Call for Applications: Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Fellowships 2026–27

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network dedicated to protecting scholars, promoting academic freedom, and defending the fundamental right to think, question, and share ideas without fear. The organisation supports researchers who face constraints or risks in their academic environments while advancing global dialogue on higher education values.

The 2026–27 SAR Academic Freedom Fellowships, supported by the Mellon Foundation and other donors, are designed for early-career researchers who are committed to exploring, analysing, and strengthening academic freedom. The programme provides a structured remote research opportunity that enables fellows to produce high-quality academic outputs while engaging in a global community of scholars.

The fellowship is not only a research opportunity but also a professional development platform that encourages knowledge production, collaboration, and dissemination through multiple academic and public-facing formats.

Fellowship Tracks

Applicants are required to apply under one of two distinct research tracks:

• Track 1: Global Mellon Academic Freedom Fellowship
  Focuses on comparative, international, or single-country studies of academic freedom outside the United States. Up to six fellowships are available under this track.
• Track 2: United States Academic Freedom Fellowship
  Focuses specifically on academic freedom issues within the United States. Up to six fellowships are available. Priority is given to research exploring:
  • University autonomy
  • Institutional neutrality
  • Academic freedom in relation to students
  • Academic freedom in the natural sciences

Both tracks welcome applications addressing broader themes related to higher education rights, governance, and freedom of expression.

Programme Structure and Benefits

The fellowship runs for 10 months, from September 2026 to June 2027, and is delivered entirely in a remote format.

Key components include:

• Monthly online workshops involving fellows, SAR staff, and invited experts
• Peer learning sessions and progress-sharing discussions
• Structured support for research development and publication
• Networking opportunities within the SAR global academic freedom community

Fellows are expected to produce a significant final output, which may include:

• Academic journal publications
• New university course designs
• Policy papers or research reports
• Workshops, webinars, or training programmes

In addition to individual outputs, fellows may collaborate on a collective publication such as:

• A special journal issue
• An edited academic volume
• A SAR-curated research collection

Each fellow receives a stipend of approximately USD 8,000, intended to support research-related costs, publication activities, and other academic expenses as determined by the fellow.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic and Professional Standing

• Hold a PhD awarded within the last 8 years
• In exceptional cases, doctoral candidates in the final stages of completion may apply
• Have an active affiliation with a university, research institution, or academic organisation
• Demonstrate a strong interest in academic freedom, higher education policy, or related research areas

Track-Specific Expectations

• Global Track: Preference for comparative, international, or collaborative research projects
• US Track: Preference for research focused on academic freedom in the United States, particularly themes of institutional governance, neutrality, student rights, or science-related academic freedom

Participation Requirements

• Commitment to attend monthly online workshops from September 2026 to June 2027
• Ability to receive stipend funds legally in the applicant’s country of residence
• Compliance with any applicable tax or reporting requirements
• Willingness to engage in collaborative and peer-based research activities

Additional consideration is given to:

• Researchers currently or formerly at risk
• Applicants from the Global South
• Scholars from marginalised or underrepresented communities

Application Requirements

The application deadline is 29 May 2026 (midnight, New York time). Successful candidates will be announced in early July 2026.

Applicants must submit the following materials as a single PDF file titled:
“LAST NAME, First Name – Project Title”

Required documents include:

• Research abstract (250–500 words)
• Research plan and 10-month timeline (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages), including two professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Research Abstract Guidelines

The abstract must clearly outline:

• Research Question: The specific academic question being addressed and its significance
• Relevance: Connection to academic freedom and related higher education values
• Methodology: Research methods and types of evidence to be used
• Contribution: Expected impact on understanding or protecting academic freedom

The abstract represents the formal academic research, while the final fellowship output may take broader dissemination formats.

Additional Application Questions

Applicants must also complete short-answer responses (maximum 300 words each) addressing:

• Intended objectives of the final output
• Format of dissemination (e.g., publication, webinar, podcast, curriculum)
• Strategy for sharing research findings
• Target audience for the work
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies
• Measures of project success

Resources and Engagement

A webinar Q&A session will be held on 7 May 2026, offering applicants an opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask questions. The session will also be recorded for later viewing.

Contact Information

All enquiries related to the fellowship application can be directed to:
[email protected]

Summary

The Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Fellowships provide a globally recognised platform for early-career researchers to contribute to the protection and advancement of academic freedom. Through structured mentorship, collaborative research, and international networking, fellows are supported in producing impactful academic work that strengthens higher education values worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.