Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027
The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 is a six-month virtual programme supporting original research and quality nonfiction writing about Russia and the former Soviet Union. Ten fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $2,000, expert support and tailored webinars. Applications close on August 14, 2026, at 17:00 EST.
Quick Overview
Programme: Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship
Opportunity Type: Research and writing fellowship
Host Organization: Kennan Institute
Programme Format: Entirely virtual
Duration: Six months
Programme Dates: October 1, 2026–March 31, 2027
Funding: Monthly stipend of $2,000
Deadline: August 14, 2026, at 17:00 EST
About the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship
The Digital Fellowship promotes original scholarship and quality nonfiction writing about Russia and the former Soviet Union. It is intended for participants from academia, journalism and the expert community.
The programme will form an international cohort of ten fellows. It aims to support research, strengthen professional networks and help participants communicate their ideas to public and policy audiences in Washington, D.C.
Fellows will meet virtually once each month. During the programme, every participant must publish a piece for the general public and policy community. Kennan Institute staff will assist fellows with developing and editing their ideas.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
• Support high-quality research and writing in Russian studies
• Prioritise work with policy relevance
• Provide time, professional resources and research support
• Help participants share their work with wider public audiences
• Connect fellows with the Washington-based policy community
• Build professional relationships among cohort members
• Establish an active network of fellowship alumni
The programme is designed to support participants throughout the research process. This may include developing professional connections and providing a platform for sharing findings.
Also read: CYD Fellowships 2026 at EPFL in Switzerland
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Each selected participant will receive:
✓ A monthly stipend of $2,000
✓ Six months of financial support
✓ Mentorship and consultation from the Kennan community of experts, where applicable
✓ Six virtual webinars designed around the cohort’s needs
✓ Opportunities to develop professional connections
✓ Support with communicating research findings
✓ Inclusion in Kennan’s alumni network of more than 4,500 individuals
The fellowship will take place entirely online. The Kennan Institute will not cover travel-related expenses, including visa costs.
Available Fellowship Places
The Kennan Institute will award ten Digital Fellowships.
At least four positions are reserved for researchers working on topics in:
• Natural sciences
• Medicine
• Technology
• Related fields
The remaining positions support eligible proposals connected to the fellowship’s broader focus on Russia and Eurasia.
Check: Sydney Brenner Research Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is intended for people engaged in studying Russia or the broader Eurasian region.
Applicants should:
• Have several years of experience working on, studying or otherwise examining Russia and/or broader Eurasia
• Be seeking to develop their professional skills, network and body of research
• Have a good working knowledge of English
• Be able to participate in a fellowship conducted entirely in English
• Be prepared to produce work for public and policy audiences
Publications prepared by fellows for the Kennan Institute will initially appear in English. They may later be translated into regional languages.
Research and Writing Focus
The programme supports research and nonfiction writing that contributes to Russian studies. Proposals with policy relevance are especially aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.
Selected fellows will receive time and professional support to develop their work. They will also receive assistance with presenting their ideas to broader audiences and the policy community.
The digital format allows fellows to participate remotely while joining a shared professional and intellectual network.
Participation Requirements
Selected fellows will be expected to:
• Participate throughout the six-month programme
• Attend virtual cohort meetings once each month
• Join six webinars tailored to the cohort
• Continue developing the approved research or writing project
• Share progress and receive feedback from other fellows
• Work with Kennan Institute staff on a public-facing publication
• Publish a piece for the public and policy community
After completing the fellowship, participants will become part of the Kennan Institute alumni network.
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Programme Dates
The Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship will run from:
October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027
The official page also notes that fellows may continue to be integrated into the Kennan Institute’s event schedule for several months after the main fellowship period.
Selection Process
A selection committee will choose ten fellowship recipients.
The selected cohort will include individuals from academia, journalism and the expert community. At least four places will be reserved for researchers pursuing work in natural sciences, medicine, technology or related areas.
Application Process
Applicants should:
• Review the fellowship description and qualifications
• Prepare information about their professional and research background
• Present a proposal connected to Russia and/or broader Eurasia
• Complete the official application form
• Submit the application before the stated deadline
Applications must be submitted through the official Digital Fellowship page.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Kennan Institute Digital Fellowship 2026–2027 is:
August 14, 2026, at 17:00 EST
Applicants must complete and submit the official application form by the deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application page below.
