USIP’s Peace Scholar Fellowship Program awards non-residential fellowships to students enrolled in U.S. universities who are writing doctoral dissertations on topics broadly related to conflict management, peacebuilding and relevant security studies. Since 1988, the program has supported the dissertations of 371 young scholars, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in research, higher education, and policy making. The 2022-23 Peace Scholar competition is now open.

This program partners with the Minerva Research Initiative to support additional fellowships relating to topics on peace and security studies. Currently, the program awards up to 18 scholarships per year, and awards support both research and writing stages of work on dissertations.

Applications from members of groups traditionally under-represented in the field of international relations, peace and conflict studies and other related academic disciplines, as well as diplomacy and international policy-making, are strongly encouraged.

USIP seeks applications from doctoral candidates with high-quality, policy relevant research that will deepen our understanding of conflict management, peacebuilding and other relevant security studies. Priority will be given to applications closely related to the mission of USIP and/ or research priorities of the Minerva Research Initiative.

Eligibility

The competition is open to PhD candidates enrolled in U.S. universities who have successfully completed all of the required classwork and any required comprehensive exams.

Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to be Peace Scholars?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply, however they must be PhD candidates currently enrolled at a U.S. university. Students at international and satellite universities are not eligible.

Benefits

USIP funds up to 18 Peace Scholars for a 10-month non-residential fellowship. Peace Scholars receive stipends of up to $20,000 for the academic year, paid directly to the individual in three tranches. Peace Scholar awards may not be deferred.

Peace Scholars are required to participate in an annual workshop. When their dissertation is completed and approved by their committee, the Peace Scholar is required to submit a copy to USIP at PeaceScholarFellows@usip.org.

Application Requirements

Applications will be selected based on the strength of the proposed research and its potential to make original contributions to the field by addressing one of the key initiatives or research priorities listed in the links above.

Registration, Application Process, and Due Dates

REGISTRATION: The application process begins with registration. Please go to usip.fluxx.io to register for this competition. Registration is required for all applicants to this competition even if you have registered previously for another USIP competition. Registration opens on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, and all applicants must register online by Friday October 15, 2021, at 4:00pm EDT.

APPLICATION: After completing the registration, applicants must prepare and submit a complete application. The deadline for submitting the application is Tuesday, October 26 at 4:00pm EDT. Further instructions on completing the application are included in USIP’s online application system FLUXX. Please note that USIP will not be able to provide status updates on submitted applications at any time.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Once a full application has been submitted, it undergoes a series of rigorous reviews by experts in the peace and security fields. The final docket of recommended proposals is reviewed by the USIP Board of Directors, who make the final decision on the awards. All selected applicants will be notified by Spring 2022.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the USIP Peace Scholar Fellowship Program 2022/2023