Deadline: 15-Mar-2026
The Mercatus Center Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship Program offers up to $2,250 in funding and academic engagement opportunities for graduate students, scholars, and practitioners interested in political economy and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. The fellowship combines online seminar-based colloquia with mentorship and networking across Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy. Applicants from any discipline and country are eligible if their work focuses on AI or emerging technologies.
Funding and Academic Network for Political Economy and Emerging Technologies
Overview of the Fellowship
The Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship Program, offered by the Mercatus Center, is an academic fellowship designed to support interdisciplinary engagement in political economy, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
The fellowship introduces participants to how the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy analyze institutions, governance, knowledge, innovation, and technological progress. It is structured to foster deep discussion, critical thinking, and long-term scholarly collaboration.
Key Fellowship Details
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Host organization: Mercatus Center
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Fellowship name: Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship Program
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Fellowship type: Academic and professional development fellowship
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Duration: One academic year
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Format: Online seminar-style colloquia
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Total award value: Up to USD 2,250
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Eligible disciplines: Any discipline
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Focus areas: Political economy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies
Fellowship Structure and Learning Format
The program brings selected fellows together for three weekends during the academic year. Each weekend consists of online, discussion-based colloquia rather than lectures.
What Fellows Do During the Program
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Participate in guided seminar discussions on political economy
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Explore institutional, epistemological, and philosophical foundations of technology governance
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Engage with scholars working in Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington traditions
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Join a long-term academic and professional network connected to the Mercatus Center
About the Schools of Political Economy Covered
The fellowship emphasizes three influential traditions:
Austrian School
Focuses on markets, entrepreneurship, decentralized knowledge, and spontaneous order.
Virginia School
Centers on public choice theory, constitutional political economy, and governance constraints.
Bloomington School
Examines institutional diversity, collective action, and governance of common-pool resources.
Together, these frameworks offer powerful tools for understanding AI, innovation, and institutional change.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must fall into at least one of the following categories and demonstrate a clear interest in political economy and emerging technologies.
Graduate Students
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Enrolled in any discipline
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From any university worldwide
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Conducting research on artificial intelligence or emerging technologies
Scholars and Academics
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Active scholars at academic or research institutions
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Teaching or researching emerging technologies, AI, or political economy
Practitioners
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Professionals working in research, policy, or applied fields
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Direct involvement with emerging technologies or AI-related governance
There are no nationality or geographic restrictions mentioned.
What the Fellowship Covers
The fellowship provides financial and academic support designed to reduce participation barriers.
Financial Benefits
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Total award of up to USD 2,250
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Includes a stipend
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Covers all required program readings
Travel Reimbursement (If Applicable)
Fellows may request reimbursement for conventional academic travel expenses, including:
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Cab fare and mileage to and from home and the conference site
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Parking fees
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Hotel accommodation in case of travel delays
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship plays a critical role in shaping interdisciplinary thinking around AI and governance by:
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Connecting political economy theory with emerging technologies
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Building a cross-sector network of scholars and practitioners
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Encouraging institutional and philosophical analysis of innovation
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Supporting early-career researchers and policy professionals
How the Fellowship Works
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Applicants apply to the Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship Program through the Mercatus Center.
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Selected fellows are invited to participate in three online weekend colloquia during the academic year.
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Fellows complete required readings and actively engage in seminar discussions.
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Participants join the Mercatus academic network of students, alumni, and scholars.
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Eligible fellows receive stipends, reading support, and travel reimbursements where applicable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without a clear connection to political economy or emerging technologies
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Submitting an application that does not explain interest in AI or institutional analysis
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Treating the program as a passive lecture series rather than an interactive seminar
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Failing to demonstrate academic or professional engagement in relevant research or policy work
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship?
Graduate students, scholars, and practitioners from any discipline working on political economy and emerging technologies such as AI are eligible.
Is the fellowship limited to economics or political science students?
No. Applicants from any academic or professional discipline may apply.
Is the fellowship conducted online or in person?
The fellowship is conducted through online seminar-style colloquia over three weekends.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides up to USD 2,250, including a stipend and required readings.
Does the fellowship cover travel expenses?
Yes. Conventional academic travel expenses may be reimbursed if applicable.
What is the time commitment?
Fellows participate in three weekend-long online colloquia during the academic year.
Does participation lead to long-term affiliation?
Yes. Fellows become part of the broader Mercatus Center academic and alumni network.
Conclusion
The Mercatus Center Oskar Morgenstern Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students, scholars, and practitioners to engage deeply with political economy frameworks applied to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With structured seminar discussions, financial support, and access to a global academic network, the fellowship is well suited for individuals seeking to understand how institutions and governance shape technological progress.
For more information, visit Mercatus Center.