James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 — Policy Research Opportunity for Graduate Students

The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 is a distinguished research and professional development opportunity offered for graduate students by the Mercatus Center — a leading research centre dedicated to market-oriented ideas and public policy innovation. Named in honour of Nobel Laureate James M. Buchanan, this fellowship is ideal for emerging scholars who are deeply engaged in public policy, economics, or related disciplines and are committed to advancing rigorous, evidence-based research.

This programme provides fellows with a unique blend of mentorship, training, peer exchange, and exposure to the world of policy research and impact.

About the James Buchanan Fellowship

The James Buchanan Fellowship is designed to support graduate students who are already pursuing master’s or doctoral studies and wish to deepen their research capabilities, policy understanding, and professional network. Fellows engage in a structured programme that enables them to refine their research interests, learn best practices in policy analysis, and connect with seasoned scholars and practitioners in economics and public policy.

Unlike traditional academic scholarships, this fellowship emphasises professional development within a policy-focused research environment.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is intended for candidates who:

• Are enrolled in a graduate-level programme — typically in economics, public policy, political science, law, or related fields
• Demonstrate a strong interest in research with real-world policy relevance
• Show intellectual curiosity and potential for academic and professional contribution
• Are motivated to engage with policy debates and evidence-based analysis

The programme values academic promise, clarity of research direction, and a willingness to learn from experts across disciplines.

Programme Components & Experience

Fellows participate in a variety of activities aimed at strengthening both research and professional competencies:

1. Mentored Research Development

Fellows receive guidance from faculty and policy researchers on how to:

• Sharpen research questions
• Develop rigorous methods
• Prepare working papers or policy briefs
• Communicate findings to both academic and public audiences

This mentorship is especially valuable for students aiming to pursue careers in research, academia, think tanks, or policy analysis.

2. Seminar and Workshop Participation

The fellowship includes:

• Exclusive seminars led by distinguished scholars and policy experts
• Workshops on policy communication, data interpretation, and research dissemination
• Discussions that expose fellows to contemporary debates in economics and governance

These sessions help fellows expand their analytical frameworks and deepen knowledge of policy issues.

3. Professional Skills Development

Fellows benefit from training in practical competencies including:

• Policy writing and presentation
• Networking within research and policy communities
• Preparing for academic and non-academic career paths

This blend of training helps fellows bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.

4. Peer Community & Networking

The fellowship brings together a cohort of like-minded graduate students, fostering:

• Collaboration and peer support
• Cross-disciplinary dialogue
• Long-lasting professional relationships

This network becomes a resource for future research collaboration and career advancement.

Benefits of the Fellowship

While not a full academic scholarship, the James Buchanan Fellowship provides key benefits such as:

• Structured professional mentoring
• Access to a vibrant policy research centre community
• Opportunities to present research in formal and informal settings
• Development support for policy publications or conference presentations

These benefits position fellows to be more competitive in both the academic and policy worlds.

Application Requirements

Typical application materials include:

• A current CV or résumé
• Academic transcripts or proof of graduate enrolment
• A research statement outlining your interests and goals
• Letters of recommendation (often from academic advisers or research supervisors)

Clear articulation of your research agenda and motivation for joining the fellowship strengthens your application.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The James Buchanan Fellowship supports the next generation of policy researchers by:

• Encouraging evidence-based analysis that informs public debate
• Providing professional development in a research-intensive environment
• Enabling early career exposure to policy networks and expert mentors
• Strengthening the intellectual foundations of interdisciplinary scholarship

For graduate students who want to connect rigorous research with real policy relevance, this fellowship offers invaluable experience.

The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 at the Mercatus Center is more than a credential — it’s an opportunity to grow as a researcher, communicator, and policy thinker. By combining mentorship, seminar engagement, and exposure to professional networks, the programme equips fellows with the tools and insight needed to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on public policy and economics.