Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship 2027–2028

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship 2027–2028 is a funded research opportunity offered by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States. The programme welcomes experienced scholars from around the world to advance research related to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, international cooperation, and global challenges.

The fellowship allows selected researchers to spend one semester or a full academic year at the University of Notre Dame. During their stay, fellows conduct independent research, engage with the institute's academic community, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the institute welcomes research proposals focusing on three priority themes:

• Intersection of Gender, Race, Class and Peacebuilding: Exploring identity, power, representation, inequality, and structural violence through interdisciplinary research approaches.

• International Mediation: Examining preventive diplomacy, international mediation, and national dialogue in preventing or resolving serious conflicts.

• Sustainability, Climate Change, and Peace: Investigating environmental peacebuilding, sustainability, climate challenges, food security, deforestation, livelihoods, and related issues.

Applicants should explain the significance of their proposed research, its contribution to existing knowledge, and why the Kroc Institute is an appropriate institution for their project.

The fellowship encourages research that connects academic scholarship with practical challenges. Researchers whose work has direct relevance to policy or professional practice receive preference during consideration.

Through this programme, fellows can strengthen their research, exchange knowledge with international academics, and develop professional connections within the University of Notre Dame's research community.

Applicants for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship 2027–2028 should meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Applications are welcomed from researchers around the world.

• Academic Qualification: Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (PhD) or an equivalent qualification.

• Current PhD Candidates: Researchers currently pursuing a PhD may apply, provided they complete their doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.

• Research Experience: Applicants should have substantial research experience relevant to the institute's ongoing research initiatives.

• Research Alignment: Proposed research should address one or more of the three priority research themes for 2027–2028.

• Previous Fellowship: Former Kroc Visiting Research Fellows must wait seven years before applying again.

• Research Commitment: Applicants must specify whether they are seeking a one-semester or full-academic-year fellowship.

Successful applicants receive the following financial and academic benefits:

• US$30,000 Stipend Per Semester: Financial support for each semester of the fellowship.

• Free Furnished Accommodation: Housing in furnished Kroc Institute apartments at no cost.

• University Library Access: Access to library resources at the University of Notre Dame.

• Internet Access: Internet facilities to support research activities.

• Document Retrieval Services: Research-related document retrieval support.

• Research Environment: Opportunities to conduct research within the Kroc Institute's academic community.

• Academic Engagement: Opportunities to interact with scholars and participate in the institute's intellectual activities.

• Flexible Fellowship Duration: Applicants may request one semester or an academic year, subject to available funding.

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Cover Letter: Maximum two pages, indicating the preferred fellowship duration and clearly identifying the selected research field.

• Research Project Proposal: Maximum 10 double-spaced pages, including the bibliography.

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Presenting the applicant's academic qualifications, research experience, and relevant achievements.

• Two Confidential Recommendation Letters: Requested and submitted through the Interfolio application system.

The Kroc Institute faculty committee evaluates applications based on the following officially stated considerations:

• Academic Excellence: Evidence of strong academic and scholarly achievements.

• Research Alignment: A clear connection between the proposed project and the institute's existing research.

• Academic Participation: The applicant's anticipated contribution to the intellectual life of the institute.

• Research Relevance: Preference for projects with direct relevance to policy or professional practice.

The committee makes recommendations to the Institute Director, who is involved in the final selection process.

• International Research Exposure: Conduct research at a recognised American university with an established peace studies institute.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with scholars working across peacebuilding, international relations, social justice, and sustainability.

• Research Development: Advance a substantial research project in a dedicated academic environment.

• Policy-Relevant Research: Explore how scholarly findings can contribute to policy discussions and practical peacebuilding.

• Professional Networking: Build academic and professional connections through participation in the institute's research community.

• Research Resources: Benefit from access to university libraries, research services, and academic activities.