Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2027–2028 (Fully Funded): Receive USD 120,000 to Conduct Policy Research ·2028 (Fully Funded): Receive USD 120,000 to Conduct Policy Research

Applications are now open for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2027–2028, a prestigious fully funded 12-month research fellowship for accomplished scholars, policy practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals worldwide. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of USD 10,000 (USD 120,000 total), remote research opportunities, funded travel to Washington, D.C., and direct engagement with policymakers on pressing global issues.

The Wilson Center will award 10–20 fellowships for the 2027–2028 cohort to individuals conducting nonpartisan, policy-relevant research addressing major foreign policy and global challenges.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Institution: Wilson Center (Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars)
• Location: Remote (with funded visits to Washington, D.C., USA)
• Fellowship Duration: June 1, 2027 – May 30, 2028 (12 months)
• Number of Fellowships: 10–20
• Funding: USD 10,000 per month (USD 120,000 total)
• Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program

The Wilson Center invites scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals to take part in its flagship Research Fellowship Program. Fellows conduct research and write in their areas of interest, while interacting with policymakers in Washington and other fellows. The Center accepts policy-relevant, nonpartisan fellowship proposals that address key foreign policy challenges confronting the United States and the world.

About the Center

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars aims to unite the world of ideas to the world of policy by supporting pre-eminent scholarship and linking that scholarship to issues of concern to policymakers in Washington. The Wilson Center promotes nonpartisan research and evidence-based scholarship that seeks to inform, but not advocate for a particular political viewpoint.

Congress established the Center in 1968 as the official, national memorial to President Wilson. Unlike the physical monuments in the nation’s capital, it is a living memorial whose work and scholarship commemorate “the ideals and concerns of Woodrow Wilson.” As both a distinguished scholar and national leader, President Wilson felt strongly that the scholar and the policymaker were “engaged in a common enterprise.” Today, the Center takes seriously the need to bridge the gap between the world of ideas and public policy, bringing them into creative contact, enriching the work of both, and enabling each to learn from the other. This continuing dialogue between public policy and scholarship makes the Center unique.

Details of the 2027-2028 Fellowship

The Wilson Center invites scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals to apply for its flagship Research Fellowship competition . The Center will award 10 to 20 fellowships for the 2027-2028 class. Fellows are encouraged to interact with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and other scholars who are working on similar research and topics.

Stipend and Duration

The fellowship will commence on June 1, 2027 and end on May 30, 2028. The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 per month for a twelve-month fellowship.

Conditions of Award

Fellows will work remotely during their tenure with the Wilson Center. The program will include a trip to Washington D.C. at the start and end of the fellowship, to be paid for by the Wilson Center.

The focus of each fellow’s tenure will be their research project. The project must be a policy-relevant, nonpartisan project that addresses key challenges confronting the United States and the world. The project must align with at least one of the four priority areas for the Wilson Center. Refer to the Applicant Eligibility section page for additional information regarding the fellowship projects.

Fellows are required to complete their project as proposed. They are also required to give a Work in Progress presentation, which is an internal meeting where fellows can speak about their work, share ideas, and receive feedback from their peers. Fellows will attend the Work in Progress presentations given by their colleagues.

Fellows will also  be expected to actively contribute to the goals and mission of the Wilson Center during their tenure. The Center will work with all fellows to share their expertise with the Washington policy community. These interactions may range from a deep background briefing for a federal agency to an informal roundtable discussion with members of Congress and their staffs. They may deliver more formal presentations to the public, including colloquia, seminars, workshops, or other coordinated events with the Center. Fellows will also be encouraged to produce policy reports, op-eds, and other short written and audio-visual products during their tenure and engage with the broader Washington community of scholars working on similar topics. The Center will provide guidance for all fellows on translating academic research into policy-relevant content.

Deadline for Applications

Fellowship applications, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the results of the selection process by early March 2027.

Applicant Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a fellowship:

• Applicants from academia must have a PhD in hand and have published a book or monograph beyond the PhD dissertation, or a substantial body of research articles (5+) in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Applicants from government, policy, or the nonprofit sector must have achieved a level of professional distinction and experience equivalent to advanced academic standing. This is typically at least 10 years of relevant experience and a record of substantial policy impact, publication, or leadership in their field.
• Applicants must be proficient in English, as the Center is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas among its fellows and provide educational opportunities to Congress.

You do not need an institutional affiliation to apply.

Scholars and practitioners who within the last 5 years were awarded a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship should not apply. Scholars and practitioners who have received other categories of research awards or fellowships from the Wilson Center are not precluded from applying for a Research Fellowship. However, the nature and recency of the prior award may be among the factors considered during the selection process.

