Princeton University Announces Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 for Early-Career Scholars

PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY — Princeton University has announced the call for applications for the Fung Global Fellows Program for the 2027–2028 academic year, offering early-career scholars from around the world an opportunity to spend 10 months in residence at Princeton University and pursue research on the theme “Democracy in Crisis?”

The program is hosted by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) within Princeton University’s Office of the Dean of the Faculty, Social Sciences.

The fellowship is designed for outstanding early-career scholars employed outside the United States who hold a faculty appointment or a professional research appointment. Successful candidates will be appointed as Visiting Research Scholars and will be expected to return to their home institutions after completing the fellowship.

Theme: “Democracy in Crisis?”

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the Fung Global Fellows Program will focus on the challenges facing democratic governance around the world.

Princeton University notes that democratic systems are facing increasing pressure from a combination of factors, including the rise of populist movements, declining public trust in institutions, political polarization, disinformation and democratic backsliding.

At the same time, democratic institutions have demonstrated resilience in many countries through grassroots mobilization, institutional safeguards, judicial independence and civic renewal.

The program therefore seeks to examine both sides of the question: why do some democratic systems withstand periods of crisis while others deteriorate or collapse?

Researchers may explore a wide range of issues connected to democratic governance, including:

• The causes and dynamics of populism;
• The erosion of democratic norms and institutions;
• Media, technology and disinformation;
• Economic inequality and democratic legitimacy;
• The role of citizens and civil society in defending democracy;
• Institutional strategies for democratic renewal;
• The conceptual and normative foundations of democracy;
• Different understandings of democracy across political and cultural traditions.

Applicants may focus on any region of the world and may use contemporary or historical approaches.

Princeton University particularly welcomes applications from scholars working across the humanities and social sciences, with the aim of creating an interdisciplinary group capable of contributing different perspectives to the study of democracy.

Who Can Apply?

The Fung Global Fellows Program is aimed at early-career scholars from outside the United States.

Applicants generally must have received their Ph.D. or equivalent degree after September 1, 2017.

Candidates who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program or working as postdoctoral researchers are not eligible.

Fellowships will be awarded based on several factors, including:

• The quality and originality of the proposed research project;
• The project’s relevance to the “Democracy in Crisis?” theme;
• The applicant’s scholarly record;
• Demonstrated outstanding scholarly achievement;
• Evidence of unusual intellectual promise;
• The applicant’s potential contribution to the intellectual life of the Fung Global Fellows community.

Applicants must be employed outside the United States and must hold either a faculty appointment or professional research appointment.

Successful candidates will also be required to provide an official letter from their current employer confirming that they are permitted to accept the fellowship and spend the academic year at Princeton University.

Fellowship Location and Duration

The fellowship will take place in person on the Princeton University campus in Princeton, New Jersey.

Fellows will spend approximately 10 months at Princeton during the 2027–2028 academic year, participating in research, academic discussions and the intellectual activities of the program.

The position is listed with a salary range of approximately $100,000–$135,000.

Princeton University also provides a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees.

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted in English through the online application system.

Applicants must provide:

1. Cover letter — maximum 1.5 pages;
2. Curriculum Vitae — including publications;
3. Research proposal — maximum 3 pages, single-spaced;
4. Writing sample — an article or book chapter, maximum 50 pages;
5. Three referees — applicants must provide the names and email addresses of three referees.

The referees will receive an automatic invitation through the online application system to submit their recommendation letters.

Applicants should ensure that all recommendation letters are submitted before the application deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is:

November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST).

Applications must be submitted online by the deadline.

The program is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search system. Applicants receive a free Dossier account through the application process and can submit application materials, including confidential recommendation letters, without charge.

Application portal: Princeton University’s Fung Global Fellows Program application system.

Important Visa Information

The positions are based on campus and require fellows to work in person at Princeton University.

Princeton University states that these positions are not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing. Other forms of visa sponsorship may be available where appropriate.

International applicants should therefore carefully review the visa requirements and eligibility conditions before applying.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Fung Global Fellows Program offers researchers an opportunity to spend an academic year within one of the world’s leading universities while engaging with scholars working on a shared global research question.

The 2027–2028 theme is particularly relevant as democratic institutions face challenges ranging from political polarization and populism to technological disruption and the spread of disinformation.

By bringing together scholars from different countries, academic disciplines and intellectual traditions, Princeton hopes to create a comparative environment in which researchers can examine both the vulnerabilities and resilience of democratic systems.

For early-career academics whose research focuses on politics, international relations, democracy, governance, media, political communication, technology, history, sociology or related fields, the fellowship could provide an important opportunity to develop research, build international academic connections and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions at Princeton.

Key Details

How to Apply

Interested researchers should prepare their application materials well in advance, particularly because recommendation letters must also be submitted by the deadline.

For full eligibility information, application requirements and program details, applicants should consult the official Fung Global Fellows Program application information at Princeton University.

Application deadline: November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

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