PRRI Public Fellows Program: Shape Your Research for Public Impact in 2026-2027

The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) is offering a valuable opportunity for mid-career scholars through its 2026-2027 Public Fellows Program. This fellowship aims to help academics translate their research into public understanding and influence. Scholars focusing on religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, and LGBTQ issues are encouraged to apply for this program, which provides significant financial support, research assistance, and professional development. The application deadline is June 19, 2026.

About the PRRI Public Fellows Program

The PRRI Public Fellows Program, established in 2017, bridges the gap between academic research and public discussion. Many scholarly findings remain within academic circles, and PRRI works to change this by assisting researchers in sharing their work with policymakers, journalists, community leaders, and the general public. This is an 11-month, non-residential program designed to equip scholars with the necessary skills, guidance, resources, and connections to turn their academic research into accessible public scholarship. Fellows learn to shape their expertise into impactful commentary, public analysis, media engagement, and thought leadership that can shape important societal conversations.

Why the PRRI Public Fellows Program is Important

Today’s social and political environment is shaped by complex issues like religion, democracy, immigration, gender, identity, and cultural shifts. Researchers hold important evidence and insights that can inform public understanding and policy debates. However, effectively communicating these findings beyond academic audiences requires specific skills and support. The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers scholars a chance to:

• Broaden the reach of their research.
• Influence public discussions.
• Connect with policymakers and journalists.
• Develop skills in public-facing communication.
• Build collaborations across different academic fields.
• Strengthen their professional networks.
• Produce research that has a clear public effect.

The program acknowledges that evidence-based scholarship is key to fostering informed democratic dialogue and addressing major societal challenges.

Research Areas for the 2026-2027 Cohort

PRRI will select nine scholars for this cohort. Their work should align with at least one of PRRI’s main research priorities.

Pluralism and Democracy

This area looks at questions about:

• How people participate in democracy.
• Civic engagement and community involvement.
• The workings of political systems.
• Religious diversity in society.
• How people come together and form social bonds.
• Democratic principles and values.
• Public trust in government and institutions.

Scholars who study how diverse societies handle democratic challenges are invited to apply.

Immigration and American Society

Researchers studying immigration might focus on:

• Policies related to immigration.
• How immigrants become part of society.
• Questions of identity and belonging.
• Public views on immigration.
• Community building efforts.
• Trends in migration patterns.
• How people adapt to new cultures.
• The economic and political effects of immigration.

PRRI is especially interested in research that deepens the understanding of immigration’s role in today’s society.

LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics

This area supports scholars looking into:

• Equality between genders.
• The rights of LGBTQ individuals.
• Understanding gender identity.
• Public opinions about LGBTQ communities.
• How policies are developed.
• Social movements and advocacy.
• Political representation for different groups.
• Religious views on gender and sexuality.

Research that helps explain the changing social and political discussions around gender and LGBTQ issues is highly encouraged.

Fellowship Benefits and Funding

A major draw of the PRRI Public Fellows Program is the significant support provided to selected fellows.

$5,000 Fellowship Stipend

Each fellow will receive a direct payment of $5,000. This funding helps cover participation in the fellowship and related academic activities.

Up to $10,000 in Course Release Funding

Selected fellows can receive up to $10,000 in funds to reduce their teaching load. These funds are meant to give scholars more time to focus on research, writing, collaboration, and public engagement during the Spring 2027 semester.

Up to $10,000 in Collaborative Research Microgrants

The program also offers up to $10,000 in microgrant funding. These grants support the creation and execution of joint research projects among fellows and other collaborators. This funding encourages new interdisciplinary scholarship and broader research impact.

Fully Funded In-Person Convening in Washington, D.C.

Public Fellows will attend an all-expenses-paid meeting hosted by PRRI in Washington, D.C. Benefits include networking opportunities, professional development, collaboration with fellow scholars, interaction with PRRI leadership, research presentations, and exposure to policy and media circles. This gathering is a key part of the fellowship experience and helps build lasting professional connections among participants.

What Fellows Will Learn

Throughout the fellowship, participants get support to improve their ability to communicate research to audiences outside of academia. Key areas of development may include:

Public Scholarship

Learning how to present complex research findings in ways that are easy for broader audiences to understand.

Media Engagement

Understanding how to work effectively with journalists and media organizations.

Policy Communication

Developing methods to share evidence-based findings with policymakers and decision-makers.

Public Writing

Improving the skill to write opinion pieces, essays, public reports, and commentary.

Thought Leadership

Building a public reputation as a reliable expert in a specific research area.

Collaborative Research

Working with other scholars to create impactful projects that cross different academic fields.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for scholars who:

• Want their research to reach a wider audience.
• Seek to have a greater public impact with their academic work.
• Are interested in public scholarship and civic involvement.
• Conduct research related to religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, or LGBTQ issues.
• Wish to collaborate with scholars from various academic disciplines.
• Want to improve their communication and public engagement skills.

Selection of the 2026-2027 Cohort

PRRI aims to assemble a diverse group of nine fellows. This group should represent a variety of academic backgrounds, research methods, viewpoints, and interests. The fellowship values diverse thinking and encourages applications from scholars whose work contributes to important public conversations.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should carefully read all application requirements and prepare all necessary materials before submitting. Applicants are advised to review the eligibility criteria, fellowship expectations, and application instructions provided by PRRI.

Official Information: PRRI.org

Application Deadline

Friday, June 19, 2026

Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.

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