Apply for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028. Receive a US$10,000 monthly stipend to conduct policy research remotely while engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028 is a prestigious fully funded fellowship for accomplished scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals conducting policy-relevant research on major global and U.S. challenges. Hosted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the 12-month fellowship enables participants to pursue independent research while engaging with policymakers, congressional staff, government agencies, and fellow researchers.
The fellowship is conducted primarily remotely, with funded travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and conclusion of the programme.
Fellowship Summary
- Programme: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
- Organization: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Programme Type: Research Fellowship
- Location: Remote (with funded visits to Washington, D.C.)
- Duration: 12 Months
- Fellowship Period: June 1, 2027 – May 30, 2028
- Application Opens: July 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Application Mode: Online
- Monthly Stipend: US$10,000
- Total Fellowship Value: US$120,000
About the Fellowship
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship supports experienced researchers whose work addresses important public policy challenges facing the United States and the international community.
Fellows conduct independent research while collaborating with policymakers and experts across Washington, D.C. Throughout the fellowship, participants are encouraged to translate academic scholarship into practical policy recommendations through publications, seminars, workshops, and public engagement.
Research Areas
Applicants should propose projects related to one or more of the Wilson Center’s scholarship pillars:
- Strategic Competition
- Economic Statecraft
- Technology and Innovation
- Regional Studies and International Affairs
Projects should address pressing policy issues with practical relevance while maintaining a nonpartisan and evidence-based approach.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive:
- US$10,000 monthly stipend
- US$120,000 total funding over 12 months
- Fully funded travel to Washington, D.C. for the fellowship opening and closing meetings
- Opportunity to conduct independent research
- Collaboration with policymakers and government agencies
- Networking with internationally recognized scholars
- Access to Wilson Center research community
- Opportunities to publish policy reports and opinion articles
- Invitations to seminars, workshops, and policy discussions
- Professional visibility within international policy circles
Research Expectations
The primary focus of the fellowship is the completion of a major research project.
Acceptable outputs include:
- Book manuscript
- Series of scholarly articles
- Policy briefing series
- Long-form policy publications
- Other substantial research outputs
During the fellowship, participants are also expected to:
- Engage with policymakers
- Participate in seminars and workshops
- Present research findings
- Produce policy briefs
- Write opinion articles
- Collaborate with the Washington policy community
Who Can Apply?
Applicants from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Academic Applicants
Applicants should:
- Hold a PhD.
- Have published a book or scholarly monograph after completing their doctorate, or
- Have a substantial record of peer-reviewed publications (typically five or more research articles).
Government, Policy, and Nonprofit Professionals
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Approximately 10 years of professional experience.
- Significant leadership or policy impact.
- Strong publication or research record.
- Professional accomplishments comparable to senior academic standing.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be proficient in English.
- Be available for the fellowship period from June 2027 to May 2028.
- Attend the opening meeting in Washington, D.C.
- Attend the closing meeting in Washington, D.C.
- Meet U.S. residency or international travel requirements.
Applicants living outside the United States must possess a valid passport and be able to obtain the necessary visa for travel to the United States.
Institutional affiliation is not required, allowing independent researchers to apply.
Eligible Research Outputs
The fellowship welcomes projects such as:
- Book manuscripts
- Public policy research
- Comparative policy studies
- International affairs research
- Technology policy research
- Economic policy analysis
- Regional studies
The following are not eligible:
- Doctoral dissertations
- Textbooks
- Anthologies
- Memoirs
- Artistic projects
- Musical compositions
- Translation projects
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Two letters of recommendation
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Originality of research
- Policy relevance
- Research feasibility
- Publication record
- Professional achievements
- Potential contribution to public policy discussions
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to:
- Receive US$120,000 in fellowship funding.
- Conduct independent policy research.
- Build relationships with global policy leaders.
- Publish influential research.
- Expand international professional networks.
- Engage directly with U.S. policymakers.
- Increase the impact of academic research on public policy.
- Strengthen your profile as a global thought leader.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Wilson Center Fellowship application portal.
- Create an applicant account.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your CV.
- Submit your research proposal.
- Arrange for two reference letters.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit your application before September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Time).
Conclusion
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028 is one of the world’s leading policy research fellowships for accomplished scholars and professionals. Offering a US$10,000 monthly stipend, remote research flexibility, funded travel to Washington, D.C., and unparalleled access to policymakers, the programme provides an outstanding platform for producing impactful research that informs public policy at the national and international levels.
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