Perry World House Lightning Scholar 2026-2027 – Apply Now for Fully Funded Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s Perry World House invites applications for the 2026–2027 Lightning Scholars Program, a prestigious fellowship designed for untenured, tenure-track faculty from leading universities across the world.
This program offers scholars a semester or full academic year in residence at the Perry World House in Philadelphia to focus on writing, research, and connecting academic insights with global policy practice.
Since its inception in 2016, Perry World House has served as a hub for international research, fostering collaboration between academia and global leadership through fellowships, workshops, and cross-sector partnerships.
Program Focus Areas
While open to all global affairs scholars, preference will be given to applicants whose research aligns with the center’s thematic areas:
- Climate Change
- Democracy
- Global Justice & Human Rights
- Security & Peacebuilding
What Fellows Receive
The Lightning Scholar Fellowship provides:
- A minimum stipend of $50,000 (negotiated based on circumstances)
- Health insurance and relevant fees
- $5,000 research support fund
- The opportunity to design and participate in academic workshops and colloquia
- Full access to Penn’s research and global policy community
This fellowship is structured to allow scholars to take a comfortable academic leave from their home institution for intensive research and writing.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent degree
- Be untenured but in a tenure-track faculty position
- Be currently affiliated with a recognized university or research institution
- Have research interests relevant to global policy and international affairs
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
- Program Duration: Academic Year 2026–2027
- Location: Perry World House, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2025.
Application Requirements for Perry World House Lightning Scholar 2026-2027
To apply, candidates must prepare and submit:
- A cover letter
- A three-page research proposal
- A writing sample
- A current CV
- A letter of support from the home institution
- One confidential letter of recommendation
Applications are submitted online via Interfolio:
For inquiries, contact: worldhouse@pwh.upenn.edu
Program Highlights
- Duration: 1 semester or full academic year
- Type: Residential fellowship (Philadelphia)
- Funding: Minimum $50,000 + research allowance
- Eligibility: Global untenured faculty (tenure-track)
- Focus: Policy-driven research in global affairs
