Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program 2027/2028 for Early-Career Scholars Worldwide

 

Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program 

Princeton PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program 

Apply for the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program 2027/2028, a prestigious fellowship for early-career scholars worldwide. Selected fellows will spend an academic year (10 months) in residence at Princeton University conducting research around the theme "Democracy in Crisis?" Fellows are appointed at the rank of Visiting Research Scholar and engage in collaborative discussion and scholarship. The program is open to early-career scholars employed outside the United States who hold a faculty or professional research appointment and received their PhD generally after September 1, 2017. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and exceptional intellectual promise. Required application materials include a cover letter, CV, research proposal, writing sample, and three reference letters, all submitted in English through the online Interfolio system. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your research at a world-leading institution.

Overview

Criteria	Details
Program	PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program
Host Institution	Princeton University, USA
2027-28 Theme	Democracy in Crisis?
Duration	10 months (one academic year)
Appointment Rank	Visiting Research Scholar
Eligibility	Early-career scholars employed outside the USA
PhD Requirement	Received generally after September 1, 2017
Application Deadline	November 16, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

About the PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program

The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) Fung Global Fellows Program selects early-career scholars from around the world to spend an academic year in residence at Princeton University. During this 10-month fellowship, scholars engage in research and scholarly discussion organized around a common annual theme.

Fellows are appointed at the rank of Visiting Research Scholar and are expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the program while advancing their own research projects. At the conclusion of the fellowship, scholars return to their home institutions, carrying forward the connections and insights gained during their time at Princeton.

This fellowship is an excellent pathway for scholars seeking international research exposure. If you are exploring other prestigious global fellowships, you may also be interested in the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, which supports early-career researchers across disciplines.

2027-2028 Theme: "Democracy in Crisis?"

The program theme for the 2027-28 academic year is "Democracy in Crisis?"

Democratic governance faces mounting pressure around the world today. The rise of populist movements, declining trust in institutions, polarization, disinformation, and democratic backsliding—including in democracies once considered consolidated—have prompted renewed debate about the fragility of democratic systems.

At the same time, democracies have shown remarkable resilience through:

Source of Resilience	Description
Grassroots mobilization	Citizen-led movements defending democratic values
Institutional safeguards	Constitutional and legal protections
Judicial independence	Courts upholding the rule of law
Civic renewal	Renewed civic engagement and participation

The 2027-28 cohort will explore what allows some democratic systems to weather crisis while others erode or collapse.

Fellowship Benefits

Benefit	Details
Residency	10 months at Princeton University
Academic Rank	Visiting Research Scholar appointment
Research Environment	Access to Princeton's world-class facilities and resources
Intellectual Community	Collaboration with fellow scholars and Princeton faculty
Research Focus	Dedicated time to advance your research project

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the PIIRS Fung Global Fellows Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Details
PhD Completion	Received PhD (or equivalent) generally after September 1, 2017
Current Employment	Must hold a faculty or professional research appointment outside the USA
Career Stage	Early-career scholars at the beginning of their careers
Scholarly Record	Demonstrated outstanding achievement and intellectual promise
Return Commitment	Expected to return to home position after the fellowship

❌ Who is NOT Eligible:

• Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program
• Scholars currently employed as postdocs
• Applicants employed within the United States

Note: Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.

Selection Criteria

Fellowships are awarded based on the following factors:

Criterion	Description
Research Project	Strength and quality of the proposed research
Theme Relevance	Connection of the project to "Democracy in Crisis?"
Scholarly Record	Track record of academic achievement
Intellectual Contribution	Ability to enrich the program's intellectual life

For African scholars and students seeking additional funding opportunities to advance their academic careers, explore our comprehensive guide to fully funded scholarships for African students.

Official Links

Resource	URL
Apply Online	apply.interfolio.com/191685
Official Program Page	funggfp.princeton.edu/applications
Theme Details	funggfp.princeton.edu/2027-28-democracy-crisis