James Buchanan Fellowship 2026 27 Fully Funded Research Fellowship in the USA

Introduction

The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026‑27 is a fully funded research fellowship offered by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, United States. This fellowship is designed for early-career scholars who have recently completed their doctoral degrees and wish to engage deeply with political economy, institutional analysis, and economic theory inspired by James M. Buchanan.

The program emphasizes the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought, offering fellows a unique environment to develop their research, network with leading academics, and gain mentorship in the field of political economy.

About the Fellowship

The James Buchanan Fellowship is aimed at scholars interested in exploring how institutions, incentives, and governance shape economic and social outcomes. Participants benefit from structured learning experiences, research collaboration, and mentoring opportunities from the Mercatus Center’s faculty and affiliated scholars.

Fellows engage with both classic and contemporary texts, participate in workshops, and join discussions that deepen their understanding of institutional and public choice economics.

Fellowship Benefits

This fellowship is fully funded, offering comprehensive support for scholars to focus on their research. Key benefits include:

• Competitive stipend to cover living and research expenses
• Travel funding for attending residential colloquia
• Accommodation and lodging during fellowship events
• All reading materials and program resources provided
• Networking opportunities with faculty, alumni, and fellow scholars

The fellowship typically covers costs up to USD 8,000, including travel, stipend, and program materials.

Program Structure

Fellows participate in both virtual and in-person activities, including:

• Two residential colloquia at George Mason University
• Virtual seminars and collaborative discussions
• Guided reading programs in political economy, Austrian economics, and institutional analysis
• Mentorship and feedback from experienced Mercatus Center scholars

This combination of in-person and online activities ensures a rigorous intellectual experience and professional development for early-career researchers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have graduated with a doctoral degree within the past six years
• Hold a research or academic position at a university or research organization
• Be committed to participating fully in fellowship activities, including residential colloquia
• Conduct research or teaching that aligns with political economy, public choice, or institutional analysis
• Scholars from economics, law, political science, sociology, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following through the Mercatus Center portal:

• A cover letter detailing research experience and goals
• Current CV/resume
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Short statements describing research interests aligned with fellowship objectives

Early applications are encouraged to allow sufficient time for review and selection.

James Buchanan Fellowship

The fellowship provides:

• A mentorship-rich environment with experts in political economy
• Access to a global network of early-career scholars and faculty
• Opportunities to enhance research skills, publications, and professional visibility
• An intellectually stimulating environment for advancing ideas in institutional analysis, public choice, and Austrian economics

This fellowship is ideal for scholars who want to combine rigorous theoretical training with practical research applications.

Final Thoughts

The James Buchanan Fellowship 2026‑27 is a fully funded opportunity for early-career scholars to grow academically, network internationally, and contribute meaningfully to research in political economy and institutional analysis.
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