Are you a scholar, policy expert, or journalist looking to advance research that influences global policy? The Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2026-2027 offers an unparalleled opportunity to conduct policy-relevant research, engage with U.S. policymakers, and contribute to nonpartisan scholarship.
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About the Wilson Center
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars bridges the worlds of ideas and policy. Established by Congress in 1968 as a living memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, the Center promotes evidence-based, nonpartisan research to inform global policy decisions. Fellows join a vibrant community of over 160 experts and hundreds of annual events, contributing to discussions on strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology, and regional studies.
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Fellowship Details
- Duration: June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027
- Stipend: $10,000/month for 12 months
- Location: Primarily remote, with two trips to Washington, D.C., fully funded
- Focus: Policy-relevant, nonpartisan research projects addressing key global and U.S. foreign policy challenges
Fellows have access to the Wilson Center Library, including the Library of Congress, digital resources, and special collections, enabling top-level research.
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Fellowship Theme / Research Focus
The Wilson Center Fellowship supports nonpartisan research that addresses key foreign policy challenges. Projects must focus on at least one of the Center’s four pillars:
- Strategic competition
- Economic statecraft
- Technology and innovation
- Regional scholarship
Primary outputs can include a book manuscript, long-form articles, or policy briefings/roundtables for policymakers. Projects must go beyond doctoral work or purely artistic endeavours and provide original, policy-relevant contributions.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Academia: PhD holders with published work beyond the dissertation
- Government/Policy/Nonprofit: At least 10 years of professional experience with substantial policy impact
- Language: Proficiency in English
- Applicants do not require institutional affiliation, and prior Wilson Center fellows may reapply.
How to Apply
Applications require:
- Fellowship Application Form
- CV (3 pages max, 12-pt font)
- Project Proposal (5 pages max, 12-pt font)
- Contribution Statement (200 words) – how you will engage with the Wilson Center community
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Deadline: January 16, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Selection Process
- Eligibility Check: Applications are screened to ensure they meet the criteria.
- Multi-Stage Review: Evaluated by Wilson Center experts and external specialists.
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Significance & originality of the research
- Policy relevance and impact for contemporary issues
- Clarity and quality of the proposal
- Applicant achievements and likelihood of completing the project
- Potential to engage with the Wilson Center community and policymakers
- Final Approval: Determined by the Wilson Center Board of Trustees, subject to funding.
What the Wilson Center Looks For
The Wilson Center prioritizes projects that:
- Address pressing foreign policy challenges
- Offer original, significant contributions to scholarship
- Are policy-relevant and nonpartisan
- Align with at least one of its four pillars: strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology & innovation, and regional scholarship.
Fellows are also encouraged to produce policy briefs, op-eds, or public presentations to make research accessible to policymakers and the wider audience.
Why Apply?
Joining the Wilson Center Fellowship means joining a prestigious global network of scholars and policymakers, gaining access to top research resources, and having your work directly inform real-world policy decisions.
For more details and to submit your application, visit the Wilson Center Fellowship page.
