Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 | $12,000 Fully Virtual Research Fellowship

Applications are now open for the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027, a prestigious fully virtual international fellowship supporting scholars, researchers, journalists, and policy professionals working on Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, and the former Soviet region. Organized by the Kennan Institute, the fellowship provides six months of research funding, expert mentorship, professional development, and publication opportunities for outstanding researchers worldwide.

Supported by the Lounsbery Foundation and the U.S. Russia Foundation, the fellowship enables participants to conduct original, policy-relevant research while remaining in their home countries. Fellows join an international community of experts and contribute to public scholarship on issues affecting Russia and Eurasia.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organization: Kennan Institute
• Program: Digital Fellowship 2026–2027
• Program Type: Fully Virtual Research Fellowship
• Duration: 6 Months
• Fellowship Period: 1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
• Number of Fellowships: 10
• Location: Online
• Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM EST)

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• US$2,000 monthly stipend
• Total funding of US$12,000 over six months
• Individual mentorship from Kennan Institute experts
• Six specialized virtual professional development webinars
• Monthly virtual cohort meetings
• Editorial and publication support
• Opportunity to publish research for policymakers and the public
• Membership in the Kennan Institute’s global alumni network of more than 4,500 fellows worldwide.

Research Areas

The fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research related to Russia and the broader Eurasian region, including:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Economics
• History
• Sociology
• Journalism
• Security Studies
• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Science
• Medicine
• Environmental Studies
• Law
• Culture and Society

At least four fellowships are reserved for applicants working in science, technology, engineering, medicine, or related fields connected to Russia and Eurasia.

Fellowship Activities

During the six-month fellowship, participants will:

• Conduct independent research.
• Attend monthly virtual discussions with fellow researchers.
• Participate in six expert-led webinars.
• Receive mentoring from Kennan Institute specialists.
• Produce a policy-oriented publication or public-facing research output.
• Engage with an international network of scholars and practitioners.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Have several years of professional or academic experience studying or working on Russia and/or Eurasia.
• Be researchers, academics, journalists, policy experts, or professionals with demonstrated expertise.
• Possess strong English language proficiency, as all fellowship activities are conducted in English.
• Propose an original research project relevant to the fellowship’s objectives.

Required Application Materials

Applicants typically need to submit:

• Completed online application form
• Research proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing sample (if requested)
• Additional supporting documents specified by the Kennan Institute.

Why Apply?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Receive US$12,000 in research funding.
• Conduct independent research from anywhere in the world.
• Learn from internationally recognized experts.
• Publish policy-relevant work for a global audience.
• Build long-term collaborations with scholars and practitioners.
• Join one of the world’s leading research communities focused on Russia and Eurasia.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship webpage.
2. Review the fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Submit your application before 14 August 2026 (5:00 PM EST).

The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for scholars, journalists, and policy professionals researching Russia and Eurasia. With US$12,000 in funding, personalized mentorship, publication support, and access to a distinguished international network, the fellowship enables participants to advance impactful research while collaborating virtually with leading experts. Researchers with innovative, policy-relevant projects are encouraged to submit their applications before 14 August 2026.