about the applicant and proposed project to assess the project as well as the applicant’s qualifications to carry it out. These references must be submitted via email to info@murraybowenarchives.org.
The applicant is responsible for assuring timely submission of recommendations.
Submission of a 500-word statement of intent explaining the research project and how it will utilize the aforementioned archival materials. Successful applications will also demonstrate how the project contributes to existing research on Bowen theory and what new knowledge it intends to gain.
A 250-word explanation of how applicant anticipates their research might contribute to the future application of Bowen theory to their lives or career and/or to the advancement of Bowen theory more broadly
Criteria: Demonstration of contribution to the field, demonstration of ongoing interest in Bowen theory, soundness of design, originality/creativity
Award Benefits:
$1,000 Scholarship
15-20 Minute Presentation of Research Outcomes in a TMBAP Webinar
Publication of Research Summary on TMBAP’s Website
Project guidance from a Bowen theory expert
Deadline for Submission: December 31, 2025
Award will be announced at TMBAP’s 2026 Webinar in January 2026
Award Period Begins February 15, 2026