Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Fellowships 2026–27

Applications are now open for the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Fellowships 2026–27. This prestigious program supports scholars facing constraints or risks in their academic environments while promoting academic freedom and higher education values globally.

📖 About SAR Academic Freedom Fellowships

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network dedicated to:

• Protecting scholars.
• Promoting academic freedom.
• Defending the fundamental right to think, question, and share ideas without fear.

The organization provides support to researchers and fosters global dialogue on higher education values.

🎁 Benefits of SAR Academic Freedom Fellowships

Key components of the fellowship include:

• Monthly online workshops with 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.

Expected Outputs

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

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

Additionally, fellows may collaborate on collective publications such as:

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

Financial Support

Each fellow will receive a stipend of approximately USD 8,000 to support:

• Research-related costs.
• Publication activities.
• Other academic expenses.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic & Professional Standing

• Education: PhD degree received within the last 8 years. Doctoral candidates in the final stages of dissertation completion may also be considered (current status must be clearly stated).
• Affiliation: Current research or teaching affiliation with a higher education institution, association, or research organization.
• Focus: Demonstrated interest in teaching, researching, or publishing about academic freedom or related higher education values.

2. Track-Specific Priorities

• Track 1 (Global): Preference for projects involving comparative, international, or collaborative research. All relevant topics are welcome.
• Track 2 (US): Focus on academic freedom issues in the United States. Priority will be given to themes such as:
  • University autonomy.
  • Institutional neutrality.
  • Students and academic freedom.
  • Academic freedom in the natural sciences.

3. Participation & Logistics

• Commitment: Participation in monthly remote workshops/webinars from September 2026 to June 2027.
• Financial: Ability to lawfully receive stipend funds and complete program requirements in the country of current location, with responsibility for any local tax or reporting requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Personal experience with risk is not required, but current or formerly at-risk researchers are highly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates from the Global South and/or marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

🗓️ Application Deadline and Process

• Deadline: May 29, 2026 (midnight, New York time).
• Decision Announcement: Early July 2026.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the provided link. The application package must include:

1. Abstract (250–500 words): Summarize your research, addressing:
   • Research question(s) and significance.
   • Relevance to academic freedom.
   • Methodology and evidence proposed.
   • Contribution to understanding or protecting academic freedom.
2. Research Plan & Timeline (max 2 pages): Detail methodology and a 10-month timeline (September 2026 – June 2027).
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max 2 pages): Include contact information for two professional references. If your PhD is pending, include your expected completion date.

Note: Applications missing any of the above components will be ineligible for consideration.

Online Short-Answer Questions

Applicants must also answer short-answer questions (max 300 words each) in the online form, addressing:

• Objectives: What do you aim to achieve with your end product?
• Format: In what form(s) will your end product be delivered (e.g., webinar, podcast, journal article)?
• Dissemination: How will you share your work?
• Audience: Who is your target audience?
• Security: What are the potential security risks, and how will you mitigate them?
• Assessment: How will you measure the success of your project?

📩 Contact Information

For questions or queries, please email: SARfellowships@nyu.edu.

📌 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: May 29, 2026.
• Program Duration: September 2026 – June 2027.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for scholars to advance their research, contribute to academic freedom, and engage with a global network of like-minded individuals. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Monthly online workshops with fellows and experts.
• Peer learning sessions and discussions.
• Structured support for research development.
• Networking within the SAR community.
• Stipend of approximately USD 8,000 for research-related costs.