The CASBS Practitioner Fellowship 2027–2028 is open to non-academic professionals interested in the social or behavioural sciences. The online application deadline is December 11, 2026. The required letter of support is due December 16, 2026.
The Center for Advanced Study hosts this fellowship in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS), Stanford University. Applicants can apply for a full academic year appointment, a Fall 2027 appointment, or a Spring 2028 appointment.
Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 11 December 2026 (All application materials must be submitted online).
- Reference Letter Deadline: 16 December 2026.
- Decision Notifications: Emailed by 31 March 2027.
- Fellowship Term: 2027–2028 Academic Year (Available for the full year from September–May/June, or single terms for Fall or Winter/Spring).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Practitioner Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University is designed for non-academic professionals whose work involves the practical application of behavioral and social sciences—such as journalists, policy practitioners, consultants, public servants, and entrepreneurs. Launched as a pilot program, the fellowship bridges traditional academic research with real-world problem-solving, bringing practitioners into an elite interdisciplinary community of scholars to exchange perspectives on contemporary societal challenges.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Applied Social & Behavioral Sciences: Journalism, public policy, consulting, public service, entrepreneurship, anthropology, economics, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, and related interdisciplinary fields.
Type:
Prestigious Residential Fellowship & Interdisciplinary Research Program
Who can Apply:
- Professional Background: Non-academic professionals and practitioners with a strong record of excellence in the practical application of social and behavioral sciences.
- Curiosity & Engagement: Candidates must possess a healthy curiosity about cutting-edge academic work and a willingness to share how behavioral sciences apply within their unique sector.
- Residency Requirement: Must maintain an ongoing physical presence at CASBS during the fellowship period (at least three days onsite per week) and participate in daily lunches, weekly seminar series, and orientation activities. (Prolonged or frequent absences are strictly limited).
How Applicants Are Selected:
Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s professional record, the originality and societal relevance of their proposed project statement, and their demonstrated ability to engage in cross-disciplinary intellectual conversations.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (International scholars are welcome, provided they meet J-1 research scholar visa eligibility requirements through Stanford University).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University, California, United States.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Selective multidisciplinary annual cohort joining resident academic fellows at CASBS.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Financial Support: Small stipends may be available to supplement base salary or support housing expenses (particularly for practitioner fellows relocating from outside a 15-mile radius of the Center). Final financial determinations are made in Spring 2027.
- Stanford Affiliation & Privileges: Official “Stanford Fellow” designation, ID card granting access to Stanford University Libraries, and sports/rec facilities.
- Workplace & Research Support: Pleasant dedicated workspace at CASBS, desktop IT support, library research assistance, and mail services.
- Intellectual Community: Full participation in weekly fellow seminars, working groups, symposia, and networking events.
How Long Will it Last:
- Full Academic Year: September to May/June (or single semesters: Fall [Sept–Dec/Jan] or Winter/Spring [Jan–May/June]).
Required Application Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume (Maximum 3 pages; must be submitted in PDF format only).
- Project Statement (Maximum 1 page; must be submitted in PDF format only) addressing your plan/focus for the fellowship year, the originality of the work, and its potential relevance to contemporary social issues.
- One Reference Letter (Submitted by the referee by 16 December 2026).
How to Apply:
- Prepare your CV/resume and project statement as PDF documents.
- Access the online application portal via the Stanford CASBS Fellowship Application Page.
- Complete the online form in one sitting (note that the application form cannot be saved in progress) and upload your PDF documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline on 11 December 2026, and ensure your recommender submits their reference letter by 16 December 2026.
