duke-university-visiting-scholars-program-2026–2027:-research-opportunity-in-the-history-of-political-economy
Duke University Visiting Scholars Program 2026–2027: Research Opportunity in the History of Political Economy

Duke University’s Center for the History of Political Economy (HOPE Center) welcomes applications from scholars interested in conducting independent research through its Visiting Scholars Program in Durham, North Carolina, United States. The programme provides an opportunity for researchers to pursue their own academic projects while engaging with a vibrant intellectual community focused on the history of political economy.

The centre typically welcomes 8–12 visiting scholars, offering appointments for a semester, a full academic year from September to May, or a twelve-month period. The programme may be suitable for established academics, early-career researchers and other scholars whose work aligns with the centre’s research interests.

Applicants should consult the official programme website and submission instructions for current application requirements, available appointment periods and deadlines. The supplied announcement does not specify a closing date, stipend, salary or funding package.

About the Center for the History of Political Economy

The HOPE Center is based within the Economics Department at Duke University. It supports scholarship on the history of political economy and provides an academic environment where researchers can develop their work, exchange ideas and engage with other scholars.

Although the primary purpose of the Visiting Scholars Program is to enable participants to pursue independent research, the centre also encourages visitors to take part in its academic activities. These engagements can help visiting researchers develop new perspectives, build professional connections and benefit from discussions with faculty members and fellow scholars.

The programme offers an opportunity to work within a university setting while contributing to broader conversations about the historical development of economic ideas, institutions and policy debates.

Research Opportunities and Academic Engagement

Visiting scholars are expected to focus primarily on their own research projects. During their appointments, they are encouraged to participate actively in the HOPE Center’s intellectual community.

Available academic activities include:

  • Workshop and Lunch Series: Opportunities to discuss research and engage with scholars working on related subjects.
  • Hayek Lectures: Academic lectures that contribute to discussions within political economy and related fields.
  • Conferences: Opportunities to participate in scholarly events and exchange ideas with researchers.
  • Academic classes: Junior scholars may benefit from sitting in on classes during the academic term, where appropriate.
  • Summer in the Archives: An additional opportunity that may be particularly useful for researchers working with historical documents and archival materials.

These activities can complement independent research by providing access to academic discussions, scholarly feedback and opportunities to establish professional relationships.

Available Appointment Periods

The Visiting Scholars Program offers several appointment options, allowing researchers to identify a period that fits their academic plans.

Semester appointment: Scholars may apply to spend one academic semester at Duke University, subject to the centre’s arrangements and approval.

Full academic year: Researchers may seek an appointment covering the academic year from September to May.

Twelve-month appointment: A full-year visit is another option for scholars who need an extended period to develop their research.

Researchers interested in shorter stays should explore the centre’s separate Academic Visits programme, which is designed for shorter research visits.

The exact availability of these options for a particular academic year should be confirmed through the official programme and application instructions.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The programme may be relevant to scholars whose research focuses on the history of political economy, economic thought and related historical or intellectual questions.

Potential applicants should have a clearly defined research project that would benefit from time in an academic environment and engagement with the HOPE Center’s scholarly community. Junior scholars may find the programme particularly valuable because of opportunities to attend classes during the academic term and participate in relevant research activities.

However, the supplied programme description does not provide a complete list of eligibility requirements, required academic qualifications or selection criteria. Applicants should therefore review the official submission instructions before preparing an application.

Benefits of the Visiting Scholars Program

Participation can provide researchers with dedicated time to advance independent academic work while becoming part of a university-based research community.

Potential benefits include access to scholarly discussions, opportunities to receive feedback, participation in workshops and conferences, and engagement with researchers who share related interests. Depending on their research needs and appointment arrangements, visiting scholars may also benefit from the centre’s academic environment and relevant archival activities.

Important funding note: The published information supplied here does not confirm whether the programme provides a stipend, salary, travel assistance, accommodation or other financial support. Prospective applicants should establish the financial arrangements directly with the centre before making travel or relocation plans.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow the official Visiting Scholars Submission Instructions provided by Duke University’s Center for the History of Political Economy.

Before submitting an application, candidates should review the required documents, application procedure, available appointment periods and any relevant deadlines. They should also ensure that their proposed research is clearly explained and relevant to the centre’s academic focus.

As the supplied announcement does not list the required application materials or a specific deadline, applicants should not rely on an assumed closing date. The official website is the authoritative source for the latest information.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

Duke University’s Visiting Scholars Program offers a valuable academic setting for researchers seeking time to advance independent work in the history of political economy while engaging with a dedicated scholarly community. Interested candidates should consult the official resources to confirm eligibility, application requirements, funding arrangements and appointment availability.