Please note that this is not a residential fellowship. For any travel to the United States for associated events or meetings, fellows are expected to hold a valid passport and obtain the appropriate visa.

Fellows may take leave from their current positions or maintain additional affiliations during their Wilson Center Research Fellowship. Applicants will be required to describe how they will balance other responsibilities while actively contributing to the goals and mission of the Wilson Center.

Eligibility Requirements for Project Proposals

Project proposals must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• Projects must be nonpartisan in nature.
• Projects must focus on at least one of the following scholarship pillars of the Wilson Center: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional scholarship.
• Primary project outputs may include but are not limited to a book manuscript, series of long-form articles, or a briefing roundtable series for policymakers. Additional projects demonstrating a high-level of scholarship may be considered.

Primary project outputs may not include rewriting or completion of doctoral dissertations; projects in the visual arts, dance, or musical composition; editing of texts, papers, and documents; or preparations of textbooks, anthologies, translations, or memoirs.

Selection Process

Applications that satisfy the eligibility requirements are subsequently subjected to a multi-stage review process involving evaluations by Wilson Center experts and external specialists with relevant expertise. Final decisions for all federally-funded Research Fellowships are contingent on the approval of the Center’s Board of Trustees and subject to available funding.

The basic criteria for selection are:

1. Significance of the proposed research, including the importance and originality of the project. Explain the urgency and importance of your work to resolve a larger problem in foreign policy.
2. The relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues and policymakers, with the aim of bridging the worlds of scholarship and policy.
3. Quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity, and scope. Describe what the reviewers will learn from your project, why it is important, and how the reviewer will know your conclusions are valid.
4. Capabilities and achievements of the applicant and their propensity to accomplish the proposed project. The proposal should convince the reviewer that something is genuinely at stake with your inquiry and your project will yield interesting results.
5. Potential of a candidate to actively contribute to the priorities and mission of the Center by making expert research accessible to policymakers and a broader audience.

The Center accepts policy-relevant, non-advocacy fellowship proposals that will address key challenges confronting the United States and the world. The Center encourages projects that transcend narrow specialties to connect to broader policy and global issues. Fellows should want to, and be prepared to, interact with policymakers in Washington, other Wilson Center fellows, and scholars within DC and the world working on similar issues.

It is essential that projects have relevance to public policy and at least one of the four pillars of scholarship of the Wilson Center: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional scholarship. Projects should involve fresh research in terms of both the overall field and the author’s previous work.

 

The Application

A complete application must include the following:

• The Fellowship Application Form.
• A current CV that does not exceed 3 pages, using 12-point font.
• A project proposal that does not exceed 5 pages, using 12-point font.
• 2 letters of reference.

All materials must be submitted in English. Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. Additional details about each section of the application are included below.

Fellowship Application Form

When submitting your application through Interfolio, you must complete the Fellowship Application Form to be considered for a Wilson Center Research Fellowship. The form will request general details regarding your contact information, educational background, professional experience, and research project title. There is also space for applicants to share how they plan to engage with the Wilson Center community and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, applicants should describe any other affiliations they intend to maintain during their fellowship year.

The Application Form fields are provided below for reference purposes only. The form must be completed electronically and submitted through the Interfolio application portal. The Wilson Center will not accept forms attached as PDFs, Word documents, or other external file formats.

General Questions

• Full Name (First and Last)*
• Email*
• Phone Number*
• Current Address*
• Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)*
• Gender*
• Primary Citizenship*
• Additional Citizenship

Professional Background

• Professional Title*
• Professional Affiliation*
• Scholarly Discipline*
• Highest Level of Education*
• Institute and Location of Highest Level of Education*
• Major Field of Highest Level of Education*
• PhD Dissertation (if applicable)
• Years of Professional Experience

Wilson Center Community

• Title of Proposed Wilson Center Research Project*
• How do you intend to regularly engage with and contribute to the Wilson Center community during your fellowship? (max 200 words)*
• Do you intend to hold any other positions or affiliations during your tenure as a Wilson Center Research Fellow? If yes, how will you balance those responsibilities with the expectations of the Wilson Center fellowship program?*
• Have you ever had any formal affiliation with the Wilson Center, whether as staff, fellow, intern, contractor, or other? If yes, please explain the nature and recency of the affiliation.*

Conflicts of Interest

• Are you currently or have you ever been a registered lobbyist in the United States?*
• Are you currently or have you ever registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)?*
• Do you have a former or current affiliation with a non-US government agency, military, or government sponsored organization? If yes, please explain the nature and recency of the affiliation.*
• Bearing in mind that the Wilson Center is a Congressionally chartered, official U.S. presidential memorial, please disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could arise should you be awarded a Wilson Center Research Fellowship.*

 

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Your CV

Your CV must be included as part of your application. It cannot exceed 3 pages, using 12-point font. For any publications, please include exact titles, names of publishers, dates of publication, and status of forthcoming publications.

