Deadline: September 30, 2026
Applications are open for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027-2028. The Wilson Center invites scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals to take part in its flagship Research Fellowship Program. Fellows conduct research and write in their areas of interest, while interacting with policymakers in Washington and other fellows. The Center accepts policy-relevant, nonpartisan fellowship proposals that address key foreign policy challenges confronting the United States and the world.
Fellows will work remotely during their tenure with the Wilson Center. The program will include a trip to Washington D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship, as paid for by the Wilson Center. The fellowship will commence on June 1, 2027, and end on May 30, 2028.
Stipend
- The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 per month for a twelve-month fellowship.
Eligibility
- Applicants from academia must have a PhD and have published a book or monograph beyond the PhD dissertation, or a substantial body of research articles (typically five or more) in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
- Applicants from government, policy, or the nonprofit sector must have achieved a level of professional distinction and experience equivalent to advanced academic standing. This is typically at least 10 years of relevant experience and a record of substantial policy impact, publication, or leadership in their field.
- Applicants must be proficient in English, as the Center is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas among its fellows and provide educational opportunities to Congress.
- Applicants must be able to attend a fellowship kick-off meeting in June 2027 and a fellowship conclusion meeting in May 2028, both held at the Wilson Center in Washington D.C.
- If resident in the United States, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, as the Wilson Center is not able to sponsor J-1 visas. If the applicant intends to reside outside of the United States during the fellowship duration, they must hold a valid passport and be able to obtain the appropriate visa to travel to the United States.
You do not need an institutional affiliation to apply. Fellows may take leave from their current positions or maintain additional affiliations during their Wilson Center Research Fellowship.
Application
A complete application must include the following:
- A completed Research Fellowship Application Form.
- A current CV that does not exceed 3 pages, using 12-point font.
- A project proposal that does not exceed 5 pages, using 12-point font.
- 2 letters of reference.
All materials must be submitted in English. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026.
For more information, visit Wilson Center Research Fellowship.
