Researchers, academics, journalists, and policy experts with a strong interest in Russia and the broader Eurasian region now have an exceptional opportunity to advance their work through the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027. This prestigious international fellowship is designed to promote original scholarship, encourage policy-relevant research, and strengthen intellectual exchange across borders through an entirely virtual program.

Supported generously by the Lounsbery Foundation and the U.S. Russia Foundation, the fellowship provides six months of financial support, professional mentorship, networking opportunities, and publication assistance for outstanding scholars and experts from around the world.

Unlike traditional residential fellowships, the Digital Fellowship is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to participants regardless of their geographic location. Fellows become part of an international community of researchers while contributing meaningful work that reaches policymakers, scholars, and the broader public.

If your work focuses on Russia, Eurasia, regional politics, technology, medicine, science, history, international relations, journalism, or related fields, this fellowship offers both financial support and an influential platform to amplify your research.

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About the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship

The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship was created to strengthen international scholarly collaboration and promote high-quality research focused on Russia and the former Soviet Union.

The fellowship responds to the growing need for renewed intellectual engagement between scholars from the former Soviet region and the wider international community. Through its fully digital format, the program removes geographical barriers and enables researchers worldwide to collaborate, exchange ideas, and contribute to informed policy discussions.

Each fellowship lasts six months and combines financial assistance with professional development, mentorship, editorial support, and networking opportunities.

Participants will work closely with the Kennan Institute throughout the fellowship while developing research projects designed to inform both academic audiences and policymakers.

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Fellowship Objectives

The Digital Fellowship seeks to achieve several important objectives, including:

• Supporting original, high-quality scholarship on Russia and Eurasia.
• Encouraging policy-relevant research that contributes to informed public discussions.
• Providing researchers with time and financial resources to complete meaningful projects.
• Strengthening communication between scholars and policymakers.
• Helping fellows publish accessible research for broader audiences.
• Creating lasting international research collaborations.
• Expanding the global network of experts studying Russia and Eurasia.
• Building a vibrant alumni community for continued collaboration after the fellowship concludes.

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Number of Fellowships Available

The Kennan Institute will award:

• 10 Digital Fellowships during the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle.

Importantly,

• At least four fellowships are reserved for applicants conducting research related to:
  • Natural Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Technology
  • Related scientific disciplines

This ensures interdisciplinary representation alongside traditional humanities and social science research.

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Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive an extensive package of financial and professional support.

1. Monthly Research Stipend

Every selected fellow will receive:

• $2,000 per month

Since the fellowship runs for six months, successful applicants may receive a total of approximately:

• $12,000 in financial support

This funding is intended to allow participants to dedicate significant time to their research activities.

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2. Professional Mentorship

Participants will benefit from guidance provided by the Kennan Institute’s network of internationally recognized experts.

Mentorship may include:

• Research advice
• Policy engagement
• Publication guidance
• Academic networking
• Professional development

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3. Monthly Virtual Meetings

Fellows will participate in:

• Monthly virtual cohort meetings
• Discussions with fellow researchers
• Collaborative knowledge sharing
• Research progress updates
• Peer feedback sessions

These meetings help create a collaborative international research community.

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4. Specialized Webinars

Participants will receive access to:

• Six virtual webinars

The webinars are tailored specifically to the interests and needs of each fellowship cohort.

Topics may include:

• Research communication
• Publishing strategies
• Policy engagement
• Public scholarship
• Career development
• Academic networking

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5. Publication Support

An important feature of the fellowship is assistance with communicating research to broader audiences.

Each fellow will work with Kennan Institute staff to develop and edit a final publication intended for:

• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Journalists
• The general public

Possible publication formats include:

• Research articles
• Multimedia projects
• Documentary or short films
• Digital exhibitions
• Other public-facing formats

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6. Global Alumni Network

Upon completion of the fellowship, participants become members of the Kennan Institute’s distinguished alumni network, which includes:

• More than 4,500 professionals worldwide

This network offers long-term opportunities for collaboration, research partnerships, and professional growth.

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Fellowship Timeline

The 2026–2027 Digital Fellowship will run from:

October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Following the fellowship period, participants may also have opportunities to engage in additional Kennan Institute events.

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Research Areas Supported

The fellowship welcomes proposals covering Russia and the broader Eurasian region across numerous disciplines.

Examples include:

• Political science
• International relations
• History
• Economics
• Sociology
• Security studies
• Public policy
• Journalism
• Technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Medicine
• Environmental science
• Natural sciences
• Regional studies
• Cultural studies
• Media studies

Interdisciplinary research proposals are also encouraged.

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Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is intended for experienced professionals whose work centers on Russia or the broader Eurasian region.

Ideal applicants include:

• University researchers
• Faculty members
• Independent scholars
• Journalists
• Policy analysts
• Think tank researchers
• Subject matter experts
• Scientific researchers
• Technology specialists
• Medical researchers

Applicants should demonstrate meaningful experience within their chosen research area.

Apply here

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Fellowship Requirements

During the fellowship, selected participants are expected to:

• Attend monthly virtual meetings.
• Participate actively in cohort discussions.
• Collaborate with Kennan Institute staff.
• Develop their research project throughout the fellowship.
• Produce a publication or public-facing research output.
• Share findings with wider academic and policy communities.

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Language Requirement

The fellowship is conducted entirely in:

• English

Applicants should therefore possess a good working knowledge of English.

Research outputs prepared during the fellowship will initially be published in English, although future translations into regional languages may be possible.

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Required Application Documents

Applicants must complete the online application and submit:

• Completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Research Proposal (maximum three pages)

The research proposal should include:

• Previous experience with the proposed research topic.
• Scope of the project.
• Research methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Preferred format for presenting findings (such as an article, multimedia project, exhibit, or film).

Applicants will also indicate whether their proposed project continues previous work or represents an entirely new line of inquiry.

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What the Fellowship Does Not Cover

Because the fellowship is conducted entirely online:

The Kennan Institute does not provide:

• Travel expenses
• Visa costs
• Other travel-related funding

No physical attendance is required during the fellowship.

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Why You Should Apply

The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship offers far more than financial support.

Participants gain:

• Significant research funding
• International recognition
• Editorial and publication assistance
• Direct engagement with policy experts
• Professional mentorship
• Access to an influential global alumni network
• Opportunities to share research with policymakers
• Long-term academic and professional connections

For researchers seeking to expand both the quality and visibility of their work on Russia and Eurasia, this fellowship represents a valuable opportunity.

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Application Deadline

Applicants must submit all required materials no later than August 14, 2026.

Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so interested candidates should prepare their documents well in advance.

Visit here to learn more about the The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027

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Conclusion

The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 provides an outstanding opportunity for researchers, journalists, academics, and policy professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge about Russia and the broader Eurasian region. Through generous financial support, expert mentorship, publication opportunities, and access to an extensive international network, the fellowship enables participants to produce impactful research while engaging with leading scholars and policymakers worldwide. As a fully virtual program, it is accessible to qualified applicants across the globe, making it one of the most inclusive and valuable international research fellowships available. Interested applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before August 14, 2026, to be considered for this prestigious opportunity.

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