Feel free to include an explanation for lapses in your CV and any opportunities you were offered but unable to accept or were rescinded due to unforeseen circumstances. We understand that these things do occur and that not every CV will look the same.

Project Proposal

The project proposal is the heart of your application. It cannot exceed 5 pages, using 12-point font. It is essential to make your project clear to individuals outside your own field and to explain its broader implications. The following elements should be addressed in the proposal:

• Detailed description of the topic and its importance.
• Original contribution of the proposed research.
• Basic ideas and hypotheses.
• Methodology to be used, including the activities you will undertake to gather the data you need for your project and the techniques that you will use to analyze the data in order to prove your thesis.
• The present status of your research, including how much has already been done in relevant collections and archives, and what you would hope to accomplish at the Center.
• Why you chose the Wilson Center for your project and how the project upholds Wilson Center’s commitment to nonpartisanship.
• How the project aligns to one or more areas of scholarship (geostrategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional scholarship).
• Relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues and policymakers in Washington, D.C. and how the research will be communicated or made accessible to those audiences.
• A brief bibliography, including primary and relevant secondary sources.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. Only two letters will be accepted. When completing the “Request a Recommendation” field in Interfolio, please ensure you enter the correct email address for each referee. It is your responsibility to ensure your reference letters are received; applications missing these letters will be considered incomplete.

Your referees should be familiar with you and your work. We recommend sending them a copy of your project description so they can comment specifically on:

• Your proposed study and your qualifications for undertaking it.
• How you and your work would contribute to the Center’s goal of bridging the gap between the world of learning and the world of public affairs.

All letters must be written in English and should follow the referee guidelines provided below.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow up with their referees to confirm they received the Interfolio email prompt and that they submit their letters through the portal prior to the application deadline.

Guidelines for Referees

In your letter of reference, please include an assessment of the applicant and the proposed project. The Center awards fellowships to individuals with outstanding project proposals in a broad range of the social sciences and humanities on international issues. Topics should intersect with questions of public policy.

You should judge the application according to the following criteria:

1. Significance of the proposed research, including the importance and originality of the project.
2. The relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues and policymakers, with the aim of bridging the worlds of scholarship and policy.
3. Quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity, and scope.
4. Capabilities and achievements of the applicant and their propensity to accomplish the proposed project.
5. Potential of a candidate to actively contribute to the priorities and mission of the Center by making expert research accessible to policymakers and a broader audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information regarding the Fellowship Program. Applicants may address additional inquiries to fellowships@wilsoncenter.org.

Fellowship Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

Scholars, policy practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals with project proposals on global issues are invited to apply. Topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges and align with at least one of the following pillars of the Wilson Center: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional issues. Academic applicants must have a doctorate or JD. For other applicants, an equivalent level of professional achievement is expected.

I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply?

This is a non-residential fellowship with no citizenship limitations. However, fellows are expected to travel to Washington, D.C. for two visits during the fellowship; you must hold a valid passport and be able to obtain the appropriate visa.

Please note that applicants currently living in the United States must be legal permanent residents or U.S. citizens at the time of application. The Wilson Center is unable to sponsor J-1 visas.

I am retired and do not have an institutional affiliation.  May I apply?

Yes. You do not need an active institutional affiliation to apply.

I have completed all requirements for my Ph.D. except for my dissertation. May I apply for a fellowship?

No. Academics must be at the postdoctoral level and have published a book or monograph beyond the Ph.D. dissertation, or a substantial body of research articles (typically five or more) in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Applicants outside of academia should have an equivalent level of professional achievement.

I have a Ph.D. but have not published a book yet. Is it worth applying?

For most academic candidates, a published book or monograph is required. However, a substantial body of research (typically five or more articles) in reputable, peer-reviewed journals may substitute for a book.

Exceptions to the book requirement are made for applicants from fields like law, where scholarly output is traditionally comprised of articles rather than monographs, and practitioners who are pursuing or obtained a Ph.D. later in their career.

Are there age limits for eligibility?

There are no age limits for eligibility. However, all applicants should present evidence of their ability to carry out the proposed project, such as publications and other relevant experience.

I was previously awarded a Wilson Center Competition Fellowship. May I apply again?

