Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2026–2027

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.

The fellowship will commence on June 1, 2026 and end on May 30, 2027. The Center offers a stipend of $10,000 per month for a twelve-month fellowship.

Work Arrangement:

• Fellows work remotely for most of the fellowship.
• Travel to Washington, D.C. at the start and end is covered by the Center. Research Focus:
• Each fellow must complete a policy‑relevant, nonpartisan project addressing major foreign policy challenges.
• Projects must be carried out as proposed. Presentations & Peer Engagement:
• Fellows give a Work in Progress presentation to share ideas and receive feedback.
• Attendance at colleagues’ presentations is required. Resources & Support:
• Access to the Wilson Center Library, Library of Congress, and other research facilities.
• Guidance on translating academic research into policy‑relevant content. Contribution to Wilson Center Mission:
• Fellows actively engage with the Washington policy community. Activities include:
• Briefings for federal agencies.
• Roundtable discussions with Congress members/staff.
• Public presentations (seminars, workshops, colloquia).
• Fellows are encouraged to produce policy reports, op‑eds, and short written outputs.

• Academia: PhD + substantial publications beyond dissertation.
• Government/Policy/Nonprofit: At least 10 years of relevant experience + record of policy impact or leadership.
• Must be proficient in English.
• Projects must be nonpartisan and align with one of Wilson Center’s pillars:
• Strategic competition
• Economic statecraft
• Technology & innovation
• Regional scholarship
• Excluded project types: dissertations, visual arts, textbooks, translations, memoirs.