Apply for the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026 - 2027 - a fully funded six-month virtual fellowship for scholars, journalists, and experts working on Russia and Eurasia. Deadline: 14 August 2026 (17:00 EST).
Hosted by the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., this remote programme awards 10 fellowships with a $2,000 monthly stipend, editorial support, cohort webinars, and access to Kennan’s global alumni network. The fellowship runs entirely online from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, so you can research from your home country without relocating.
Supported by the Lounsbery Foundation and the U.S. Russia Foundation, the Digital Fellowship is built for original scholarship and quality non-fiction writing on Russia and the former Soviet Union - with a clear path to reach public audiences and the Washington policy community.
Programme Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Kennan Institute, Wilson Center (Washington, D.C.) |
| Format | Fully virtual / online |
| Type | International research & writing fellowship |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Programme dates | 1 October 2026 - 31 March 2027 |
| Awards | 10 Digital Fellowships |
| Stipend | $2,000 per month ($12,000 total) |
| Who can apply | Open internationally to qualified applicants |
| Focus regions | Russia, Eurasia, and the former Soviet Union |
| Working language | English |
| Closing date | 14 August 2026, 17:00 EST |
What Makes This Fellowship Different
Unlike residential fellowships that require a move to Washington, the Kennan Digital Fellowship is designed for remote participation. Fellows stay based where they live, meet monthly online, and still receive Kennan editorial guidance, expert mentorship, and a route into policy-facing publication. At least four of the ten places are reserved for projects in the natural sciences, medicine, technology, or related fields - broadening the call beyond traditional area-studies profiles.
Research Themes That Fit Best
Strong proposals show several years of engagement with Russia and/or broader Eurasia and a clear plan for research or non-fiction writing with public or policy value. Relevant directions include:
- Politics, society, and governance in Russia and Eurasia
- Security, foreign policy, and regional relations
- History, culture, media, and public discourse
- Economy, energy, environment, and development
- Science, medicine, and technology topics with regional relevance
- Comparative or cross-border work across the former Soviet space
- Policy-relevant analysis for Washington and international audiences
Projects that combine rigorous research with clear communication for non-specialists tend to stand out.
What Fellows Receive
- $2,000 monthly stipend for six months to support research and programme participation
- Mentorship and consultation from Kennan Institute experts where applicable
- Six virtual webinars tailored to the cohort’s needs
- Monthly virtual meetings with the international fellow cohort
- Editorial support to develop and publish a piece for the public and policy community
- Membership in Kennan’s alumni network of more than 4,500 people worldwide
- Possible integration into Kennan events after the formal fellowship period
What Is Not Covered
Because the programme is fully virtual, Kennan does not provide travel grants, visa support, or relocation funding. Plan your budget around research time, writing, and online participation - not international travel.
Who Is Eligible?
- Several years of experience researching, reporting on, or otherwise examining Russia and/or broader Eurasia
- Strong working English (the fellowship runs only in English; Kennan publications start in English)
- Scholars, journalists, analysts, and other experts with a credible research or writing record
- Applicants from any country who can commit to the six-month virtual schedule
- STEM and related researchers are especially encouraged (at least four awards reserved for these topics)
Documents and Materials to Prepare
- Completed online application on the Kennan Institute portal
- Updated CV highlighting regional expertise
- Research or writing proposal with clear scope, methods, and audience
- Writing samples that show your voice and analytical quality
- Any additional materials listed on the official application form
Submit everything in English before the deadline. Incomplete applications are unlikely to advance.
How to Apply
- Read the official Digital Fellowship guidance on the Kennan Institute website.
- Confirm your project focus on Russia / Eurasia / former Soviet Union.
- Draft a concise proposal and select strong writing samples.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload CV, proposal, and supporting files carefully.
- Submit by 14 August 2026, 17:00 EST.
Selection Timeline
A selection committee reviews applications and chooses ten fellows. Selected participants begin in late October 2026 (programme window: 1 October 2026 - 31 March 2027). During the fellowship you meet virtually once a month and work with Kennan staff to publish at least one public/policy-facing piece.
Why Apply
The Digital Fellowship combines funded research time, editorial coaching, and a policy-facing platform without requiring a move to the United States. Fellows leave with a published output, stronger professional ties, and membership in one of the field’s largest alumni communities - useful for academic careers, journalism, and policy analysis on Eurasia.
Application Tips
- Make the research question specific and policy- or public-relevant.
- Show sustained experience on Russia/Eurasia, not only a new interest.
- Explain how you will use the six virtual months productively.
- Choose writing samples that match the voice you want Kennan to publish.
- If you work in STEM or medicine, highlight the regional and policy angle clearly.
- Submit early so you can fix missing files before 14 August 2026.
Deadline
Last date to apply: 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST. Late submissions are normally not considered.
Official Application
Apply only through the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship portal:
Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship - Official Application
FAQs
Is the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship fully funded?
Fellows receive a $2,000 monthly stipend for six months ($12,000 total), plus mentorship, webinars, and editorial support. Travel is not funded because the programme is fully virtual.
Is the fellowship online?
Yes. The entire 2026 - 2027 Digital Fellowship runs remotely. You do not need to relocate to Washington, D.C.
Who can apply?
Scholars, journalists, and experts with several years of experience on Russia and/or broader Eurasia, plus strong working English.
How many fellowships are awarded?
Ten Digital Fellowships per year. At least four places are reserved for natural sciences, medicine, technology, or related topics.
When does the programme run?
1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, with possible follow-on Kennan event integration afterward.
What is the application deadline?
14 August 2026, 17:00 EST.
