CFAs: Wilson Center Research Fellowship Program (Canada)

The Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship class to support innovative, nonpartisan research projects addressing major global and U.S. policy challenges. The fellowship provides selected researchers with a 12-month stipend of US$120,000 to conduct independent research, engage with policymakers, and produce significant scholarly outputs.

The program supports researchers from academia, government, policy institutions, and nonprofit organizations who demonstrate strong expertise, leadership, and the ability to contribute meaningful research to public policy discussions.

About the Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship

The Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship is designed for established researchers and policy experts who want to develop research projects with practical relevance for policymakers.

The fellowship supports projects that:

Address important challenges affecting the United States and the global community.
Provide evidence-based policy insights.
Encourage nonpartisan research and dialogue.
Connect academic knowledge with policymaking.
Strengthen understanding of complex international and domestic issues.

The program allows fellows to conduct research independently while contributing to the Wilson Center’s mission of connecting research, policy, and public engagement.

Fellowship Duration and Funding

The fellowship period will run from:

June 1, 2027, to May 30, 2028

Selected fellows will receive:

Monthly stipend: US$10,000
Total fellowship funding: US$120,000 for 12 months

Additional support includes:

Travel expenses for one visit to Washington, D.C., at the beginning of the fellowship.
Travel expenses for one final visit to Washington, D.C., at the end of the fellowship.

Fellows will complete their research remotely throughout the fellowship period.

Research Expectations and Activities

During the fellowship, participants are expected to:

Complete the proposed research project.
Develop substantial scholarly or policy-oriented outputs.
Participate in internal Wilson Center research discussions.
Present their work through a Work in Progress session.
Receive feedback from Wilson Center colleagues and experts.
Engage with policymakers and the broader Washington policy community.

Fellows may contribute through:

Policy briefings.
Roundtable discussions.
Seminars and workshops.
Public presentations.
Policy reports.
Opinion articles.
Short written or audio-visual publications.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship is open to experienced professionals from:

Academic institutions.
Government organizations.
Policy research institutions.
Nonprofit organizations.
Other relevant professional backgrounds.

Applicants do not need an institutional affiliation to apply.

Eligibility Requirements for Academic Applicants

Applicants from academia must:

Hold a PhD degree.
Demonstrate advanced research experience.
Have published a book or monograph beyond their doctoral dissertation.

Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate:

A strong record of peer-reviewed research.
At least five published research articles or peer-reviewed book chapters.

Eligibility Requirements for Government, Policy, and Nonprofit Applicants

Applicants from professional sectors must:

Have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
Demonstrate significant achievements in areas such as:
- Policy impact.
- Leadership.
- Publications.
- Professional recognition.
- Contribution to public policy discussions.

Their experience should demonstrate expertise equivalent to advanced academic standing.

Language Requirement

All applicants must:

Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Be able to conduct research, participate in discussions, and communicate findings effectively.

Eligible Research Projects

Proposed research projects must:

Be nonpartisan.
Address major policy challenges.
Align with at least one Wilson Center scholarship pillar.
Produce significant research outputs.

Expected outputs may include:

A book manuscript.
A series of long-form research articles.
A policymaker briefing series.
A research-based roundtable series.

Projects should demonstrate clear policy relevance and the potential to influence understanding or decision-making.

Who Cannot Apply?

The program does not support projects focused on:

Completing or rewriting doctoral dissertations.
Visual arts projects.
Dance projects.
Musical composition.
Editing existing texts or documents.
Textbook development.
Anthologies.
Translation projects.
Memoirs.

Applicants are also ineligible if they:

Received a Wilson Center International Competition Fellowship within the last five years.
Received a Wilson Center Research Fellowship within the last five years.

Individuals who previously received other Wilson Center awards or fellowships may apply, but previous awards may be considered during evaluation.

How the Fellowship Works

Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal

Applicants should prepare a proposal that explains:

The research question.
The policy importance of the topic.
The expected contribution.
The research methodology.
The planned outputs.

Step 2: Demonstrate Research or Professional Expertise

Applicants should provide evidence of:

Academic publications.
Policy achievements.
Professional leadership.
Previous research contributions.

Step 3: Submit Fellowship Application

Applicants must submit:

Research proposal.
Professional background information.
Evidence of eligibility.
Supporting materials required by the Wilson Center.

Step 4: Conduct Research During Fellowship

Selected fellows will:

Conduct independent research.
Participate in Wilson Center activities.
Present research progress.
Engage with policymakers.

Step 5: Produce Final Research Outputs

At the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to deliver substantial research products that contribute to policy discussions.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced researchers and policy experts to:

Receive dedicated time for high-impact research.
Connect with global policy communities.
Share findings with decision-makers.
Develop influential research publications.
Strengthen evidence-based policymaking.

The program bridges the gap between academic research and practical policy solutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting research without clear policy relevance.
Proposing partisan advocacy projects.
Applying with projects that are not aligned with Wilson Center priorities.
Providing insufficient evidence of expertise.
Submitting projects focused on excluded categories.
Failing to explain expected research outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the global or national importance of the research topic.
Highlight previous research or policy achievements.
Demonstrate how the project can influence policymakers.
Provide realistic and measurable research outputs.
Ensure the proposal is independent and nonpartisan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship Program?

It is a 12-month research fellowship supporting experienced scholars and policy professionals conducting nonpartisan research on major policy challenges.

2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Selected fellows receive US$10,000 per month for 12 months, totaling US$120,000.

3. Can fellows work remotely?

Yes. Fellows conduct their research remotely during the fellowship period.

4. Do applicants need a university affiliation?

No. An institutional affiliation is not required to apply.

5. Who can apply from academia?

Academic applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate significant scholarly achievement through books, monographs, or peer-reviewed publications.

6. Can government or nonprofit professionals apply?

Yes. Professionals with at least 10 years of relevant experience and significant policy contributions are eligible.

7. What types of projects are not eligible?

Projects focused on dissertations, creative arts, translations, textbooks, memoirs, or similar activities are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Wilson Center Flagship Research Fellowship Program 2027–2028 supports leading researchers and policy experts in developing impactful, nonpartisan research that addresses critical challenges facing the world. With substantial financial support, access to policy networks, and opportunities for public engagement, the fellowship helps transform research into meaningful policy contributions.