The University of Akron’s IP Policy Institute (IPPI) is calling for applications to the 2026–2027 Thomas Edison Innovation Law and Policy Fellowship, a prestigious non-resident program for U.S. scholars, lawyers, and researchers interested in intellectual property (IP), innovation, and creativity policy.
The fellowship is designed to develop rigorous academic research on IP and related areas, helping fellows transform their paper ideas into publishable law review articles under the mentorship of distinguished scholars.
About the Fellowship
The Thomas Edison Innovation Fellowship supports early and mid-career academics passionate about advancing scholarship in intellectual property and innovation. The program includes three roundtable meetings across one year, combining research feedback, mentorship, and policy dialogue.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: November 23, 2025 (5:00 PM ET)
- Notification: December 10, 2025
- First Roundtable: March 12–13, 2026
- Second Roundtable: September 24–25, 2026
- Final Virtual Session: February 18–19, 2027
Fellowship Benefits
- $3,000 Research Stipend upon submission of the final paper
- Fully covered lodging, meals, and travel within the U.S.
- Mentorship from distinguished IP scholars and policy experts
- Publication support for accepted papers
- Networking with academics and legal practitioners nationwide
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (living in the U.S. or abroad).
- Demonstrate a strong background in law, economics, or research related to IP and innovation.
- Be tenure-track faculty, recent Ph.D. graduates, or legal professionals pursuing academic research.
How to Apply
Applicants must email their materials to IPPI@uakron.edu as a single PDF titled:
“Last Name, First Name – Edison Application – Date of Submission”
Your application should include:
- A research proposal (max 5 pages)
- A CV or resume with contact details
For more information, visit the official site: Thomas Edison Innovation Law and Policy Fellowship
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national and global discourse on innovation policy while gaining mentorship from leaders in intellectual property research.
