The Wilson Center has opened applications for its Research Fellowship 2027–2028. This is a year-long remote research program for scholars, analysts, journalists, civil servants, NGO staff and public experts. Citizens of Kazakhstan may participate on the same terms as other applicants.
Applications close on September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Time. In Kazakhstan, that is October 1 at 8:59 a.m. Astana time.
What successful applicants receive
The Wilson Center plans to select ten to twenty participants. Each will receive $10,000 a month for twelve months, totaling up to $120,000.
The program runs from June 1, 2027, to May 30, 2028. Most work is remote, but organizers pay for two trips to Washington, at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
Funding is a fellowship stipend rather than a loan or investment. Repayment is not required when program conditions are met. No mandatory co-financing is specified.
Who the program is for
Applicants may come from academia, public administration, think tanks, journalism and the nonprofit sector. There is no age limit or requirement for a current university affiliation.
Academic applicants need a PhD and a published post-dissertation book or monograph, or at least five substantial peer-reviewed scholarly publications.
Practitioners from government, NGOs and public policy must demonstrate comparable professional achievement. This usually means at least ten years of relevant experience, publications, significant policy influence or demonstrated leadership in their field.
What projects are accepted
Proposals must be nonpartisan, have practical public policy relevance and align with at least one Wilson Center focus area:
- strategic competition;
- economic statecraft;
- technology and innovation;
- regional scholarship.
The principal output may be a book manuscript, a series of policy papers, a research report or expert discussions for policymakers. The program is not intended for completing a dissertation, preparing a textbook, translation, memoirs or an artistic project.
Documents required
- an online application;
- a CV of no more than three pages;
- a research proposal of no more than five pages;
- two recommendation letters.
All documents and recommendations must be submitted in English. Page limits are strict: excess pages may be removed before review.
How to apply
Applications are completed through Interfolio. Candidates should invite two referees in advance, as their letters must also arrive before the common deadline.
Read the official Wilson Center terms
Terms checked on September 14, 2026.
In RAEM’s grants directory: Wilson Center Fellowship 2027–2028 — program terms, selection criteria, application status and the official participation link.
