Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2026–27: Apply Now (Deadline Jan 16, 2026)

🧠 What Is the Wilson Center Research Fellowship?

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. offers a flagship Research Fellowship Program that supports independent, nonpartisan research addressing global foreign policy challenges. Fellows engage with policymakers, scholars, and thought leaders while producing high-impact research outputs. (Wilson Center)

📅 Important Dates & Duration

• Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Program Duration: June 1, 2026 – May 30, 2027 (12 months)

The fellowship typically operates remotely, with sponsored travel to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the term. (Wilson Center)

🎯 Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Wilson Center Research Fellowship:

Academic Applicants:

• Must have a PhD at the time of application.

• Must have published a book or monograph beyond the PhD dissertation. (Wilson Center)

Professionals & Practitioners:

• Must demonstrate equivalent professional distinction — e.g., journalists, policymakers, nonprofit leaders with ~10+ years of experience, publications, or policy impact. (Wilson Center)

General Requirements:

• Proficiency in English.

• Institutional affiliation is optional – you can apply as an independent scholar.

🗂 What Projects Are Accepted?

Projects must be:

• Nonpartisan and policy-relevant.

• Aligned with at least one of the Wilson Center’s main scholarship pillars:

  • Strategic Competition

  • Economic Statecraft

  • Technology & Innovation

  • Regional Scholarship (Wilson Center)

Examples of strong project outputs include:

• Book manuscripts

• Long-form research articles

• Briefing series for policymakers (Wilson Center)

📄 Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following in English by the deadline:

✅ Completed Fellowship Application Form
✅ Current CV (max 3 pages)
✅ Project Proposal (max 5 pages)
✅ Short statement (200 words) explaining community contribution
✅ 2 Letters of Recommendation submitted online

💡 Benefits of the Fellowship

While the Wilson Center page (guidelines) does not specify stipend details, external sources report:
📌 Fellows receive a monthly stipend of up to $10,000 (USD) for the 12-month term.
📌 Paid travel to Washington, D.C. at the start & end of the fellowship.
📌 Access to research resources, libraries, and collaboration with experts globally.

🧾 What Happens After You Apply?

• Notification: Applicants will be informed of selection results in early March 2026. (Wilson Center)

• Review Process: A multi-stage review involving Wilson Center and external experts evaluates:
  ✔ Research significance
  ✔ Policy relevance
  ✔ Applicant qualifications
  ✔ Clarity and impact of project proposal (Wilson Center)

🧠 Tips to Write a Winning Fellowship Application

✔ Craft a clear, compelling proposal outlining real-world policy impact.
✔ Highlight your unique expertise and why your research matters now.
✔ Tailor your project to one of the Center’s key focus areas.
✔ Submit strong letters of recommendation early.