Shape the Public Narrative: Apply for the 2026-2027 PRRI Public Fellows Program ($5,000 Stipend Included)

If you are a mid-career scholar looking to take your research out of the ivory tower and into the public eye, an exceptional opportunity has just opened up. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) has officially launched its open call for the new PRRI Public Fellows cohort.

Backed by generous support from the Mellon Foundation and the Henry Luce Foundation, this non-residential fellowship selects a diverse group of nine scholar-leaders. It is specifically designed to help academics integrate quantitative data into their work and place high-impact commentary in top-tier media outlets.

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• Program: PRRI Public Fellows Program
• Format: Non-Residential (Work from your current institution)
• Duration: 11 Months (September 2026 to July 2027)
• Application Deadline: Friday, June 19, 2026

Core Research Areas

PRRI is seeking applicants whose existing research agendas align directly with one of three primary vectors of the organization’s ongoing public opinion work:

1. Pluralism and Democracy: Examining the health of democratic institutions, civic participation, and religious pluralism.
2. Immigration and American Society: Analyzing cultural shifts, policy debates, and public attitudes surrounding immigration.
3. LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics: Tracking the intersection of law, culture, religion, and gender equity.

Fellowship Financial Benefits & Support

Unlike many standard academic programs, the PRRI Public Fellows framework provides robust financial scaffolding to ensure you have the time and resources to produce high-impact work.

• Fellowship Stipend: A $5,000 annual stipend paid directly to each fellow.
• Course Release Funding: Up to $10,000 provided to your home institution to secure a course release for the Spring 2027 semester, giving you dedicated research time.
• Research Microgrants: Access to collaborative microgrants of up to $10,000 per research area to spark joint projects within your cohort.
• All-Expenses-Paid Convening: Travel expenses are fully covered for an in-person spring gathering in Washington, D.C., featuring intensive media training and networking with major media outlets.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

PRRI is looking to assemble a diverse cohort spanning the humanities, humanistic social sciences, and empirical social sciences (including sociology, political science, history, and religious studies).

To be considered as one of the PRRI Public Fellows, you must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Credential: Hold a Ph.D. or comparable terminal degree.
• Institutional Affiliation: Have a formal affiliation with an accredited college, university, seminary, or research institute based in the United States.
• Career Stage: Be a mid-career scholar, defined as being between 3 to 12 years out from earning your terminal degree.
• Work Authorization: Must be fully authorized to work in the United States.

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Step-by-Step Application Requirements

The submission process is straightforward but highly competitive. You will need to prepare three core components:

1. Statement of Interest: A maximum of 800 words outlining your interest in the fellowship, your research alignment, and your professional development goals in public scholarship.
2. Current CV: Highlighting your academic history and any public-facing engagements.
3. Work Samples (3): Provide PDF copies and links to three articles, op-eds, or blog posts published within the last three years. PRRI prefers pieces aimed at the general public that showcase your best recent writing.

The review committee closes the portal strictly on Friday, June 19, 2026.

To read the comprehensive guidelines or to submit your materials immediately, visit the official PRRI Open Call Page.

Are you planning to apply for this cycle? Let us know in the comments if you would like a breakdown of how past PRRI Public Fellows tailored their 800-word statements of interest to stand out!