The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027: Receive $12,000 in Funding to Advance Research on Russia and Eurasia (Fully Virtual)

Kennan Institute Offers Fully Virtual Fellowship to Advance Russia & Eurasia Research

Researchers and experts focusing on Russia and the Eurasian region can now apply for a prestigious, fully virtual opportunity. The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 provides substantial funding and support to advance original scholarship and policy-relevant research, all conducted online.

About the Kennan Institute

The Kennan Institute promotes international scholarly collaboration and high-quality research on Russia and the former Soviet Union. It bridges intellectual gaps between scholars from the region and the wider global community. The Digital Fellowship is a key program designed to foster this connection through a flexible, online format.

Position Available

The institute is awarding 10 Digital Fellowships for the 2026–2027 cycle. At least four of these positions are reserved for projects in natural sciences, medicine, technology, and related scientific disciplines, ensuring interdisciplinary research alongside humanities and social sciences.

Qualifications

This fellowship is for experienced professionals whose work centers on Russia or the broader Eurasian region. You should be a university researcher, faculty member, independent scholar, journalist, policy analyst, think tank researcher, or a subject matter expert in a relevant field. Demonstrated meaningful experience within your chosen research area is essential. You must also have a good working knowledge of English, as the program is conducted entirely in that language.

Responsibilities

As a fellow, you are expected to:

• Attend monthly virtual cohort meetings.
• Participate actively in discussions and collaborative knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with Kennan Institute staff throughout the program.
• Develop and advance your research project over the six-month period.
• Produce a final publication or public-facing research output.
• Share your findings with broader academic and policy communities.

Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive support package.

Financial Support: You will receive a monthly research stipend of $2,000. Over the six-month fellowship, this totals approximately $12,000 in funding.

Professional Development: You gain access to guidance from the institute's network of experts, monthly virtual meetings for peer feedback, and six specialized webinars on topics like publishing strategies and public scholarship.

Publication & Network: The fellowship includes editorial assistance to develop a final publication aimed at policymakers and the public. Upon completion, you join the institute's alumni network of over 4,500 professionals worldwide for long-term collaboration.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application, including a CV and a maximum three-page research proposal, no later than August 14, 2026. Your proposal should detail your previous experience, project scope, methodology, expected outcomes, and preferred format for your final output.

You can find the full details and apply through the official portal: The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027. For a quick application link, visit: Apply here.

Position Analysis: Why This Fellowship Matters

This virtual fellowship addresses a critical need for accessible, high-impact research on Russia and Eurasia. By removing geographical barriers, it enables a diverse, global cohort of researchers to collaborate on pressing regional issues. For scholars, it offers a rare combination of significant funding, publication support, and direct access to policy networks. Long-term, fellows benefit from an influential alumni community, enhancing career prospects and collaborative opportunities in international affairs and regional studies.

Application Tips for This Position

First, craft a clear, concise research proposal that explicitly connects your project to the fellowship's objectives of original scholarship and policy relevance. Second, highlight your experience with virtual collaboration and self-directed research, as the entire program is online. Third, specify a tangible output format, such as a policy brief, article, or multimedia project, to show your plan for public engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Since the fellowship is virtual, are there any required times for live attendance?
Yes, monthly virtual cohort meetings are mandatory. These are scheduled collaboratively to accommodate participants across time zones, focusing on discussion and progress updates.

2. Can my research project be a continuation of my previously published work?
Absolutely. Your application should indicate whether the proposed project is new or continues previous research. The fellowship supports both original inquiries and significant expansions of existing work.

3. What are the possibilities for publishing my final output beyond English?
Initial publication will be in English. However, the institute notes that future translations into regional languages may be possible depending on the project and its potential audience.