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The PRRI Public Fellows Program 2026-2027 is now accepting applications from scholars across the United States. Organized by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), this non-residential fellowship supports researchers whose work focuses on religion, culture, politics, democracy, immigration, and LGBTQ-related issues.
The fellowship is designed for mid-career academics who want to bring their research to wider public audiences through media engagement, public scholarship, and collaborative research projects.
WhatsApp ChannelPRRI Public Fellows Program 2026-2027 Overview
- Host Organization: Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)
- Location: United States (Remote)
- Fellowship Duration: 11 months
- Number of Fellows: 9
- Stipend: $5,000
- Additional Funding: Up to $20,000 in course release and research support
- Eligible Applicants: Mid-career scholars in the United States
- Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
Also Check: COP31 Reporting Fellowship 2026 in Türkiye
What is the PRRI Public Fellows Program?
Founded in 2017, the PRRI Public Fellows Program promotes interdisciplinary public scholarship. The program helps scholars communicate academic research beyond universities and reach policymakers, journalists, community leaders, and the general public.
For the 2026-2027 cohort, PRRI will select nine fellows whose research aligns with one or more of the organization’s major focus areas:
- Pluralism and Democracy
- Immigration and American Society
- LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics
The fellowship runs for 11 months, from September 2026 to July 2027.
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Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive several professional and financial benefits throughout the program.
Benefits include:
- $5,000 fellowship stipend
- Up to $10,000 in course release funding for Spring 2027
- Access to research microgrants of up to $10,000
- Monthly virtual meetings and professional workshops
- Media and public communication training
- Advance access to PRRI research data and archives
- Collaboration opportunities with PRRI research and communications teams
- Fully funded travel to Washington, D.C. for an in-person convening in Spring 2027
During the Washington, D.C. gathering, fellows will meet journalists, editors, and publishing professionals while learning how to communicate research findings to broader audiences.
Also Check: Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship 2027
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship targets mid-career scholars working in the humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree
- Be affiliated with an accredited college, university, seminary, or research institute in the United States
- Have earned their terminal degree between three and twelve years before applying
- Demonstrate expertise in one of PRRI’s research areas
- Be authorized to work in the United States
PRRI welcomes applicants from various academic fields, including sociology, political science, religious studies, history, ethnic studies, American studies, literary studies, and related disciplines.
The organization also encourages applications from scholars from underrepresented backgrounds and diverse institutional settings.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Statement of Interest
A statement of up to 800 words explaining:
- Interest in the fellowship
- Professional development goals
- Experience with public scholarship
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current academic CV outlining educational background, publications, research experience, and professional activities.
Work Samples
Applicants must provide three work samples published within the last three years. These may include:
- Articles
- Opinion pieces
- Blogs
- Public-facing publications
PRRI prefers work aimed at general audiences rather than purely academic publications.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The PRRI Public Fellows Program provides scholars with opportunities to strengthen public engagement skills and increase the visibility of their research. Fellows receive mentorship, communication support, and access to a network of researchers working on some of the most important social and political issues in the United States.
The program is particularly valuable for scholars interested in connecting academic research with public conversations on democracy, immigration, religion, gender, and social change.
Application Deadline
Applications for the PRRI Public Fellows Program 2026-2027 must be submitted by June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Researchers who meet the eligibility criteria and have a strong record of public scholarship are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
