Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028 at the University of Notre Dame, USA | $30,000 Per Semester + Free Housing

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028 offer an excellent opportunity for experienced researchers and scholars to advance their work in peace studies, conflict resolution, international mediation, gender and peacebuilding, and sustainability. Hosted by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in the United States, the visiting research fellowship program welcomes scholars whose research connects with the Institute’s academic priorities and contributes to policy or practical solutions.

Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $30,000 per semester, furnished institute apartment accommodation at no cost, and access to university research resources. Applicants can request a fellowship for one semester or a full academic year, depending on their research plans and available funding.

Applications for the 2027–2028 Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships open on September 10, 2026, and close on November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligible researchers with a completed doctoral or equivalent degree are encouraged to prepare a strong research proposal aligned with one of the program’s three priority research themes.

ALSO READ: Anthropic Conceptual Reasoning Fellowship 2027: $100,000–$167,000 for a Four-Month AI Research Fellowship in the USA

Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028: Overview

• Fellowship Name: Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028
• Host Institution: University of Notre Dame
• Host Institute: Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
• Location: Notre Dame, Indiana, United States
• Fellowship Type: Visiting Research Fellowship
• Academic Year: 2027–2028
• Duration: One semester or a full academic year
• Start Period: August 2027 or January 2028, depending on the semester selected
• Stipend: $30,000 per semester
• Accommodation: Furnished Institute apartments provided at no cost
• Eligible Applicants: Researchers with a completed doctoral or equivalent degree
• Research Areas: Peacebuilding, international mediation, gender and intersectionality, climate change, sustainability, and environmental peacebuilding
• Application Opening Date: September 10, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
• Selection Notification: February 2027
• Application Portal: Interfolio

About the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships

The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies is based at the University of Notre Dame and supports research, education, and engagement focused on understanding and addressing conflict and building sustainable peace.

Through its Visiting Research Fellows Program, the Institute invites outstanding scholars to spend a semester or a full academic year at Notre Dame. The program provides an opportunity for experienced researchers to develop their projects, exchange ideas with other scholars, and contribute to ongoing research initiatives.

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships are particularly suited to academics whose work addresses important questions in peace studies and has the potential to influence policy, professional practice, or wider debates about conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applicants are invited to submit research proposals that align with at least one of the Institute’s three priority themes: the intersection of gender, race, class and peacebuilding; international mediation; or sustainability, climate change and peace.

Applicants should demonstrate how their research connects with existing work at the Kroc Institute and explain why the University of Notre Dame is an appropriate environment in which to complete their proposed project.

Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship Benefits

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships provide financial support and access to academic resources to help selected scholars concentrate on their research.

1. $30,000 Stipend Per Semester

Selected visiting research fellows receive a stipend of $30,000 per semester. Researchers applying for a full academic year should clarify their proposed fellowship duration and consult the Institute regarding the applicable funding arrangements.

The stipend provides financial support during the fellowship period, allowing scholars to focus on their research activities and academic development.

2. Free Furnished Accommodation

Visiting research fellows receive furnished accommodation in Institute apartments at no cost. This benefit can help reduce housing expenses during the fellowship period in Notre Dame, Indiana.

3. University Research Resources

Fellows receive access to university library resources, internet services, and document retrieval services. These resources can support literature reviews, academic writing, research analysis, and the development of scholarly publications.

4. Academic Collaboration

The fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to participate in the intellectual life of the Kroc Institute. Visiting researchers can engage with an academic community working on peace research, conflict prevention, mediation, and related interdisciplinary topics.

5. Research Development and Academic Visibility

The program provides an environment in which scholars can strengthen their research projects, exchange perspectives, and contribute to ongoing discussions in peace studies.

Researchers whose work connects academic evidence with policy and practice may find the fellowship particularly valuable for developing research with practical relevance.

Priority Research Areas for the 2027–2028 Fellowship

Applicants must identify the research theme most closely related to their proposed project. The Kroc Institute has announced three priority areas for the 2027–2028 application cycle.

1. Intersection of Gender, Race, Class and Peacebuilding

This research theme focuses on how gender, race, class, identity, power, and representation influence peacebuilding and experiences of violence.

