The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program offers select scholars in the social, economic, political and behavioral sciences an opportunity to pursue research, data analysis and academic writing while in residence at the Foundation’s headquarters in New York City. The fellowship brings together researchers from diverse disciplines and provides an intellectually focused environment for advancing research.
The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program provides an opportunity for researchers to spend time at the Foundation’s headquarters in New York City while pursuing their research and writing. The program is designed for scholars working across the social, economic, political and behavioral sciences and related disciplines.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers whose work examines important social and economic questions and who would benefit from an environment that encourages interdisciplinary exchange, research development and scholarly writing.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) describes its Visiting Scholars Program as a unique opportunity for selected scholars to pursue data analysis and writing while in residence at the Foundation’s headquarters in New York City.
The Foundation describes the Visiting Scholar fellowship as one of the prominent fellowships of its kind within the social sciences. During their residency, scholars interact with researchers from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, as well as other RSF fellows and Foundation staff working in programs, communications and publishing.
This makes the fellowship particularly useful for scholars seeking an intellectually stimulating environment in which to develop research and writing while engaging with researchers working on related questions from different disciplinary perspectives.
The program is residential, meaning applicants should carefully consider the commitment associated with spending time at the Foundation in New York City.
Who Can Apply?
The Visiting Scholars Program is aimed at select scholars working in the social, economic, political and behavioral sciences. The Foundation’s description also indicates that its community encompasses a broad range of related fields.
Past and current scholars have represented disciplines and research areas including:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Behavioral sciences
- Criminal justice
- Demography
- Education
- History
- Law
- Public and social policy
- Public health
- Social epidemiology
- Social work
- Statistics
- Urban planning
The breadth of these disciplines demonstrates the interdisciplinary character of the fellowship. Researchers should therefore review the official eligibility and guidelines before determining whether their academic background and proposed research fit the program.
Research Areas and Academic Focus
The Russell Sage Foundation’s Visiting Scholars community covers a wide range of research questions within the social sciences.
The Foundation’s 2026–27 scholars, for example, are working on subjects involving economic mobility, housing, racial inequality, policing, labor markets, migration, disability policy, climate events, public opinion, artificial intelligence and inequality.
Other projects examine issues such as discrimination, affordable housing, social safety-net programs, family finances and the effects of public policy on social and economic inequality.
These examples illustrate the range of research that can be connected to the Foundation’s broader social science interests. However, applicants should rely on the current official eligibility and selection guidance rather than assuming that every topic represented among current scholars is automatically eligible.
What Visiting Scholars Can Expect
A central feature of the fellowship is the opportunity to participate in the intellectual life of the Russell Sage Foundation.
According to the Foundation, Visiting Scholars interact with scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds and with other members of the RSF fellowship community. They may also engage with Foundation staff involved in programs, communications and publishing.
The program therefore offers more than a place to conduct independent research. It provides an environment where researchers can exchange ideas, develop their work and engage with scholars working on related social science questions.
The Foundation emphasizes that the residential fellowship requires significant institutional resources and that scholars are expected to participate fully in the intellectual life of RSF.
Why the Visiting Scholars Program Matters
For researchers in the social sciences, dedicated time for research and academic writing can be valuable, particularly when scholars are balancing teaching, administration and other professional responsibilities.
The RSF Visiting Scholars Program creates a residential research environment where selected scholars can concentrate on their research while interacting with researchers from different fields.
The interdisciplinary nature of the program can also encourage researchers to approach social and economic questions from perspectives outside their primary academic discipline.
The research of the 2026–27 cohort demonstrates the breadth of issues being examined. Projects include studies of economic mobility, residential segregation, worker mobility, housing, migration policy, disability benefits, climate-related neighborhood change and the effects of artificial intelligence in workplaces.
How to Apply for the Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program
The Foundation provides a dedicated application process for prospective Visiting Scholars.
Applicants can begin by reviewing the official sections covering:
- Eligibility and guidelines
- Selection criteria
- Working group applications
- Other considerations
- Frequently asked questions
The Foundation provides a direct Apply to be a Visiting Scholar pathway for prospective applicants.
Because application requirements, deadlines and selection procedures can change between fellowship cycles, prospective applicants should carefully review the current official application information before preparing or submitting materials.
Applicants should also ensure that their proposed research fits the Foundation’s current areas of interest and that they understand the expectations associated with the residential nature of the program.
Research and Academic Networking Opportunities
One of the distinctive aspects of the fellowship is its connection to a broader community of RSF fellows.
In addition to Visiting Scholars, the Foundation hosts Visiting Journalists, Visiting Researchers and Margaret Olivia Sage Scholars.
This creates opportunities for interaction among professionals approaching social issues from different perspectives.
The Foundation’s current scholar community also demonstrates the importance it places on interdisciplinary research. Scholars in the 2026–27 cohort are working across economics, sociology, political science, public policy, law, education and other areas.
What Applicants Should Consider
Before applying, prospective candidates should consider several factors.
First, the fellowship is intended for scholarly research and writing, so applicants should have a clearly defined research agenda that aligns with the program.
Second, the program is residential. Scholars are expected to engage fully in the intellectual life of the Foundation rather than treating the fellowship simply as an independent research placement.
Third, applicants should carefully review the current eligibility and selection criteria. The Foundation provides separate pages covering eligibility, selection criteria, other considerations and frequently asked questions.
Finally, applicants should use the official Russell Sage Foundation application information as the authoritative source for current deadlines, requirements and application instructions.
Final Thoughts
The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program is a significant research opportunity for scholars working across the social, economic, political and behavioral sciences.
Its residential structure provides selected researchers with an environment focused on research, data analysis and writing while encouraging interaction with scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds.
The breadth of research represented by the Foundation’s 2026–27 Visiting Scholars—from economic mobility and housing to migration, public policy, inequality and artificial intelligence—illustrates the wide range of contemporary social science questions explored within the program.
Researchers interested in applying should review the current Eligibility & Guidelines, Selection Criteria and Frequently Asked Questions before beginning their application. The official Foundation application page should be treated as the final authority for current requirements and deadlines.
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