Bold claim: This fellowship is your ticket to turning political science into public impact, not just academia. But here’s where it gets controversial: the best ideas deserve to be heard beyond lecture halls—and this program is designed to help you do exactly that. The Good Authority Fellows Program invites applications for its 2026–2027 cohort, a one-year, non-residential fellowship aimed at political scientists who want to translate empirical research into clear, engaging storytelling for broad audiences. Far from being a side project, this fellowship provides structured mentorship, hands-on practice in public writing, and a supportive community dedicated to elevating political science in public debates.
About the Fellowship
Term & Structure
- Duration: March 2026 – February 2027
- Stipend: $2,500 per month
- Residency: Fully remote
- Time commitment: About one public-facing post per month
- Outputs:
- 12 research-informed blog posts (core requirement)
- Optional multimedia contributions (podcast segments, interviews, short videos)
Fellows receive training, mentorship, and editorial guidance from the Good Authority team. You’ll get tailored feedback on writing for non-academic audiences, with instruction on narrative framing, translating empirical findings into accessible commentary, and connecting peer-reviewed research to current events or enduring political questions. The program is designed to fit around teaching, research, and other responsibilities.
What Fellows Will Do
Selected fellows will:
- Produce one public-facing post per month linking political science research to contemporary developments or long-term political dynamics
- Leverage their own work and the broader political science literature to craft clear, accurate, and timely analysis
- Work with editors to refine clarity, structure, and narrative flow
- Join optional community discussions, peer feedback sessions, or collaborative writing projects
- Experiment with alternative formats (short videos, podcasts, Q&As) if desired
Good Authority posts routinely reach large public audiences—including journalists, policymakers, educators, and engaged citizens—providing fellows a platform for impact beyond academia.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Political science offers powerful tools for informing the public, contextualizing events, and debunking misconceptions about politics, policymaking, and governance. Yet much academic work remains out of reach for non-experts. The Good Authority Fellows Program aims to close this gap by supporting scholars who want to:
- Bring evidence-based insights into public conversations
- Increase the visibility of political science as a discipline
- Diversify voices in public scholarship
- Translate empirical findings into digestible, engaging formats
- Build a public-writing portfolio that can support broader career goals
With structured mentorship, editorial support, and monthly practice in public writing, fellows leave the program with strengthened communication skills and an expanded professional profile.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Applicants should:
- Hold a PhD in political science, OR
- Be an advanced PhD candidate nearing dissertation completion
Priority will be given to:
- Early-career scholars
- Members of equity-seeking groups
- Researchers expanding the range of topics covered by Good Authority
- Individuals with prior public communication, collaboration, or team-based experience
- Those who demonstrate the ability to connect theory and evidence to timely public questions
Past public scholarship experience isn’t required, but applicants should show a strong interest in public communication and clear writing ability.
Training & Mentorship
Fellows will receive:
- Monthly editorial guidance from experienced public scholars
- Customized feedback to improve clarity and accessibility
- Opportunities to learn from journalists, editors, and political science communicators
- Peer engagement and collaborative learning with other fellows
- Practical support in idea development, framing, and storytelling
By program end, fellows will have a substantial portfolio of published work and enhanced skills in translating research into compelling narratives.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via the Good Authority Fellowship Google Form. You will be asked to:
- Provide a link to your current CV
- Answer short questions about research interests, writing experience, and potential contributions
- Share examples of previous writing (academic or public), if available
Official Announcement: goodauthority.org/news/announcing-the-2026-2027-good-authority-fellows-program/
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
We encourage applicants from diverse research backgrounds. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of scholars who are dedicated to strengthening the role of political science in public life.
For more opportunities, follow Good Authority on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For inquiries, contact the official organization directly. Do not send applications to GSO, as we cannot process them; due to high inquiry volume, responses may be limited.
Would you be willing to adopt a more conversational tone or keep a strictly formal tone for your piece? Also, would you like this rewritten version to include specific examples of potential blog post topics to illustrate scope?
