The Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship is a remote research fellowship for early-career scholars focusing on academic freedom and related higher education values. Supported by the Mellon Foundation and administered by Scholars at Risk (SAR), the program offers two tracks: Global and US-focused, each with up to six fellowships. Fellows receive a stipend of approximately $8,000 and participate in monthly online workshops over 10 months.
Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network that protects scholars facing threats and promotes academic freedom worldwide. Based at New York University, SAR works with over 500 partner institutions in more than 40 countries. The Mellon Foundation, a major philanthropic organization, supports this fellowship to foster a professional community of researchers dedicated to developing new research, publications, courses, and other significant outputs.
Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend of USD ~$8,000 to cover research expenses, publication, or other costs
- Monthly remote, online workshops to share progress and exchange peer feedback
- Opportunity to produce a significant end product (e.g., formal publication, new course, or workshop)
- Networking with SAR partner-experts on academic freedom issues
- Exposure to SAR’s programming
Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- PhD degree received within the last 8 years (doctoral candidates in final stages may be considered in limited cases)
- Current research or teaching affiliation with a higher education institution, association, or research organization
- Demonstrated interest in teaching, researching, or publishing about issues of academic freedom or related higher education values
- For Track 1 (Global): Preference for projects involving comparative, international, or collaborative research
- For Track 2 (US): Work focused on academic freedom issues in the United States; priority for themes relating to university autonomy, institutional neutrality, students and academic freedom, or academic freedom and the natural sciences
- Commitment to participate in monthly remote workshops/webinars from September 2026 to June 2027
- Ability to lawfully receive stipend funds and complete program requirements in the country of current location
- Candidates in/from the Global South and/or from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply
How to Apply for Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
- Submit your application online via the provided link
- Prepare a single PDF file saved as ‘LAST NAME, First Name – Project Title’ containing: an abstract (max 250-500 words), a research plan & timeline (max 2 pages), and a CV (max 2 pages) including contact information of two professional references
- Answer short-answer questions in the online form regarding your proposed end product (max 300 words each): objectives, format, dissemination, audience, security, and assessment
- Ensure your abstract addresses: research question, relevance to academic freedom, methodology, and contribution
- Deadline for submission: May 29, 2026 (midnight, New York time)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
The Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship is a remote research fellowship for early-career scholars, supported by the Mellon Foundation and administered by Scholars at Risk (SAR). It focuses on academic freedom and related higher education values, offering two tracks: Global and US-focused. Fellows receive a stipend and participate in monthly online workshops.
Who is eligible to apply for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
Applicants must have a PhD received within the last 8 years (doctoral candidates in final stages may be considered). They must have a current research or teaching affiliation with a higher education institution, association, or research organization, and a demonstrated interest in academic freedom issues.
What is the duration of the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 10 months, from September 2026 to June 2027. Fellows participate in monthly remote, online workshops to share progress and exchange peer feedback.
What is the stipend amount for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
Fellows receive a stipend of approximately USD $8,000, intended to cover research expenses, publication, or other costs as the fellow may decide.
What are the two tracks of the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
Track 1 is the Global Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship, focusing on global, comparative, or single-country issues (excluding the US). Track 2 is the US Academic Freedom Fellowship, focusing on academic freedom issues specifically within the United States. Up to 6 fellowships are available for each track.
What is the deadline to apply for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
The deadline for submission is May 29, 2026 (midnight, New York time). Decisions are expected to be announced early July 2026.
What documents are required for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship application?
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing an abstract (max 250-500 words), a research plan & timeline (max 2 pages), and a CV (max 2 pages) with contact information of two professional references. Additionally, short-answer questions must be answered in the online form.
Can doctoral candidates apply for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
Yes, in limited cases, doctoral candidates in the final stages of dissertation completion may be considered. They must clearly state their current status in the application.
Is the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship is fully funded. It provides a stipend of approximately $8,000 and covers participation in monthly workshops. Fellows are responsible for any local tax or reporting requirements.
How can I apply for the Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship?
Applications are submitted online via the provided link. The application package must be combined into a single PDF file and uploaded. For questions, contact [email protected].
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