The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027-2028 offers 10 to 20 fellowships, a $10,000 monthly stipend, remote research, and Washington, D.C. engagement.
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027-2028 is accepting applications from scholars, practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals working on policy-relevant research.
The fellowship runs for 12 months and provides a $10,000 monthly stipend. Fellows work remotely while engaging with policymakers, researchers and other fellows connected to the Wilson Center.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Wilson Center Research Fellowship |
| Period | June 1, 2027 – May 30, 2028 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Number of fellowships | 10–20 |
| Stipend | $10,000 per month |
| Work arrangement | Remote |
| Location | Remote, with Washington, D.C. visits |
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Application platform | Interfolio |
About the Fellowship
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship is designed for experienced researchers and professionals whose projects address important foreign policy challenges affecting the United States and the wider world.
Fellows conduct their proposed research while participating in discussions with policymakers and other scholars. The program also includes opportunities to present research and contribute to policy-focused activities.
The Wilson Center states that fellowship projects must be policy-relevant and nonpartisan and must align with at least one of its four scholarship pillars: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, or regional studies scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for established scholars, practitioners, journalists and public intellectuals.
Academic applicants must have:
- A PhD in hand.
- A published book or monograph beyond the PhD dissertation, or
- At least five substantial research articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals or chapters in peer-reviewed edited volumes.
Applicants from government, policy or nonprofit backgrounds generally need at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, together with evidence of substantial policy impact, publication or leadership.
Applicants must also be proficient in English. An institutional affiliation is not required.
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
Selected fellows receive a $10,000 monthly stipend for 12 months.
The fellowship also provides funding for a trip to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the fellowship. Fellows work remotely during the fellowship period.
What Fellows Will Do
Fellows are expected to complete their proposed research project and participate in the wider Wilson Center community.
Activities may include:
- A Work in Progress presentation.
- Discussions with other fellows and researchers.
- Engagement with policymakers and the Washington policy community.
- Policy briefings and roundtables.
- Public presentations, seminars and workshops.
- Policy reports, op-eds and other research outputs.
The Center also provides guidance on translating academic research into policy-relevant content.
Research Project Requirements
Projects must be:
- Nonpartisan.
- Relevant to public policy.
- Connected to at least one Wilson Center scholarship pillar.
- Based on fresh research.
- Designed to produce a substantial research output.
Projects cannot primarily involve completing a doctoral dissertation, visual arts, dance, musical composition, textbook preparation, memoirs, translations or similar activities.
Application Deadline
Applications, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted online by:
September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Wilson Center says applicants will be notified of selection results by early March 2027.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Interfolio.
Official application: Apply for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility and project requirements before submitting their application.
Official fellowship guidelines: Wilson Center Research Fellowship Guidelines
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This fellowship is designed for experienced researchers and professionals, rather than recent graduates or early-career applicants. The academic route requires a PhD and significant publication experience, while applicants from policy, government and nonprofit backgrounds are expected to demonstrate substantial professional experience and impact.
Applicants should therefore focus carefully on the significance, originality, policy relevance and quality of their proposed research project. These are among the criteria used during the multi-stage review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wilson Center Research Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a $10,000 monthly stipend for 12 months and pays for the required Washington, D.C. trips at the beginning and end of the fellowship. The source does not describe the award using a general “fully funded” label.
Is the fellowship remote?
Yes. Fellows work remotely during their tenure. However, the program includes trips to Washington, D.C. for associated activities.
Do I need a university affiliation?
No. The Wilson Center states that applicants do not need an institutional affiliation.
Can recent PhD graduates apply?
A PhD is required for academic applicants, but the eligibility criteria also require either a book/monograph beyond the dissertation or a substantial body of peer-reviewed research. Therefore, simply holding a recently completed PhD does not by itself satisfy the stated academic criteria.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
When does the fellowship begin?
The 2027-2028 fellowship begins on June 1, 2027, and ends on May 30, 2028.
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