Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program is the flagship competition of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a living memorial to President Woodrow Wilson established by Congress in 1968. The program bridges scholarship and policymaking by supporting researchers whose work addresses critical foreign policy challenges facing the United States and the world.
For the 2027-2028 fellowship cycle, the Center will award 10 to 20 fellowships. Fellows conduct research remotely while engaging with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and participating in a vibrant intellectual community.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The Wilson Center Research Fellowship provides substantial financial and professional support:
- Stipend: $10,000 per month for 12 months (total $120,000)
- Duration: June 1, 2027 to May 30, 2028
- Travel: Two trips to Washington, D.C. (start and end of fellowship) fully covered by the Center
- Work arrangement: Fully remote with required virtual engagement
- Professional development: Guidance on translating academic research into policy-relevant content; opportunities for briefings, roundtables, and public presentations
Who Can Apply
The fellowship welcomes applications from scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals worldwide. No institutional affiliation is required.
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Academic Applicants
- PhD must be in hand at time of application
- Published book or monograph beyond the PhD dissertation, OR
- Substantial body of research: 5+ articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals or chapters in peer-reviewed edited volumes
Government, Policy, and Nonprofit Sector Applicants
- Professional distinction equivalent to advanced academic standing
- Typically at least 10 years of relevant experience
- Record of substantial policy impact, publication, or leadership in field
General Requirements
- Proficiency in English (essential for exchange of ideas and congressional engagement)
- Valid passport and appropriate U.S. visa for required travel
- Not awarded a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship or Research Fellowship within the last 5 years
- Prior recipients of other Wilson Center awards (Distinguished, Visiting, Public Policy, Global, or China Fellowships) may apply, though nature and recency of prior award may be considered
Research Project Requirements
Proposals must meet strict criteria to be competitive:
- Nonpartisan: No advocacy for particular political viewpoints
- Policy-relevant: Addresses key foreign policy challenges confronting the U.S. and world
- Alignment with Wilson Center pillars: Must focus on at least one of—strategic competition, economic statecraft, technology and innovation, or regional studies scholarship
- Fresh research: Must advance beyond author’s previous work and contribute new insights to the field
Acceptable Outputs
- Book manuscript
- Series of long-form articles
- Briefing roundtable series for policymakers
- Other high-level scholarly products
Prohibited Outputs
- Rewriting or completion of doctoral dissertations
- Visual arts, dance, or musical composition projects
- Editing of texts, papers, and documents
- Textbooks, anthologies, translations, or memoirs
Fellow Responsibilities
Recipients commit to active participation in the Wilson Center community:
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- Complete proposed research project as outlined
- Deliver a Work in Progress presentation to fellow researchers
- Attend colleagues’ Work in Progress presentations
- Engage with Washington policy community through briefings, roundtables, or formal presentations
- Produce policy reports, op-eds, and other accessible content
- Balance other responsibilities while contributing to Center goals (leave from current position optional)
Selection Process
Applications undergo multi-stage review:
- Eligibility screening
- Evaluation by Wilson Center experts and external specialists
- Final approval by Board of Trustees (contingent on available funding)
Selection Criteria
- Significance: Importance, originality, and urgency of research to resolve larger foreign policy problems
- Policy relevance: Bridge between scholarship and contemporary policy issues
- Proposal quality: Clear definition, organization, scope, and valid methodology
- Applicant capability: Track record demonstrating ability to complete project
- Contribution potential: Capacity to make expert research accessible to policymakers and broader audiences
The Center particularly values projects that transcend narrow specialties to connect with broader policy and global issues.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET on September 30, 2026. Results announced by early March 2027.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Research proposal
- Curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation (submitted with application)
Application Steps
- Review eligibility requirements and scholarship pillars
- Develop nonpartisan, policy-relevant proposal aligned with Wilson Center priorities
- Secure letters of recommendation
- Complete online application at official Wilson Center portal
- Submit all materials before deadline
For African Applicants
Researchers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region bring valuable perspectives on regional studies, economic statecraft, and strategic competition. The Wilson Center explicitly welcomes international applicants and does not require U.S. institutional affiliation. African scholars with expertise in:
- Great power competition in Africa
- Critical minerals and economic statecraft
- Technology transfer and innovation policy
- Regional security and governance
are encouraged to apply. Ensure your proposal demonstrates clear policy relevance to U.S. foreign policy audiences while maintaining nonpartisan analysis.
Important Notes
- This is not a residential fellowship—work is conducted remotely
- Fellows may maintain additional affiliations during tenure
- All federally-funded fellowships require final Board approval
- Applications from scholars within 5 years of previous Wilson Center International Competition or Research Fellowship are ineligible
