The University of Southern California is offering three PhD research fellowships for 2027–28, each providing US$5,000 for one month of archival research in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Apply by 15 December 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research is inviting applications for three research fellowships for the 2027–2028 academic year. The opportunities are intended for advanced-standing PhD candidates undertaking dissertation research using USC’s specialised archival and research resources.
The fellowships are the Margee and Douglas Greenberg Research Fellowship, the Robert J. Katz Research Fellowship in Genocide Studies, and the Breslauer, Rutman, and Anderson Research Fellowship.
Each fellowship provides US$5,000 in financial support and requires the selected fellow to spend one month in residence at the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research in Los Angeles, California.
The fellowships support interdisciplinary research drawing on testimony from the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive and other USC resources relevant to Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Applications are open to candidates from any academic discipline, provided their proposed projects meaningfully engage with these resources.
The application deadline is 15 December 2026.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Southern California |
| Research centre | USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research |
| Opportunities | Three PhD research fellowships |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Award | US$5,000 per fellowship |
| Duration | One month in residence |
| Location | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Eligible applicants | Advanced-standing PhD candidates from any discipline |
| Research focus | Holocaust and Genocide Studies and related interdisciplinary research |
| Application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Contact email | cagr@usc.edu |
| Official information | USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research |
Research Opportunities and Fellowship Benefits
The fellowships provide financial support and access to specialised academic resources to help doctoral candidates advance their dissertation research.
Access to Unique Research Resources
Fellows can draw on the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive, which contains more than 60,000 audiovisual testimonies from survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides and episodes of mass violence.
The archive includes testimonies relating to the Rwandan, Armenian, Guatemalan and Cambodian genocides, the Nanjing Massacre, anti-Rohingya mass violence, and war and genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The university also provides access to extensive Holocaust and Genocide Studies collections at USC Libraries, including primary and secondary sources, materials related to the Nuremberg trials, and specialised collections held in USC Special Collections.
Interdisciplinary Research
The fellowships are open to PhD candidates working across a broad range of academic and creative disciplines. Relevant backgrounds may include history, political science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, literature, geography, law, art, music and cultural studies.
Projects do not need to focus exclusively on genocide. However, proposals must meaningfully draw on USC’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies resources and demonstrate the potential to advance research using these materials.
Academic Engagement
Each selected fellow must spend one month in residence at the Center during the 2027–2028 academic year. Fellows are expected to contribute fresh perspectives to the Center’s activities and deliver a public talk during their residency.
Award decisions will be based on the originality of the research proposal and its potential to advance research using the Visual History Archive or related USC research resources.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must be advanced-standing PhD candidates from any academic discipline.
Candidates should be undertaking dissertation research that can meaningfully draw on the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive or other relevant USC resources in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
The supplied announcement does not specify a minimum GPA, nationality restriction or particular university affiliation requirement. Applicants should consult the official fellowship information for any further conditions.
A strong application should clearly explain the research question, identify the relevant USC resources and demonstrate how the proposed project could contribute original insights to the field.
Additional Information
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowships must be submitted by 15 December 2026.
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- Cover letter: Include the proposed dates of residency.
- CV: Provide an up-to-date academic curriculum vitae.
- Proposal abstract: Submit a research proposal of one to three pages.
- Writing sample: Include a sample demonstrating relevant academic or research writing.
- Recommendation letter: The applicant’s PhD advisor must submit the letter directly to cagr@usc.edu.
Candidates need to submit only one set of application materials to be considered for all three fellowships.
How to apply: Visit the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research website and navigate to the PhD candidate fellowship listings. Select the relevant fellowship and follow the application instructions.
For enquiries, contact cagr@usc.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the USC PhD Research Fellowships for 2027–2028?
They are three research fellowship opportunities offered by the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research to support advanced PhD candidates undertaking dissertation research using USC’s specialised resources.
2. How much funding does each fellowship provide?
Each fellowship provides US$5,000 in financial support.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Advanced-standing PhD candidates from any academic discipline may apply, provided their proposed research meaningfully draws on relevant USC Holocaust and Genocide Studies resources.
4. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Each fellow is required to spend one month in residence at the Center in Los Angeles during the 2027–2028 academic year.
5. What research areas are supported?
Projects may address a wide range of academic or creative interests, but they must meaningfully use the USC Shoah Foundation Visual History Archive or related USC research resources. Projects do not have to focus exclusively on genocide.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a cover letter with proposed residency dates, a CV, a one-to-three-page proposal abstract and a writing sample. A recommendation letter must be submitted directly by the applicant’s PhD advisor.
7. Can one application cover all three fellowships?
Yes. One submission containing the required application materials will be considered for all three fellowship opportunities.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by 15 December 2026.
9. Where will the fellowship take place?
Fellows must complete a one-month residency at the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research in Los Angeles, California.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the official USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research website and follow the instructions on the PhD candidate fellowship listings.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
These fellowships may interest advanced PhD candidates seeking financial support and access to distinctive archival resources for interdisciplinary dissertation research. The US$5,000 award, one-month residency and access to extensive testimony and historical collections are notable features for researchers whose projects align with the Center’s resources.
Applicants should ensure that their proposals clearly demonstrate the relevance of USC’s archives and explain the potential contribution of their research.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the University of Southern California and does not manage the selection process. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application instructions through the official university website.
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