Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowship: Fueling Scholarship in Global Democracy
The Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowship is one of the most prestigious academic opportunities for scholars who want to deepen their work in the fields of global democracy and human development. Hosted at the University of Notre Dame’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the fellowship invites a select number of scholars each year to live and work in a collaborative intellectual community. Unlike many research fellowships, the Kellogg Fellowship places a strong emphasis on residential collaboration, where fellows not only pursue independent projects but also exchange ideas with peers, faculty, and practitioners from across disciplines. This structure helps advance cross-cultural understanding while creating lasting academic partnerships.
The Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowship 2026–27 provides scholars with the opportunity to advance groundbreaking research on democracy and human development at Notre Dame. Fellows benefit from stipends, travel support, health coverage, and integration into a dynamic interdisciplinary community through semester-long or year-long residential scholarships.
Fellowship Overview & Support Provided
Types of Support
Successful applicants receive a competitive stipend, which is scaled to reflect academic rank and seniority. In addition, the fellowship provides:
- Travel expenses to and from Notre Dame
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Access to dedicated office space, libraries, andIT support
Fellowships are awarded for either one semester or an entire academic year, giving participants uninterrupted time for research and writing.
Eligibility & Candidate Profile
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is open to:
- Assistant, associate, or full professors from any country
- Scholars holding a PhD or equivalent terminal degree, ideally in the social sciences
- Exceptional applicants from other disciplines whose work contributes to Kellogg’s themes
Candidates are expected to align their projects with the Institute’s mission, focusing on areas such as governance, social inclusion, democracy, inequality, and human development.
Ideal Candidate Attributes
Beyond academic credentials, ideal candidates demonstrate:
- A proven ability to conduct independent research
- Interest in collaborative engagement within Kellogg’s community
- Commitment to publishing and disseminating work that contributes to broader global discourse
Responsibilities & Residency Expectations
In-Residence Engagement
Fellows must maintain residency at Notre Dame for the duration of their fellowship. Extended absences are only permitted with prior approval from the director. During their stay, fellows are expected to:
- Deliver at least one public lecture or seminar
- Participate actively in the weekly Kellogg Institute lecture and seminar series
- Engage with other fellows and faculty in collaborative dialogue
Research Outcomes
Fellows are required to aim for publication of work produced during their residency. All publications must include acknowledgment of Kellogg’s institutional support.
Application Process & Timeline
Submission Requirements
Applications are handled through Interfolio, ensuring a streamlined and standardized review process. Required documents include:
- A detailed cover letter, including preferred term (semester or full year)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research statement (6–10 pages) outlining project objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- 150-word abstract of the project
- 200–300 word biographical statement suitable for publication
- Three confidential letters of recommendation submitted via Interfolio
- Institutional forms: the Visiting Fellowship Form and IRIF
2026–27 Cycle Dates
- Applications open: August 1, 2025
- Applications close: October 1, 2025
- Selection results are typically announced by early spring
Applicants should monitor the Institute’s official website for updated details on future cycles.
Selection Criteria and Review Process
Applications are reviewed by a dedicated faculty committee at Notre Dame. Evaluation is based on:
- Scholarly excellence and research potential
- Relevance of the proposal toKellogg’s core themes
- Originality and clarity of research design
- Feasibility of project completion during the fellowship term
- Anticipated contributions to the Kellogg community
Priority is often given to projects that offer innovative approaches to pressing global challenges in democracy and human development.
Postdoctoral 2-Year Option
Although most awards last for one academic year, the program includes the possibility of a second year of support for postdoctoral fellows. This extension is granted based on research progress and the fellow’s continued contribution to Kellogg’s mission.
Fellow Amenities & Campus Integration
Fellows receive more than funding. They also benefit from integration into Notre Dame’s vibrant academic environment, including:
- Private office space within the Hesburgh Center
- Access to state-of-the-art libraries and archives
- Opportunities for on-campus housing (generally available in the first year)
- Access to Anthem health insurance, on-campus medical facilities, and pharmacy services
By embedding fellows within the heart of Notre Dame’s campus, the program fosters daily engagement with one of the leading research universities in the United States.
Conclusion
The Kellogg Institute
For scholars seeking to strengthen their research, engage with leading experts, and make meaningful contributions to global dialogue, this fellowship represents a unique and transformative experience. To access detailed eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and updates on upcoming cycles, please visit the Kellogg Institute’s official fellowship page (see below).
Fellowship Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Program | Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowship (Faculty & Postdoctoral) |
| Host Country | United States |
| Location | University of Notre Dame, Kellogg Institute |
| Focus Areas | Democracy, governance, human development, inequality |
| Eligibility | Scholars with PhD or equivalent; open to all nationalities |
| Funding Support | Stipend, travel allowance, health coverage, office, library access |
| Duration | One semester or one academic year; second year possible for postdocs |
| Application Window | August 1 – October 1, 2025 |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit, relevance, feasibility, contribution to mission |
| Residency Requirement | Full-time, in-residence participation with seminar involvement |
| Official Website | Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowship |
FAQs
It is a prestigious program at the University of Notre Dame that supports scholars and practitioners working on global democracy, human development, and international research collaborations.
Academics, policymakers, journalists, and professionals with strong research or project proposals in democracy and human development are eligible to apply.
The fellowship offers stipends, office space, research resources, networking opportunities, and access to Notre Dame’s vibrant academic community.
Fellowships usually last one academic semester or a full academic year, depending on the applicant’s project and program needs.
Applications are typically due in fall, though deadlines may vary by year. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Applicants must provide a research proposal, CV, letters of recommendation, and supporting materials outlined in the official application guidelines.
Yes, the program welcomes global applicants, including scholars and practitioners from developing and developed countries.
Research related to democracy, governance, policy reform, poverty reduction, sustainability, and human development receives strong consideration.
The program is highly competitive, selecting outstanding candidates with proven expertise, innovative ideas, and global impact potential.
You can apply directly through the Kellogg Institute’s official fellowship portal by completing the online application form and submitting required documents.
