Learn how to apply for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026. Full guide on eligibility, themes, requirements, deadline and application process.

Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026: Complete Application Guide

Applications for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026–27 are now open. Every year, the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame selects outstanding researchers from around the world to join its Visiting Research Fellows Program for one semester or a full academic year. This highly competitive fellowship supports advanced research on peace, conflict, mediation, sustainability and justice, with the opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and participate in the intellectual life of the Institute.

This guide provides everything you need to know to apply for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026, including eligibility criteria, thematic focus areas, application requirements, funding details, deadline and how to submit your application.

If you’re exploring research fellowships or academic funding opportunities, you may also find our internal resource helpful:
Internal link: How to strengthen your research fellowship application

About the Kroc Institute

The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the University of Notre Dame, is a premier global center for peace research, conflict transformation, mediation and strategic peacebuilding. The Institute collaborates with policymakers, scholars, civil society and international organisations, offering a vibrant academic environment for Visiting Fellows.

Official website: https://kroc.nd.edu

Overview of the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026 are designed for scholars with substantial research experience whose work aligns with the Institute’s initiatives. Selected fellows will conduct independent research, participate in academic programming and contribute to the broader Kroc scholarly community.

Fellowships are available for either one semester or the full academic year (August–May).

Eligible Research Themes for 2026–27

Applicants must propose a project within one or more of the priority themes for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026:

1. Intersection of Gender, Race, Class and Peacebuilding

Topics include intersectionality, identity, power, feminist methodologies, participatory research and structural violence.

2. International Mediation

Focus on preventive diplomacy, national dialogue and international mediation as strategies for preventing or ending high-intensity conflict.

3. Peace Accords Matrix (PAM)

Research on peace accords design, implementation, transitional justice, civil society inclusion and current peace processes.

4. Sustainability, Climate Change and Peace

Interdisciplinary research connecting environmental peacebuilding, climate vulnerability, food security, biodiversity loss, illegal mining or deforestation. Full-year applicants receive priority for this category.

Preference is given to proposals with clear policy relevance.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected Visiting Fellows receive:

• A stipend of $30,000 per semester

• Furnished housing at no cost

• Library and internet access

• Document retrieval services

• Full integration into the Kroc Institute’s academic community

Fellowships begin at the start of Notre Dame’s semester (August or January).

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a completed doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) before the fellowship start date

• Demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research record

• Present a proposal aligned with the Institute’s research themes

• Demonstrate potential to contribute to the Institute’s intellectual community

• Applicants who were previously Visiting Fellows must wait seven years before applying again

Application Process for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026

Deadline

31 January 2026 (Saturday)

Apply Here

Official application link:
https://kroc.nd.edu/research/grants-and-fellowships/apply-for-visiting-research-fellowships/

Selection Process

A Kroc Institute faculty committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the Institute Director. Results for the 2026–27 academic year will be communicated in April 2026.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages) indicating preference for one semester or full year, and the research theme

• Research Proposal (max 10 pages, double-spaced) including methodology, sources, data, timeline and bibliography

• Curriculum Vitae

• Two confidential recommendation letters

If you need guidance preparing your proposal, see our resource:
Internal link: How to structure an academic research proposal

Funding and Residency Details

Visiting Fellows must be in residence at the University of Notre Dame for the duration of their fellowship. Housing is fully covered, and stipends support living expenses. Fellows will have access to university facilities, library collections, seminars and research events.

For questions about the application process, contact:
jfloresr@nd.edu (Juan Flores Ramirez)

Conclusion

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2026 offer a prestigious academic opportunity for researchers committed to peacebuilding, mediation, sustainability and justice. With strong institutional support, access to world-class resources and an intellectually vibrant community, this fellowship provides an ideal environment to advance impactful research.

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