Within the last five years: Scholars and practitioners who were awarded a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship within the past five years are not eligible to apply.

More than five years ago: Alumni who received a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship more than five years ago are welcome to reapply.

Other award categories: Applicants who have received other types of research awards or fellowships from the Wilson Center are also eligible to apply for a Research Fellowship.

Please note that the nature and recency of the prior award may be among the factors considered during the selection process.

The Application and Proposals

Where can I find the online application?

Please visit the Fellowship Application Form here 

What happens if I receive an error when applying online?

Please contact help@interfolio.com for any technical support with the Interfolio platform. You may also contact the Wilson Center at fellowships@wilsoncenter.org for additional support.

Is the Center looking for particular topics this year?

The Center welcomes all applications that are nonpartisan in nature, policy relevant, and demonstrate alignment with one or more of the following scholarship pillars: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional issues. It is very important to explain the relevance of your project to contemporary policy issues.

Are applicants allowed to apply jointly or as collaborators?

No. Wilson Center fellowships are non-collaborative awards, and applicants must apply as sole investigators. The Center evaluates proposals based on the individual scholar’s project, qualifications, and capacity to complete the work independently.

Applicants may certainly be involved in larger research agendas outside the fellowship, but the proposal submitted to the Wilson Center must represent an individual, stand-alone project; led and written by the applicant; and independent of any co-authored or jointly executed research efforts.

Can Center staff look over my proposal before I submit it?

No. Unfortunately, Center staff are not able to read or comment on draft proposals. It is important to maintain a fair and impartial process. The Center recommends that you show your proposal to colleagues who are knowledgeable in your field so that they may make constructive comments.

What do you mean by topics and scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges?

The Center aims to unite the world of ideas to the world of policy by supporting preeminent nonpartisan scholarship and linking that scholarship to issues of concern to officials in Washington. The Center distinguishes itself from policy institutions in its consideration of issues in a broader and more reflective manner beyond a narrow analysis of current crises and policy options. Applicants should think in terms of what they have to say to policymakers in Washington and how they can inform policy decisions through their work.

I have received my Ph.D. and would like to come to the Center to continue working toward publication of my dissertation manuscript. Is this an eligible proposal?

No. Your project must be a separate project from your dissertation. Your application should be new research.

May I ask to see an example of an awarded proposal?

No. The Center does not provide examples of awarded proposals because each application is reviewed on an individual basis according to the criteria for selection in the application guidelines.

If I am in the D.C. area, may I come in for an interview?

No. The Center does not conduct fellowship interviews.

You require two letters of reference. May I send additional references?

The Center requires two letters of reference. No additional letters will be accepted.

How will I know that you have received my application online?

The Center requires two letters of reference. No additional letters will be accepted.

How do I know the Center has received my reference letters?

The application form will allow you to track reference letter submissions. It is up to the applicant to follow up with their referees to confirm that they have sent their letters to the Center through the online system.

I applied for a fellowship last year and did not get one. If I reapply this year with the same proposal, can I use the same letters of reference?

No. The Center requires that your referees submit updated letters of reference with current dates to accompany your application. However, you may ask the same individual from past applications to serve as your referee.

The Selection Process and Logistics

What is the selection process?

Applications that meet all eligibility requirements undergo a comprehensive, multi-stage review process. This includes internal evaluations by Wilson Center experts, followed by external evaluations conducted by a panel of peer specialists with relevant expertise.

Final fellowship awards are contingent upon the approval of the Fellowship Committee of the Center’s Board of Trustees and are subject to available funding.

When will I know if I have received a fellowship?

All selected and non-selected applicants will be notified in March 2027.

When do I start my Fellowship?

If awarded a fellowship, your tenure will begin on June 1, 2027 and end on May 30, 2028.

What are the residency requirements?

Fellows will work remotely for the tenure of their appointment. They will be required to travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the program. Fellows may be invited to participate in additional Wilson Center programs throughout the year. Travel and lodging will be arranged by the Wilson Center.

Does the Center pay for fellows’ travel?

The Center will arrange for travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the program. The Center will not pay for short-term research trips a fellow may wish to take during their tenure.

How are stipends awarded?

Money for stipends comes from allocated federal funds. The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 a month for the duration of the twelve-month fellowship. Fellows will receive their stipends on a monthly basis.

Does the Center offer health insurance?

No. Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance.

Will I be offered research assistance as a fellow?

The Center intends to provide part-time research assistants during the fall and spring semesters. However, this is contingent upon available funding and our ability to match your specific project with an assistant who has the appropriate skills and experience.

 

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