The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) Public Fellows Program offers a unique chance for mid-career scholars to make their research more accessible to the public. This 11-month, non-residential program aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and public understanding. It provides support for researchers focusing on religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, and LGBTQ issues. The program helps scholars translate their work into public analysis, media engagement, and thought leadership.
About the PRRI Public Fellows Program
Launched in 2017, the PRRI Public Fellows Program was created to ensure that valuable academic research reaches a wider audience. Many scholars produce important findings that often stay within academic circles. PRRI’s goal is to help these researchers share their work with policymakers, journalists, community leaders, and the general public. The fellowship equips participants with the necessary skills, mentorship, resources, and connections to turn academic research into public scholarship.
Why the PRRI Public Fellows Program is Important
Today’s society faces complex issues concerning religion, democracy, immigration, gender, and cultural shifts. Researchers hold key evidence and insights that can inform public discussions and policy decisions. However, communicating these findings effectively outside of academic settings requires specific skills and support. The PRRI Public Fellows Program allows scholars to expand their research’s reach, influence public conversations, and engage with important decision-makers. It also helps them develop public-facing communication skills and build interdisciplinary collaborations. The program recognizes that well-supported research can significantly contribute to informed democratic dialogue and help address pressing societal challenges.
Research Areas for the 2026-2027 Cohort
PRRI will select nine scholars for the 2026-2027 cohort. These scholars should have work that aligns with PRRI’s main research priorities. The program encourages applications from those whose research contributes to public understanding in these key areas.
Pluralism and Democracy
This area focuses on research related to democratic participation, civic engagement, and political institutions. Scholars studying religious diversity, social cohesion, democratic norms, and public trust are encouraged to apply. The program is interested in research that explores how diverse societies manage democratic challenges.
Immigration and American Society
Researchers looking into immigration topics are invited to apply. This includes studies on immigration policy, social integration, and issues of identity and belonging. PRRI is also interested in research concerning public opinion, community development, migration trends, and the cultural and economic impacts of immigration. The program seeks research that deepens the understanding of immigration’s role in modern society.
LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics
This research area supports scholars examining gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and gender identity. It also includes research on public attitudes toward LGBTQ communities, policy development, and social movements. Scholars studying political representation and religious perspectives on gender and sexuality are also encouraged. The program welcomes research that advances understanding of evolving debates around gender and LGBTQ issues.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers significant support to its selected fellows. This support is designed to help fellows focus on their research and public engagement activities.
Fellowship Stipend
Each fellow receives a direct stipend of $5,000. This funding helps support their participation in the program and related scholarly activities throughout the fellowship period.
Course Release Funding
Selected fellows can receive up to $10,000 in course release funds. This financial support is intended to give scholars more time to concentrate on their research, writing, collaboration, and public engagement efforts during the Spring 2027 semester.
Collaborative Research Microgrants
The program also provides up to $10,000 in microgrant funding. These grants are for designing and carrying out collaborative research projects. This funding encourages innovative interdisciplinary work and helps expand the impact of the fellows’ research.
Fully Funded In-Person Convening in Washington, D.C.
Public Fellows will participate in an all-expenses-paid gathering hosted by PRRI in Washington, D.C. This convening offers valuable networking opportunities, professional development, and chances to collaborate with fellow scholars. It also includes engagement with PRRI leadership and discussions about research. The event serves as a key part of the fellowship, helping to build lasting professional relationships among participants and expose them to policy and media communities.
What Fellows Will Learn
Throughout the fellowship, participants receive guidance to improve their ability to communicate their research to audiences beyond academia. Key areas of development include:
Public Scholarship
Fellows learn how to translate complex research findings into clear and understandable content for a wider audience. This involves adapting academic language for public consumption.
Media Engagement
Participants gain knowledge on how to work effectively with journalists and media outlets. This includes understanding how to pitch stories and present research findings to the press.
Policy Communication
The program helps fellows develop strategies for sharing evidence-based findings with policymakers and government officials. This is crucial for influencing policy decisions.
Public Writing
Fellows will improve their skills in writing op-eds, essays, public reports, and commentary pieces. This allows them to share their insights in accessible formats.
Thought Leadership
The fellowship aims to help scholars build a public profile as trusted experts in their fields. This involves establishing credibility and visibility beyond academic circles.
Collaborative Research
Participants work with other fellows to create impactful interdisciplinary projects. This fosters teamwork and the development of new research ideas.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for scholars who are motivated to share their research with broader audiences and increase its public impact. It is suited for those interested in public scholarship and civic engagement. Researchers working in religion, politics, culture, democracy, immigration, gender, or LGBTQ issues are particularly encouraged to apply. The program is also beneficial for those who wish to collaborate with scholars from different fields and strengthen their communication 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 viewpoints and encourages applications from scholars whose work can contribute to important public conversations.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should carefully review all application requirements and prepare their materials in advance. It is important to read the eligibility criteria, fellowship expectations, and application instructions provided by PRRI. The official information and application portal can be found on PRRI.org.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 19, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be considered for the 2026-2027 cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PRRI Public Fellows Program?
It’s an 11-month program for mid-career scholars to make their research on religion, politics, culture, and social issues more accessible to the public.
What research areas are covered by the fellowship?
The program focuses on 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 deadline to apply is Friday, June 19, 2026.
