Membership in the School of Social Science Fellowship Program

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The School of Social Science offers residential fellowships for junior and senior scholars working in the social sciences and related disciplines. Fellows spend the academic year from September to May in residence, participate in interdisciplinary research and dialogue, and may receive an institute stipend of up to $80,000, subject to salary and external-support requirements.

About the School of Social Science Fellowship

The School of Social Science residential fellowship supports scholars seeking dedicated time for research, writing, and interdisciplinary intellectual exchange. The programme welcomes researchers from a broad range of social science and related disciplines. Approximately half of the fellowship cohort works on a designated annual research theme, while the remaining fellows pursue independent research projects. The fellowship is designed for both junior and senior scholars who can contribute to an intellectually diverse research community. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship provides scholars with a residential research environment for the full academic year.

Key benefits include:

An institute stipend of up to $80,000 for the academic year. A research fund of up to $800 for eligible non-travel research expenses. Possible assistance with relocation costs. Full-year residential participation from September through May. Opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration with other scholars. Dedicated time to advance an independent or theme-related research project. The stipend is subject to an important limitation: it cannot exceed one-half of the Member’s base salary for the year before residence. Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is intended for junior and senior scholars in the social sciences and related disciplines.

Applicants must:

Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent scholarly credentials before beginning the fellowship. Have a research project suitable for a residential interdisciplinary academic environment. Be able to participate in the fellowship for the full academic year. Obtain substantial financial support from their home institution or other grant sources. A major financial requirement is that applicants are expected to secure support equivalent to at least 50% of their annual salary from their home institution or other grants. Fellowship Duration The fellowship is residential and covers the complete academic year.

Fellowship period: September through May

Because the programme is designed around sustained scholarly interaction, applicants should be prepared to spend the fellowship period in residence rather than treating it as a short-term research visit. Research Themes and Independent Projects The School of Social Science uses a flexible research model. Approximately half of the fellows work around a designated annual theme. This creates opportunities for scholars from different disciplines to examine a common issue from different theoretical and methodological perspectives. The remaining fellows pursue independent research projects. This structure allows the programme to combine thematic collaboration with intellectual diversity and individual scholarly agendas. Financial Support The maximum institute stipend is $80,000 for the academic year. However, the maximum does not mean every fellow automatically receives $80,000. The stipend is capped at one-half of the Member’s base salary during the previous year.

Additional support includes:

Up to $800 for non-travel research expenses. A possible relocation allowance. External or institutional support covering at least 50% of the applicant’s annual salary is expected. Applicants should therefore assess their existing salary support and external funding before applying. Why This Fellowship Matters Residential fellowships can provide scholars with uninterrupted time for research while also creating opportunities for intellectual exchange. The School of Social Science programme is particularly valuable for researchers whose work benefits from: Interdisciplinary collaboration. Engagement with scholars from different social science disciplines. Focused time for writing and research. Exposure to new theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Participation in an academic community over an extended period

The combination of independent research and a shared annual theme creates opportunities for both individual scholarly development and collaborative knowledge production. How the Fellowship Works The fellowship follows a residential academic-year model.

Step 1: Develop a Research Project

Applicants should identify a clear research project that fits within the social sciences or a related discipline. The proposal should demonstrate why the research would benefit from a residential fellowship and interdisciplinary academic environment.

Step 2: Review the Financial Requirements

Applicants should determine whether they can obtain the required external support. The programme expects fellows to secure support amounting to at least 50% of their annual salary from their home institution or other grants.

Step 3: Confirm Academic Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent scholarly qualification before the fellowship begins.

Step 4: Prepare for Residential Participation

The fellowship runs from September to May, so applicants should ensure that their professional and personal commitments allow them to participate for the entire academic year.

Step 5: Submit the Fellowship Application

Applicants should provide the academic and research information requested by the School and demonstrate how their proposed work fits the fellowship’s interdisciplinary environment. Common Mistakes and Application Tips Applicants can strengthen their applications by paying attention to both academic and financial requirements. Do not assume the $80,000 stipend is guaranteed. The stipend is subject to the previous-year salary limitation. Address the residential requirement clearly. The progra