The Institute welcomes interdisciplinary approaches and research using qualitative, participatory, and feminist methodologies.

Potential areas of investigation include:

• The relationship between identity, power, and peacebuilding.
• Gender inequality and structural violence.
• Race, class, and representation in peace processes.
• Participatory approaches to conflict prevention.
• Feminist perspectives on peace and justice.
• Intersections between social inequality and violence.

Researchers working on intersectionality, social justice, peacebuilding, and related subjects may find this category relevant to their academic interests.

2. International Mediation

The international mediation theme focuses on strategies for preventing, managing, and ending high-intensity conflict.

The Institute is interested in research examining international mediation, preventive diplomacy, and national dialogue as approaches to conflict prevention and resolution.

Relevant research directions may include:

• International mediation in armed conflicts.
• Preventive diplomacy and early intervention.
• National dialogue processes.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Strategies for ending high-intensity conflict.
• The role of mediation in sustainable peace agreements.

Applicants should explain how their research advances understanding of mediation and how the findings may inform policy or practical conflict-resolution efforts.

3. Sustainability, Climate Change and Peace

The sustainability, climate change, and peace theme explores relationships between environmental challenges, human security, livelihoods, and peacebuilding.

The Kroc Institute welcomes innovative and interdisciplinary research on sustainability and environmental peacebuilding, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Areas of interest include:

• Climate change and conflict.
• Environmental peacebuilding.
• Illegal mining and insecurity.
• Deforestation and community conflict.
• Food security and peace.
• Livelihoods in environmentally vulnerable regions.
• Sustainability and conflict prevention.

Fellows in this research area may have an opportunity to interact with the broader sustainability fellows cohort associated with the University of Notre Dame’s Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative.

Applicants should demonstrate how their research addresses relevant environmental and social challenges and, where appropriate, how its findings could support policy development or practical interventions.

Who Can Apply for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships?

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships are intended for scholars with substantial research experience and a strong connection to the Institute’s research priorities.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Doctoral qualification: Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Completion before the fellowship: Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD program must complete their doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.
• Relevant research experience: Applicants should demonstrate substantial research experience and the ability to undertake the proposed project.
• Research alignment: The proposed research must connect clearly with the Kroc Institute’s existing research or one of its announced priority themes.
• Academic contribution: Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in participating in the Institute’s intellectual life.
• Fellowship duration: Applicants must indicate whether they are seeking a one-semester fellowship or a full academic year.

Applicants who have previously held a Kroc Visiting Research Fellowship must wait seven years before applying again.

The published eligibility requirements do not specify a nationality restriction. However, prospective applicants should review the official application portal for any additional requirements and confirm any individual eligibility questions with the Institute.

Required Application Documents

Applicants for the 2027–2028 Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships must submit a complete application through Interfolio.

The application consists of four main components.

1. Cover Letter

Applicants must provide a cover letter of no more than two pages.

The cover letter should:

• State whether the applicant is requesting one semester or two semesters.
• Clearly identify the selected research theme.
• Explain the applicant’s academic background and research interests.
• Establish the connection between the proposed research and the Kroc Institute.

The cover letter should be concise and specific, demonstrating why the applicant is a suitable candidate for the visiting research fellowship.

2. Research Project Proposal

The research proposal must be no longer than ten double-spaced pages, including the bibliography.

The proposal should clearly describe the major elements of the planned research, including:

• Research objectives and questions.
• Relevant sources and data.
• Research methodology.
• Proposed analysis.
• A project timetable.
• Expected research outputs.
• A bibliography containing relevant citations.

Applicants should also explain the significance of their research, how it builds on existing scholarship, and why the Kroc Institute is an ideal place to undertake the project.

A strong proposal should establish a clear connection between the research question, the chosen methodology, and the expected contribution to peace research, policy, or practice.

3. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit an up-to-date CV outlining their academic qualifications, research experience, publications, relevant professional experience, and other scholarly achievements.

Candidates should ensure that their CV presents their research expertise clearly and highlights experience relevant to the selected fellowship theme.

4. Two Confidential Letters of Recommendation

Two confidential recommendation letters are required.

Applicants should request these letters through the Interfolio application system and allow their referees sufficient time to submit them before the deadline.

Candidates should check the application portal to ensure that all required recommendation letters and supporting documents have been submitted correctly.

