Deadline: January 16, 2026
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2026-2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals from around the world to undertake policy-relevant, nonpartisan research in a stimulating and internationally recognized environment. The fellowship provides the resources and platform to explore critical global and U.S. policy issues across key thematic areas.
About the Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2026-2027
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Wilson Center) invites applications for its prestigious Research Fellowship Program 2026-2027. This fully funded fellowship is designed to support outstanding thinkers from academia, the public sector, and professional fields who are engaged in research with the potential to influence public policy.
Fellows will focus on issues that align with one or more of the Center’s priority themes:
- Strategic competition
- Economic statecraft
- Technology and innovation
- Regional and global scholarship
The fellowship is a 12-month program running from June 1, 2026, to May 30, 2027, during which fellows will work independently on their proposed projects while engaging with peers and policymakers at the Center.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- A monthly stipend of USD 10,000 for the entire fellowship duration (12 months).
- The opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and access the Wilson Center’s rich intellectual community.
- Travel support to and from Washington, D.C., where fellows will participate in meetings and presentations at the beginning and end of their tenure.
- Institutional backing and visibility for their research, helping to ensure that their work contributes meaningfully to policy dialogue.
While much of the work may be conducted remotely, fellows are encouraged to engage actively with the Center’s network and policy forums throughout the program year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply. The program seeks candidates who have demonstrated intellectual distinction and a clear capacity for impactful research.
Academic applicants must:
- Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
- Have published at least one book or monograph beyond their doctoral dissertation.
Non-academic applicants (practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals) must:
- Have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate significant contributions to their field through research, publications, leadership, or policy influence.
Additional requirements:
- Proficiency in English is mandatory.
- No institutional affiliation is required.
Not eligible:
- Projects that are partisan or advocacy-driven.
- Work focused on the natural sciences, creative arts, memoirs, anthologies, or textbook production.
- Projects that merely revise a Ph.D. dissertation without substantial new research or analysis.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- A completed Fellowship Application Form.
- A current CV (maximum three pages) including a list of publications.
- A project proposal of up to five pages detailing the research topic, its relevance, originality, methodology, and policy significance.
- A short statement (200 words max) explaining how the applicant intends to contribute to the Wilson Center community during the fellowship.
- Two letters of reference written in English.
The proposed research should be policy-relevant, innovative, and feasible within the fellowship period.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- The originality and importance of the proposed research.
- The project’s relevance to public policy and alignment with the Wilson Center’s mission and thematic priorities.
- The applicant’s qualifications, track record, and ability to execute the proposed research successfully.
- The potential contribution of the fellowship to the applicant’s professional growth and to the policy community at large.
The selection process is competitive and based entirely on the submitted materials. There will be no interviews.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
- Fellowship Duration: June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027
- Notification of Results: Early March 2026
Why You Should Apply
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2026-2027 is a highly sought-after opportunity for professionals and academics who want to influence policy at the highest level. It provides not only financial support but also the platform to connect with world leaders, policymakers, and researchers tackling today’s most pressing global challenges.
This fellowship is particularly beneficial for international researchers, including those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, who wish to expand their global reach and policy impact through high-level research and collaboration.
Application Links
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
