The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is now officially open to scholars, policymakers, journalists, and public thinkers who want to contribute impactful, nonpartisan research on today’s most pressing global policy issues. This prestigious fellowship offers a $10,000 monthly stipend, a structured research environment, and direct engagement with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
About the Wilson Center
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established by the U.S. Congress in 1968, serves as a living memorial to President Woodrow Wilson. The Center brings researchers and policymakers together to ensure that academic insights can directly inform major public policy decisions. It stands as one of the world’s leading nonpartisan research institutions focused on foreign policy, governance, economics, and global affairs.
About the Fellowship
The Wilson Center’s flagship fellowship supports experts who want uninterrupted time to conduct research, write, and translate their knowledge into actionable policy insights. Fellows work remotely but participate in two fully funded trips to Washington, D.C., one at the beginning and one at the end of the program.
The 2026–2027 fellowship runs from June 1, 2026, to May 30, 2027, offering:
- $10,000 monthly stipend for 12 months
- Access to Wilson Center digital research tools, library networks, and policy community
- Opportunities to present research, publish insights, and engage with U.S. and global leaders
Fellow Responsibilities
During the fellowship, participants will:
- Work on a policy-relevant, nonpartisan research project
- Present a Work-in-Progress session to peers
- Attend workshops, roundtables, and fellow-led presentations
- Share expertise with policymakers and government agencies
- Create public-facing outputs such as reports, op-eds, long-form publications, or policy briefings
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Academic Applicants
- Hold a PhD
- Have published at least one book or monograph beyond a dissertation
Government, Policy, or Nonprofit Applicants
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience
- Demonstrated leadership, policy impact, or substantial publications
Additional requirements:
- Strong English proficiency
- No institutional affiliation required
- Past Wilson Center fellows may apply again
- Applicants must show how they will balance outside responsibilities during the fellowship
Project Proposal Requirements
To be considered, proposals must:
- Be nonpartisan
- Address at least one of the Wilson Center’s core research pillars:
- Strategic competition
- Economic statecraft
- Technology and innovation
- Regional scholarship
Outputs may include:
- Book manuscripts
- Series of long-form articles
- Policy briefing series
Proposals cannot include dissertation rewrites, textbooks, translations, or artistic projects.
Selection Process
Eligible applications undergo a multi-stage review involving internal experts and external reviewers. Candidates are assessed based on:
- Importance and originality of research
- Relevance to current global policy challenges
- Clarity and strength of proposal
- Applicant’s capabilities and research record
- Potential to contribute meaningfully to the Wilson Center’s mission
Final decisions require Board approval and depend on available funding.
Application Deadline
All materials, including references, must be submitted by:
January 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Selected fellows will be notified in early March 2026.
Application Package Requirements
A complete application must include:
- Fellowship application form
- CV (max 3 pages)
- 5-page project proposal
- 200-word statement on contribution to the Wilson Center community
- Two reference letters
All documents must be submitted in English.
For more information, visit the Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program.
