The HSI Fellowship
A merit-based scholarship grant for exceptional doctoral scholars.
The HSI Fellowship is awarded as an unrestricted scholarship grant in support of the Fellow's doctoral work. The award recognizes prior achievement and provides the financial conditions under which exceptional scholars can pursue their work without distraction. No specific deliverables are required as a condition of the award.
About the program
The HSI Fellowship recognizes exceptional scholars whose work advances HSI's mission across four research pillars: Responsible AI, Human Performance, Planetary Futures, and Governance and Diplomacy. The Fellowship is structured as an unrestricted scholarship grant in support of the Fellow's qualifying academic program. The award recognizes prior achievement and provides the financial conditions under which exceptional scholars can pursue their doctoral work with focus and seriousness.
No specific research outputs, public engagements, or other deliverables are required of the Fellow as a condition of the award. Continuation is contingent solely on the Fellow remaining in good standing in their qualifying academic program.
Eligibility
Applicants of all nationalities are eligible. The Fellowship is awarded only to individuals enrolled in, or admitted to, a doctoral program (or comparable terminal academic program) at the time of award and continuation, whose academic and professional work demonstrates clear alignment with at least one of HSI's four pillars.
International students are eligible. The Fellowship is structured as an unrestricted scholarship grant that does not require services in exchange and is therefore intended to be compatible with student visa categories that prohibit unauthorized employment. Recipients are responsible for confirming with their institution's Designated School Official, or equivalent, that acceptance of the grant is consistent with their visa status.
Selection criteria
Fellows are selected on the basis of the following criteria, evaluated in aggregate rather than individually.
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Scholarly and Professional Excellence
A demonstrated record of high-caliber academic work, professional achievement, or both. Evidence may include peer-reviewed publications, awards, executive or policy roles, original research, or comparable indicators of distinction.
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Pillar Alignment
Substantive alignment between the candidate's research, writing, or professional focus and at least one of HSI's four pillars. Candidates whose work bridges pillars or operates at their intersections are of particular interest.
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Leadership and Public Impact
Evidence of leadership in academic, professional, or civic contexts, and a demonstrated ability to translate ideas into impact beyond the academy.
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Cross-Cultural and International Engagement
Capacity to work across cultural, regional, and institutional boundaries, a defining characteristic of HSI's networked, transnational orientation.
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Character and Commitment to the Public Good
Integrity, intellectual seriousness, and a track record of constructive engagement with difficult questions.
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Trajectory
A clear path forward in which Fellowship support meaningfully accelerates the candidate's contribution to their field.
Application cycle
Next cycle
2027–2028
Beginning with the 2027–2028 cycle, applications open annually on March 1, with submissions due May 31. Final selections are announced by September 1, and Fellowships begin October 1.
Selection is conducted by HSI's Fellowship Committee, drawn from members of the Strategic Council and Advisory Board. Candidates are identified through nominations from HSI advisors, board members, and academic partners, or through the published annual application cycle.
March 1, 2027
Applications open
May 31, 2027
Submissions due
September 1, 2027
Selections announced
October 1, 2027
Fellowship begins
The inaugural Fellowship cycle (2025–2026) operated outside the published application cycle as the program's founding cohort. The selection rationale for the inaugural award is documented in writing and held on file pursuant to Section 12 of HSI's Conflict of Interest Policy. The award is subject to ratification by the Board of Directors upon its constitution.
Visa, tax, and code of conduct
The Fellowship is structured as an unrestricted scholarship grant for the support of academic study. It is not compensation for services, and the Fellow is not an employee, contractor, or agent of HSI. International Fellows are responsible for confirming with their institution's Designated School Official, and where applicable with qualified tax or immigration counsel, that acceptance of the grant is consistent with their visa status.
Disbursements to non-U.S. recipients are reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on Form 1042-S, with withholding applied at the rate applicable to scholarship and fellowship grants paid to non-resident aliens, subject to any applicable benefits under bilateral income tax treaties. Fellows are responsible for their own personal tax compliance.
Fellows agree to represent themselves with integrity in scholarly and public settings, to comply with the academic and ethical standards of their home institutions, and, where they choose to acknowledge HSI affiliation in published work, to do so accurately. Fellows are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with HSI's mission and values.
