🌍 Ten researchers, journalists and experts will receive six months of virtual support and a US$2,000 monthly stipend to develop public-facing work on Russia and broader Eurasia.
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Deadline: 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST
About the Digital Fellowship
The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship promotes original scholarship and quality non-fiction writing about Russia and the former Soviet Union. It is supported by the Lounsbery Foundation and the U.S. Russia Foundation.
Ten outstanding participants from academia, journalism and the expert community will receive six months of financial support, join an international cohort and work with Kennan Institute staff to communicate their ideas to public and policy audiences.
Quick Overview
| Programme | Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 |
|---|---|
| Number of Awards | 10 Digital Fellowships |
| Reserved Places | At least four places for natural sciences, medicine, technology or related fields |
| Duration | Six months |
| Programme Period | 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 |
| Mode | Entirely virtual |
| Monthly Stipend | US$2,000 |
| Working Language | English |
| Deadline | 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST |
Who Can Apply?
- Academics and researchers: Applicants studying Russia, the former Soviet Union or broader Eurasia through original research and analysis.
- Journalists and writers: Professionals producing rigorous analytical or quality non-fiction work on the region.
- Policy and subject experts: Candidates from think tanks, universities, civil society, research organizations and expert communities.
- Experienced applicants: Individuals with several years of professional, academic or research experience concerning Russia or Eurasia.
- English proficiency: Applicants need a good working command of English because all activities and initial publications use English.
- Public relevance: Strong applications should explain how the proposed work contributes to public understanding or policy discussion.
Eligible Research Themes
Politics and Governance
Institutions, foreign policy, security, public administration and regional political developments.
Society and Culture
History, identity, migration, media, literature, social change and cultural transformation.
Economics and Development
Trade, energy, economic transition, regional development and public finance.
Science and Medicine
Natural sciences, public health, medicine and related research with regional significance.
Technology
Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, innovation and emerging technology.
Environment
Climate, sustainability, natural resources and environmental policy across Eurasia.
What Selected Fellows Receive
US$2,000 Monthly Stipend
Financial support for research and active participation throughout the fellowship.
Mentorship and Consultation
Access to expertise from the Kennan community where relevant to the fellow’s work.
Six Virtual Webinars
Webinars designed around the professional and research needs of the selected cohort.
International Network
Connections with fellow researchers, journalists, writers and policy-oriented experts.
Editorial Support
Guidance from Kennan Institute staff to develop and edit public-facing ideas.
Global Alumni Network
Inclusion in the Kennan alumni community of more than 4,500 individuals worldwide.
Fellowship Responsibilities
- Monthly meetings: Participate in virtual cohort meetings once each month.
- Research development: Advance an original research or non-fiction writing project during the fellowship.
- Public-facing output: Produce a publication intended for general and policy audiences.
- Editorial collaboration: Work with Kennan Institute staff to develop and refine ideas.
- Peer exchange: Share progress, receive feedback and build productive professional relationships.
- Accessible communication: Present findings clearly beyond a purely academic readership.
What Is Not Covered?
Travel and visa expenses are not covered. The programme takes place entirely online.
Application Materials to Prepare
- Updated CV: Include relevant research, employment, journalism, publications, languages and regional expertise.
- Research proposal: Present the central question, approach, significance, feasibility and expected public-facing output.
- Professional biography: Summarize your background, current role and connection to Russian or Eurasian studies.
- Writing samples: Select strong academic, journalistic, policy or non-fiction work relevant to the programme.
- Publication record: List books, journal articles, reports, essays, commentary or media contributions.
- Accurate contact details: Use an active email address and provide current professional information.
How to Prepare a Strong Proposal
- Choose a focused question: Define a realistic research problem that can be advanced within six months.
- Show regional relevance: Explain the project’s connection to Russia, the former Soviet Union or broader Eurasia.
- Demonstrate public value: Clarify why the findings matter to policy professionals, communities or general readers.
- Connect your experience: Link previous work, language skills, publications and expertise to the proposed project.
- Plan the final output: Describe the public-facing article, essay or policy-oriented piece you intend to produce.
- Write accessibly: Use clear language and avoid unnecessary technical jargon.
How to Apply
- Visit the official page: Open the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship application webpage.
- Review the criteria: Confirm that your experience, English ability and regional focus match the programme.
- Develop your proposal: Prepare a focused project on Russia, the former Soviet Union or broader Eurasia.
- Gather supporting material: Organize your CV, biography, writing samples and publication information.
- Complete the form: Enter accurate personal, professional and research details.
- Check the submission: Review spelling, dates, links and uploaded documents carefully.
- Meet the deadline: Submit by 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST.
- Save confirmation: Keep a copy or screenshot of the completed submission.
Guidance for Pakistani Applicants
- Offer a distinct perspective: Explain how Pakistan-based research or reporting adds new insight to Eurasian studies.
- Consider regional connections: Relevant topics may involve diplomacy, security, trade, energy, climate, technology or Central Asian linkages.
- Highlight transferable expertise: Show how your academic discipline or professional experience supports the proposed project.
- Plan for virtual participation: Ensure reliable internet access and availability for monthly meetings and webinars.
- Respect the time zone: Submit well before 17:00 EST to avoid conversion or technical problems.
- Keep the scope achievable: Present a clear six-month plan with realistic research and publication goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fellowships will be awarded?
Ten Digital Fellowships will be awarded.
What is the monthly stipend?
Each selected fellow receives US$2,000 per month.
Is the fellowship fully virtual?
Yes. All fellowship activities take place online.
Who can apply?
Researchers, journalists, writers and experts with several years of relevant experience concerning Russia or broader Eurasia.
Are science and technology applicants eligible?
Yes. At least four places are reserved for natural sciences, medicine, technology or related fields.
What language is used?
The fellowship is conducted in English, and initial Kennan publications are produced in English.
What must fellows publish?
Each fellow must produce a piece for general public and policy audiences.
Are travel costs covered?
No. Travel and visa expenses are not covered because the programme is virtual.
When does the programme run?
The official programme dates are 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST.
Final Guidance
The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 is a competitive funded opportunity for experienced researchers, journalists and experts producing original, public-relevant work on Russia and Eurasia.
Develop a focused proposal, demonstrate your expertise and submit the official application before 14 August 2026 at 17:00 EST.
🌍 Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 | 10 Awards | US$2,000 Monthly | Fully Virtual.
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