National Research Fellowship
A funded 18-month fellowship to explore free expression, civic engagement, and democratic participation in higher education.
About the fellowship
Who we fund and why
Each year, the Center selects fellows from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds — law, journalism, higher education, social science, technology, and government. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and invite a wide range of innovative projects.
Over the course of the fellowship, each fellow completes a project. Work products can take many forms — qualitative or quantitative research, curricular modules, toolkits, or training programs. We focus on projects that address current issues affecting students, staff, administrators, and faculty, and that will have a direct impact on individuals and communities across campuses.
As a Center fellow, you will be welcomed into a community of practitioners, students, educators, and scholars who share the common purpose of advancing free expression and civic engagement. Incoming fellows are connected with former fellows and become part of a larger national network of higher education stakeholders, advocates, and policymakers.
Duration
18-month fellowship
An 18-month non-residential fellowship.
Award
$15,000 award
To support research activities, travel and project development.
Cohort
Annual selection
New fellows are selected each year through a competitive application process.
Fellowship expectations
Fellows devote the first year to research and development of their work products. During this period, fellows submit written progress updates and receive feedback from Center staff.
During the final six months, fellows engage the broader public — through activities such as participation in Center programming, writing op-eds, submitting to conferences or journals, or presenting to campus audiences.
Fellows also participate in monthly virtual meetings and one two-day meeting held at or near a UC campus or the UC Center in Washington, D.C. Travel and accommodations are covered by the Center.
Connecting fellows with members of the UC community is key to the Center’s mission. Over the course of the program, fellows will be provided access to resources and connections throughout the 10-campus UC system as befits their research.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The Fellowship is open to everyone including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, practitioners, policymakers and advocates. Applicants from all disciplines and professional backgrounds are welcome. The Center is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunity.
What kinds of projects are funded?
Projects can take many forms including but not limited to qualitative or quantitative research, curricular modules, toolkits, or training programs. The key criterion is that the project addresses current issues related to expression and democratic participation on college campuses, and will have direct impact on individuals and communities.
What are fellows expected to produce?
Each fellow completes a project that is shared publicly on the Center’s website. Previous projects have included research papers, policy briefs, curriculum materials, and toolkits. Fellows also engage publicly with their work during the final six months.
Is this a residential fellowship?
No. The fellowship is non-residential. Fellows may be located anywhere in the United States or internationally. The fellowship is open to non-US citizen(s) though the Center is not able to support visa applications. One in-person meeting is held each year, typically in August or September, for which travel and accommodations are covered.
When are applications typically open?
Applications typically open in January and close in late March. Sign up for email updates to be notified when the next application cycle opens.
Explore Fellows’ Research
Browse the full directory of current and past fellows and their projects.