Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program 2026-2027

by | Dec 9, 2025

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars invites scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals to apply for its flagship Fellowship Program. This is a remote fellowship that allows fellows to conduct policy-relevant, non-partisan research in their areas of interest while interacting with policymakers and other experts. The program focuses on key foreign policy challenges confronting the United States and the world, centered around the pillars of strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, and regional scholarship.

Fellows will work on a primary research project (such as a book manuscript or a series of long-form articles) and are expected to actively contribute to the Wilson Center’s mission by sharing their expertise with the Washington policy community through briefings, roundtables, and short written products like op-eds.

Financial Benefits

  • Stipend: The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 per month for the twelve-month duration of the fellowship.
  • Funded Travel: The program includes two trips to Washington D.C., one at the start and one at the end of the fellowship, with costs covered by the Wilson Center.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Academic Applicants: Must hold a PhD and have published a book or monograph beyond their PhD dissertation.
  • Professional Applicants: Applicants from government, policy, or the non-profit sector must have a level of professional distinction equivalent to advanced academic standing. This is typically defined as at least 10 years of relevant experience with a record of substantial policy impact, publication, or leadership.
  • Language: All applicants must be proficient in English.
  • Affiliation: An institutional affiliation is not required to apply.

Application Process

Application Open Date: December 1, 2025. Application Deadline: January 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

A complete application must be submitted in English through the online portal and includes:

  • The completed Fellowship Application Form.
  • A CV (not to exceed 3 pages, 12-point font).
  • A project proposal (not to exceed 5 pages, 12-point font).
  • A description of intended contributions to the Wilson Center community (max 200 words).
  • Two letters of reference.

Application Link:

The application is managed through Interfolio. For detailed instructions and to apply, please consult the official Wilson Center website as directed in the posting.

Click here for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship Page

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