The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University is now accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Research Fellowships. These fellowships are open to both graduate and undergraduate students and are designed to provide hands-on experience in cutting-edge research focused on social inequality. Participants gain the opportunity to deepen their scholarship, expand their professional networks, and actively contribute to the Cook Center’s mission of advancing social equity.
The Cook Center conducts interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the structures and systems that drive inequality in society. Its research pillars include educational and economic opportunity, health equity, carceral justice, and public policy engagement. The Center emphasizes a data-driven approach and methodological innovation, providing students with exposure to advanced research techniques and analytical tools.
Fellows are integrated into dynamic research teams where they collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and other research professionals. Graduate fellows may mentor undergraduate students while simultaneously receiving guidance from senior scholars, ensuring a layered mentorship environment. This collaborative structure promotes leadership development, teamwork, and a comprehensive understanding of research practice in social equity.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Inequality remains a pressing challenge worldwide. The Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships provide students with the opportunity to investigate the causes and consequences of inequality and to develop evidence-based solutions. Through participation in this program, students gain valuable insight into how research informs policy, social programs, and public debate.
The program emphasizes mentorship, collaborative research, and professional development, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in academia, policy, and advocacy. Fellows gain practical experience, broaden their networks, and enhance their understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to social equity research. These experiences are crucial for students pursuing careers in research, public policy, education, and other fields focused on social justice.
By fostering a diverse community of scholars, the Cook Center ensures that participants are prepared to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at reducing inequality and promoting social equity both nationally and globally.
What You’ll Gain
The Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships offer a wide range of professional, academic, and personal benefits:
- Stipend: Graduate fellows receive $10,625.01 for the summer term, while undergraduate fellows receive $2,500 per term, with the possibility of earning $5,000 if participating in both terms.
- Mentorship: Individualized guidance from faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars provides valuable career support.
- Research Experience: Fellows gain practical skills by contributing to ongoing research projects, including data collection, literature review, analysis, and research dissemination.
- Skill Development: Build expertise in research methods, statistical analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, project management, and communication.
- Networking: Engage with peers, mentors, and professionals across multiple disciplines, creating opportunities for future collaboration.
- Professional Exposure: Fellows share research outcomes through the Cook Center website and may gain visibility in academic and professional communities.
Graduate fellows will also have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate fellows, fostering leadership and teaching skills, while undergraduates gain exposure to advanced research practices and interdisciplinary approaches to studying inequality.
Eligibility
Graduate Fellows:
- Must be current Duke University PhD students in good standing, enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Must coordinate with their department to ensure summer funding arrangements are compatible.
Undergraduate Fellows:
- Must be current Duke University student enrolled for Fall 2026.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
All Fellows:
- Must have a strong interest in social equity research and commit to active participation in fellowship activities.
- Must be able to attend biweekly team meetings and contribute to research projects for the duration of the fellowship.
Application Process and Deadline
Applicants interested in the 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships must download the appropriate application form for graduate or undergraduate students from the Cook Center website. All required materials, including completed application forms, curriculum vitae, statements of research interests, and letters of recommendation, should be compiled into a single PDF. Applicants will then submit their completed application according to the instructions provided on the official website.
Deadlines:
- Priority consideration: March 31, 2026
- Rolling applications: April 30, 2026, depending on availability
To learn more and submit your application, visit the official Cook Center website.
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