PRRI Public Fellows Program: Bridging Research and Public Discourse
The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) offers a unique opportunity for mid-career scholars through its Public Fellows Program. This program aims to connect academic research with broader public understanding and policy discussions. It supports scholars who study religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, and LGBTQ issues. The fellowship provides funding, professional development, and research support to help researchers share their work beyond academic circles.
About the PRRI Public Fellows Program
Launched in 2017, the PRRI Public Fellows Program was created to address the gap between academic research and public conversation. Many valuable studies remain within academic journals, limiting their reach. PRRI helps scholars communicate their findings to policymakers, journalists, community leaders, and the general public. This 11-month, non-residential program equips fellows with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to turn academic research into accessible public scholarship. Fellows learn to shape their expertise into impactful commentary, public analysis, and thought leadership.
Why the PRRI Public Fellows Program is Important
Today’s society faces complex issues related to religion, democracy, immigration, gender, and cultural change. Researchers hold important evidence and insights that can inform public understanding and policy. However, sharing these findings effectively with non-academic audiences requires specific skills and support. The PRRI Public Fellows Program allows scholars to expand their research’s reach, influence public conversations, and engage with policymakers and journalists. It also helps them develop public-facing communication skills, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthen their professional networks. The program recognizes that evidence-based scholarship is key to informed democratic dialogue and addressing societal challenges.
Research Areas for the 2026-2027 Cohort
PRRI will select nine scholars for the 2026-2027 cohort. Their work should align with PRRI’s main research priorities.
Pluralism and Democracy
This area focuses on questions about democratic participation, civic engagement, political systems, religious diversity, social unity, and public trust. Scholars who examine how diverse societies handle democratic challenges are encouraged to apply.
Immigration and American Society
Researchers studying immigration may focus on policy, social integration, identity, public opinion, community development, migration trends, and the cultural and economic impacts of immigration. PRRI is interested in research that deepens the understanding of immigration’s role in modern society.
LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics
This area supports scholars looking into gender equality, LGBTQ rights, gender identity, public attitudes toward LGBTQ communities, policy development, social movements, and political representation. Research that helps understand evolving debates around gender and LGBTQ issues is strongly encouraged.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers significant support to its fellows.
$5,000 Fellowship Stipend
Each fellow receives a direct stipend of $5,000. This funding helps support participation in the program and related scholarly activities.
Up to $10,000 in Course Release Funding
Selected fellows can receive up to $10,000 in course release funds. This money provides scholars with 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 provides up to $10,000 in microgrant funding. These grants support the creation and execution of collaborative research projects among fellows and other partners. This funding encourages innovative interdisciplinary scholarship and broader research impact.
Fully Funded In-Person Convening in Washington, D.C.
Public Fellows attend an all-expenses-paid gathering hosted by PRRI in Washington, D.C. This event offers networking opportunities, professional development, collaboration with fellow scholars, and engagement with PRRI leadership. It also includes research presentations and discussions, providing exposure to policy and media communities. The convening is a central part of the fellowship experience, helping to build lasting professional connections.
What Fellows Will Learn
Throughout the fellowship, participants receive support to improve their ability to communicate research to audiences outside of academia. Key development areas include:
Public Scholarship
Learning to translate complex research findings into content that broader audiences can understand.
Media Engagement
Understanding how to work effectively with journalists and media organizations.
Policy Communication
Developing strategies to share evidence-based findings with policymakers and decision-makers.
Public Writing
Improving the ability to write opinion pieces, essays, public reports, and commentary.
Thought Leadership
Building a public profile as a trusted expert in a specific research area.
Collaborative Research
Working with fellow scholars to create impactful interdisciplinary projects.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for scholars who want their research to reach wider audiences and have a greater public impact. It is suited for those interested in public scholarship and civic engagement, particularly those conducting research related to religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, or LGBTQ issues. The program is also beneficial for those who wish to collaborate with scholars from different fields and strengthen their communication and public engagement skills.
Selection of the 2026-2027 Cohort
PRRI aims to assemble a diverse group of nine fellows. This cohort will represent a variety of academic backgrounds, research methods, perspectives, 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 review the complete application requirements and prepare all necessary materials before submitting. It is important to examine the eligibility criteria, fellowship expectations, and application instructions provided by PRRI.
The application deadline is Friday, June 19, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PRRI Public Fellows Program?
It’s a program by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) that helps mid-career scholars connect their research on important social issues with the public and policymakers.
What research areas does the program focus on?
The program supports research in pluralism and democracy, immigration and American society, and LGBTQ rights and gender politics.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend, up to $10,000 for course release, and up to $10,000 for collaborative research microgrants.
When is the application deadline for the 2026-2027 cohort?
The application deadline is Friday, June 19, 2026.
