Princeton University is inviting applications for the Fung Global Fellows Program for the 2027–2028 academic year, offering an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars from around the world to spend an academic year in residence at Princeton University in the United States. Hosted by the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), the program brings together scholars from different countries and academic backgrounds to conduct research, exchange ideas and participate in intellectual discussions around a shared global theme. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the program will focus on the theme “Democracy in Crisis?”, examining the pressures facing democratic governance and the factors that enable democratic systems and institutions to remain resilient. Applications are due by 16 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. About the Fung Global Fellows Program The Fung Global Fellows Program is designed to create an international community of scholars working on important global issues. Selected fellows will spend 10 months in residence at Princeton University, where they will be appointed as Visiting Research Scholars. The program provides an opportunity for early-career academics to develop their research while engaging in interdisciplinary conversations with fellow scholars and members of the Princeton academic community. Applicants can come from different regions of the world and may approach the program’s central theme from contemporary or historical perspectives. The program particularly welcomes scholars from the humanities and social sciences whose research can contribute to comparative and interdisciplinary discussions. 2027–2028 Theme: “Democracy in Crisis?” The 2027–2028 cohort will explore the challenges confronting democratic governance and the sources of democratic resilience. Around the world, democratic systems face pressures including the rise of populist movements, declining public trust in institutions, political polarization, disinformation and democratic backsliding. At the same time, democratic institutions and societies have demonstrated resilience in various contexts through grassroots mobilisation, judicial independence, institutional safeguards, civic participation and other forms of democratic renewal. The program therefore asks an important question: What allows some democratic systems to withstand crises while others weaken or collapse? Researchers are invited to explore this question through a wide range of perspectives and methodologies. Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 | Princeton University Fellowship for Early-Careers Scholars Around the World: Research Areas Potential research topics may include the drivers and dynamics of populism, the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, and the influence of media and technology on political life. Applicants may also examine the relationship between economic inequality and democratic legitimacy, the role of citizens and civil society in defending democratic institutions, or the strategies used to renew democratic practices. The program is equally interested in research examining the conceptual and normative foundations of democracy. Scholars may explore questions concerning what democracy means, who it serves, how democratic ideas have developed and how they have been contested across different political and cultural traditions. Projects can focus on any region of the world. Who Can Apply? The program is intended for early-career scholars from around the world. Applicants must meet several important eligibility conditions. Candidates must have received a PhD or equivalent qualification generally after 1 September 2017. Applicants must also be employed outside the United States and hold either a faculty appointment or a professional research appointment. Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program or working as postdoctoral researchers are not eligible to apply. Successful fellows will be expected to return to their current positions at the conclusion of the fellowship. If an offer is made, candidates with faculty or professional research appointments will need to provide an official letter from their current employer confirming that they are permitted to accept the fellowship and spend the academic year at Princeton University. Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 | Princeton University Fellowship for Early-Careers Scholars Around the World: What Makes the Fellowship Competitive? Selection will be based on several factors. The proposed research project is an important component of the application, including its relationship to the “Democracy in Crisis?” theme. The selection committee will also consider the candidate’s scholarly record, research potential and ability to contribute to the intellectual life of the Fung Global Fellows Program. Applicants should therefore develop a research proposal that clearly identifies the research question, explains its significance and demonstrates how the project contributes to broader debates about democracy. The interdisciplinary nature of the program also means that applicants should consider how their work can contribute to conversations beyond their specific academic specialisation. Application Requirements Applicants must submit their application online and provide all required documents in English. The application package includes: Cover letter: Maximum of 1.5 pages Curriculum Vitae: Including publications Research proposal: Maximum of 3 pages, single-spaced Writing sample: One article or book chapter, maximum of 50 pages Three referees: Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of three referees The referees will receive an automatic invitation through the online application system to submit their recommendation letters. Applicants should ensure that their referees submit their letters before the application deadline, as reference letters are also required by the deadline. Research Proposal The research proposal should demonstrate a strong connection between the applicant’s research and the 2027–2028 program theme. A compelling proposal should clearly establish the research problem, explain why it matters and demonstrate how the proposed work contributes to existing scholarship. Applicants may draw on political science, sociology, history, law, media studies, economics, anthropology, philosophy or other relevant fields within the humanities and social sciences. Comparative and interdisciplinary approaches are particularly appropriate for a program that brings scholars from different regions and academic traditions together. The Princeton Experience Selected fellows will be based in person on the Princeton University campus for the academic year. The residency provides an opportunity to work within a major international research environment and engage with scholars from different disciplines and parts of the world. Fellows will be expected to participate actively in the intellectual life of the program, contributing their perspectives while learning from other researchers working on questions related to democratic governance and political change. The international composition of the cohort can also facilitate cross-regional comparisons and research collaborations. Important Dates Program: Fung Global Fellows ProgramAcademic Year: 2027–2028Host: Princeton UniversityInstitute: Princeton Institute for International and Regional StudiesLocation: Princeton, New Jersey, United StatesFellowship Duration: 10 monthsPosition: Visiting Research ScholarTheme: “Democracy in Crisis?”Application Deadline: 16 November 2026Deadline Time: 11:59 p.m. ESTApplication Language: EnglishMode: In-person, on campus How to Apply Interested scholars should submit their applications through the official online application system and ensure that all required documents are uploaded before the deadline. Applicants should also allow sufficient time for their three referees to submit their recommendation letters. The official application page should be consulted for the complete eligibility criteria, application instructions and any updates to the program requirements. Conclusion The Fung Global Fellows Program 2027–2028 offers early-career scholars an opportunity to spend 10 months at Princeton University while developing research on one of the most important political questions of the contemporary era: the challenges facing democracy and the sources of democratic resilience. The program is particularly relevant to scholars whose work examines populism, democratic institutions, political polarisation, disinformation, inequality, civil society, democratic renewal or the historical and conceptual foundations of democracy. Eligible scholars employed outside the United States are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully, develop a strong research proposal and coordinate with their referees well ahead of the 16 November 2026 deadline. 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