RDL Democracy Summer Research Fellowships

The program is especially interested in projects aligned with three priority areas, but also funds research on other democracy-related topics. Proposed research should focus on American democracy. Comparative work will also be considered if it demonstrates clear relevance to or implications for the United States.

1. Deliberative Dialogue 

Research examining constructive dialogue, public skill building for civil discourse, civic trust, and/or participatory governance practices such as citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, etc.

2. The Effects of AI on Democracy

Projects that analyze how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies shape governance, elections, public opinion, media ecosystems, regulation, civic participation, or political power.

3. Democratic Innovation

Research on institutional reform, participatory governance models, civic technology, electoral reform, community-based efforts to foster healthier democratic engagement, as well as other efforts to strengthen democratic accountability and responsiveness.

4. Other Topics

Research on other democracy-related topics that aligns with the Mission of the Rutgers Democracy Lab, the 2025-2026 theme, or broader programming.

Seed Fund
$2,000
Support fieldwork, pilot studies, archival visits, surveys, experiments, or related project costs.

Democracy Catalyst Fund
Grants up to $8,000
Support ambitious, interdisciplinary, or collaborative projects. Successful applications will show evidence from pilot studies, prototypes, and preliminary research.

Catalyst funds are limited to students who have advanced to PhD candidacy or will advance in Summer/Early Fall 2026. Students who are in the process of advancing to candidacy can explain their timeline in the application form. 

Applications for the Democracy Catalyst Fund will also be considered for the Seed Fund. 

• Must be an actively enrolled PhD student at Rutgers–Newark, Rutgers–Camden, Rutgers Health, and Rutgers–New Brunswick.
• Open to students in any discipline. 
• Funds may not be used for equipment purchases or as a writing stipend.
• Fellowships can support dissertation research or other projects.
• Catalyst funds are limited to students who have advanced to PhD candidacy or will advance in Summer/Early Fall 2026. Students who are in the process of advancing to candidacy can explain their timeline in the application form. 
• Co-authored and collaborative projects are permitted.
• Active enrollment during the fellowship period is required.
• Fellows will be required to participate in an in-person meeting at the beginning of the summer, two virtual check-in meetings during the summer, and present (preliminary) findings at a symposium scheduled for Fall 2026.
• One half of the award will be disbursed at the start of the summer. The remaining half will be released at the end of the summer following required check-ins. 

Applicants must submit:

• Research statement - Provide a clear and concise description of your proposed project, including the central research question, its significance, and your methodological approach, and explicitly articulate how the project aligns with and advances one or more of the thematic priorities identified in this call. Applicants should situate their work within relevant scholarly conversations or gaps in the field and outline the anticipated intellectual contributions of the project.
  • 500 words (Seed Fund)
  • 1,250 words (Democracy Catalyst Fund)
• Impact Statement - Explain the potential real-world implications of your project, including the populations, institutions, or systems it seeks to influence, with attention to pathways through which the work may generate meaningful societal outcomes. (300 words)
• Other sources of funding
• CV (1-2 pages)
• Proposed Budget
• Letter of support from faculty advisor

Applications for the Democracy Catalyst Fund will also be considered for the Seed Fund. Letters of support for the Catalyst Fund should indicate why the applicant is well-positioned to undertake a project at this expanded scope and level of investment.

The Selection Committee includes faculty from a range of disciplines engaged in democracy research. Applicants should therefore describe the project’s goals, methods, and significance in clear, accessible language that can be understood by non-specialists. Please avoid technical jargon and write as clearly and concisely as possible.

Applications can be submitted here by April 19 at 11:59pm. Results will be announced in early May.

Please email questions to democracy@eagleton.rutgers.edu.