2027 Hoover Fellows Program at Stanford University

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is seeking outstanding early-career scholars for the 2027 Hoover Fellows Program, an opportunity for researchers whose work has implications for public policy.

Hoover Fellows will be based at the Hoover Institution in Stanford, California, where they will have the opportunity to pursue scholarly research, publish academic work, and contribute to the intellectual life of one of Stanford University’s leading research centers.

The fellowship is particularly suited to scholars working in fields such as economics, history, international relations, national security, political science, and public policy.

According to the 2027 opportunity information provided by the Hoover Institution, appointments are for one to three years, and the position carries no teaching responsibilities.

About the Hoover Fellows Program

The Hoover Institution is a research center at Stanford University focused on research and scholarship with relevance to public policy. Hoover scholars contribute to research and intellectual discussions on issues including economics, national security, international relations, and governance.

The Hoover Fellows Program provides early-career scholars with an opportunity to concentrate on their research and scholarly writing while participating in the intellectual community at Hoover and engaging with Stanford’s broader research environment.

During the fellowship, Fellows are expected to produce scholarly articles and books that have implications for public policy. They are also expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the Hoover Institution.

Unlike some academic fellowships, the position does not include teaching responsibilities, allowing Fellows to focus primarily on research and publication.

Fellowship Benefits

The 2027 Hoover Fellow position offers a highly competitive compensation package.

Salary

Selected Fellows will receive a 12-month base salary ranging from $169,950 to $230,000.

Housing Allowance

In addition to the base salary, Fellows will receive a $20,000 annual housing allowance.

Research Environment

Fellows will be based at the Hoover Institution on Stanford University’s campus in Stanford, California. They will also be encouraged to engage with Stanford’s wider research community in their respective fields.

This provides Fellows with an opportunity to interact with scholars and researchers beyond Hoover while developing their own academic research agendas.

Fellowship Duration

The 2027 opportunity specifies an appointment term of one to three years.

The position is based at the Hoover Institution, Stanford, California, and Fellows are expected to participate in the Institution’s intellectual community while pursuing their research.

Areas of Research

The Hoover Fellows Program is open to scholars working in relevant academic and policy fields.

Examples of eligible fields include:

• Economics
• History
• International Relations
• National Security
• Political Science
• Public Policy

Applicants from related disciplines may also be considered where their research aligns with the Hoover Institution’s mission and has meaningful implications for public policy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be early-career scholars who hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field, or who expect to complete the degree by September 1, 2027.

The opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to doctoral candidates approaching completion of their Ph.D. as well as scholars who have already completed their doctoral studies.

Applicants should have an academic and research background that demonstrates their potential to produce significant scholarly work.

Candidates are expected to show how their research can contribute to broader discussions relevant to public policy.

What Will Hoover Fellows Do?

Selected Fellows will primarily focus on research and scholarly activities.

During the fellowship, they are expected to:

• Conduct research in their area of specialization.
• Produce scholarly articles and other academic publications.
• Develop books or book-length research where appropriate.
• Pursue research projects with implications for public policy.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the Hoover Institution.
• Engage with Stanford’s broader research community.
• Participate in scholarly discussions connected to their research interests.

Because the position carries no teaching responsibilities, Fellows can devote their time primarily to research, writing, and intellectual engagement.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several documents as part of their application.

1. Cover Letter or Statement of Interest

Applicants should provide a cover letter or statement of interest describing their academic background and experience.

This document should clearly communicate the applicant’s research interests, academic preparation, and reasons for seeking the Hoover Fellowship.

2. Recent Scholarly Work

Applicants must submit one or more recent publications, working papers, or draft book chapters.

These materials allow the selection committee to assess the applicant’s research quality, scholarly writing, and potential for future contributions.

3. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide an up-to-date CV outlining their academic background, research experience, publications, professional experience, awards, and other relevant achievements.

4. Future Research Statement

Applicants must submit a statement describing their future research plans.

The research statement must be no more than two pages and should clearly explain the research the applicant intends to pursue during the fellowship and its potential significance.

5. Three Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation.

The letters should address the candidate’s research accomplishments and potential for future research.

Applicants should therefore select recommenders who can provide meaningful assessments of their academic and research capabilities.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is particularly suitable for early-career researchers who are developing independent research programmes and want to work in a leading research environment.

Potential applicants include:

• Ph.D. candidates nearing completion of their degrees.
• Recent Ph.D. graduates.
• Early-career scholars in economics and related disciplines.
• Researchers working on international relations and national security.
• Political scientists and historians.
• Public policy researchers.
• Scholars whose research has clear implications for public policy.

Applicants should have a strong research profile and be prepared to demonstrate their potential for future scholarly contributions.

Location

The Hoover Fellows Program is based at:

Hoover Institution
Stanford University
Stanford, California, USA

The Hoover Institution is located in the heart of Stanford University’s campus, providing Fellows with access to a broader academic and research environment.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2027 Hoover Fellows Program is:

November 17, 2026

Time: 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials well in advance of the deadline, particularly because the application requires three recommendation letters and several research documents.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Hoover Institution’s application platform.

Application Portal: Apply for the 2027 Hoover Fellows Program

Applicants should ensure that all required documents and recommendation letters are submitted according to the instructions before the deadline.

For questions about the fellowship, applicants can contact hooverfellowship@stanford.edu. The Hoover Institution notes that this inbox is checked only periodically.

Important Information for Applicants

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should make sure they:

• Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or expect to complete it by September 1, 2027.
• Have a research background in a relevant academic field.
• Prepare a strong cover letter or statement of interest.
• Include recent scholarly work, working papers, or a draft book chapter.
• Prepare an updated academic CV.
• Develop a focused future research statement of no more than two pages.
• Identify three appropriate referees.
• Allow enough time for recommendation letters to be submitted.
• Submit the complete application before November 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.

Why Consider the Hoover Fellowship?

For early-career scholars, the fellowship provides an opportunity to dedicate substantial time to research and scholarly publication while becoming part of the intellectual community at the Hoover Institution.

The combination of a competitive salary, housing allowance, research-focused responsibilities, and access to Stanford’s broader scholarly environment makes the opportunity particularly attractive to researchers seeking to advance an academic or policy-oriented career.

The fellowship can also provide a valuable platform for scholars whose research seeks to connect academic scholarship with important public policy questions.

Conclusion

The 2027 Hoover Fellows Program at Stanford University offers an exciting opportunity for early-career scholars to pursue research in a prestigious academic and policy research environment.

Successful Fellows will be expected to produce high-quality scholarly work, contribute to the intellectual life of the Hoover Institution, and engage with Stanford’s wider research community. The position offers a 12-month base salary of $169,950 to $230,000, plus a $20,000 annual housing allowance, and carries no teaching responsibilities.

Researchers in economics, history, international relations, national security, political science, public policy, and related fields who meet the doctoral degree requirement are encouraged to consider applying.

Discover more opportunities on the OFY Webpage.