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

How to Apply for the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio. Interested researchers can follow these steps to prepare their applications.

Step 1: Review the official fellowship announcement.

Read the Kroc Institute’s Visiting Research Fellowships application instructions carefully to understand the eligibility criteria, priority themes, funding arrangements, and submission requirements.

Step 2: Select a research theme.

Choose the most relevant area: intersection of gender, race, class and peacebuilding; international mediation; or sustainability, climate change and peace.

Step 3: Develop a focused research proposal.

Prepare a proposal of no more than ten double-spaced pages, including the bibliography. Clearly outline the research questions, sources, data, methodology, analysis, timetable, and expected outputs.

Step 4: Prepare the cover letter and CV.

Write a cover letter of no more than two pages, identify the selected research theme, and specify the preferred fellowship duration. Update your CV to highlight your academic and research achievements.

Step 5: Request recommendation letters.

Contact two suitable referees and request confidential letters through Interfolio.

Step 6: Submit the application online.

Complete the application and submit the required documents through the official portal before the deadline.

Step 7: Monitor your application.

Check that all required materials have been submitted successfully. Applicants selected for fellowships are expected to be notified in February 2027.

Official Application Link

Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/191681

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

How Competitive Is the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship?

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships are designed for scholars with substantial research experience, and applicants should expect their proposals to be evaluated on academic quality and relevance.

A faculty committee at the Kroc Institute reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Institute Director.

According to the published selection criteria, the committee considers:

• Evidence of academic excellence.
• A clear connection between the proposed research and existing work at the Institute.
• The applicant’s anticipated participation in the Institute’s intellectual life.

The Institute also states a preference for research with direct relevance to policy or practice across the announced priority themes.

Although the published announcement does not provide an acceptance rate or the number of fellowships available, applicants should prepare a rigorous proposal that demonstrates originality, feasibility, and a clear contribution to the selected research field.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Fellowship Application

Researchers interested in the Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships should give careful attention to the quality and relevance of their applications.

Align the proposal with a priority theme. Clearly demonstrate how the research addresses one of the three announced research areas rather than relying on a broad connection to peace studies.

Explain why Notre Dame is the right research environment. Identify the connection between the proposed project and the Kroc Institute’s ongoing research initiatives.

Demonstrate methodological strength. Explain how the project will use its sources, data, methods, and analytical approach to answer the research questions.

Show practical relevance. Where appropriate, explain how the findings could contribute to policy development, mediation practice, conflict prevention, environmental peacebuilding, or other relevant applications.

Provide a realistic timetable. Ensure the proposed work can be completed within the selected semester or academic-year period.

Follow all application limits. Keep the cover letter within two pages and the research proposal within ten double-spaced pages, including the bibliography.

Contact referees early. Request both confidential recommendation letters well before the deadline and confirm that they are submitted through Interfolio.

Proofread every document. Ensure that the cover letter, CV, proposal, timetable, and references are consistent and professionally prepared.

Career and Academic Opportunities for Visiting Research Fellows

Participation in a visiting research fellowship can support a scholar’s academic development and provide time to advance an existing research project.

Depending on their research interests and career goals, fellows may use the experience to develop scholarly publications, strengthen research collaborations, refine policy-relevant findings, or advance work in peace and conflict studies.

The fellowship may be particularly relevant to researchers pursuing careers in:

• University teaching and academic research.
• Peace and conflict studies.
• International mediation and conflict resolution.
• Environmental peacebuilding and sustainability research.
• Gender, social justice, and intersectionality.
• Policy research and analysis.
• International development and peacebuilding practice.

These are potential career directions rather than guaranteed outcomes of the fellowship.

Final Thoughts

The Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowships 2027–2028 provide an opportunity for experienced scholars to pursue research in peacebuilding, international mediation, gender and intersectionality, sustainability, climate change, and environmental peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame.

With a stipend of $30,000 per semester, furnished accommodation at no cost, and access to university research resources, the fellowship offers practical support for scholars seeking to advance research connected to the Kroc Institute’s academic priorities.

Eligible researchers should begin preparing their research proposals, CVs, cover letters, and recommendation letters well before the closing date.

Application deadline: November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.