The Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship Program, established in 1988 by the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), is a distinguished opportunity for senior experts in research, policy, and practice. Hosted at USIP’s global headquarters in Washington, D.C., this fellowship supports thought leadership and scholarly contributions to the field of peacebuilding and security cooperation. Applicants with a strong background in security cooperation, conflict prevention, and international partnerships are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Professional Experience: extensive experience in research, policy, and/or practice related to security cooperation.
- Academic Qualifications: A strong record of scholarship in security cooperation, peacebuilding, or related fields.
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries, but must be able to work in Washington, D.C., for the duration of the fellowship.
- Research Contribution: Proposals must align with USIP and Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) priorities, focusing on security cooperation and conflict prevention.
- Language requirement: All application materials must be submitted in English.
Program Details
- Duration: Eight months (January 2026 – August 2026)
- Location: USIP Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
- Fellowship Structure:
- Conduct independent research
- Collaborate with USIP experts and DSCU faculty
- Publish findings through USIP’s platforms
- Participate in expert panels, DSCU Speaker Series, and the annual Security Cooperation Conference
- Funding:
- Monthly stipend: $15,000
- One round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C.
- Fellowship does not cover housing or health insurance
Research Focus
Fellows will explore how security cooperation can promote regional stability, prevent conflicts that threaten U.S. interests, and strengthen safe and secure communities in partner nations. Research proposals should contribute to this theme by:
- Assessing the effectiveness of security cooperation in conflict prevention
- Evaluating programs such as personnel exchanges, training, and institutional capacity-building
- Identifying best practices for integrating security cooperation into peacebuilding efforts
Application Process
Step 1: Registration
- All applicants must register for the competition through the portal.
- Even if previously registered for another USIP competition, a new registration is required.
Step 2: Submission of Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Research Application: A detailed proposal outlining the research focus and methodology.
- Academic CV: Limited to five pages.
- Recommendation Letter: One letter from an academic or professional reference.
USIP does not provide status updates on submitted applications.
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: February 19, 2025
- Registration Closes: March 20, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 8, 2025
- Recommendation Letter Deadline: April 15, 2025
The Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship Program is a prestigious opportunity for senior experts to contribute groundbreaking research and policy recommendations in security cooperation and peacebuilding. With a strong network of professionals and thought leaders, this fellowship allows scholars to engage deeply with USIP’s mission. Interested applicants should prepare their proposals early and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
For any further inquiries, visit the USIP Fellowship Page.
Start your application today!
