The Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Fellowship Program, offering a unique opportunity for academics and practitioners worldwide to conduct cutting-edge research on electoral integrity. The annual fellowship brings together emerging and established researchers, election professionals, civil society leaders, and policy experts to advance evidence-based solutions that strengthen democratic elections and electoral governance.
Applications are open until 30 October 2026, with selected fellows joining an international community dedicated to producing impactful research, participating in expert seminars, and presenting their work at the Electoral Integrity Project’s annual workshop.
About the Electoral Integrity Project Fellowship
The Electoral Integrity Project is a globally recognized research initiative that promotes the study of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. Its fellowship program supports scholars and practitioners at different career stages by providing an international platform for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange.
Rather than functioning as a full-time residential fellowship, the programme combines independent research with structured academic engagement throughout the fellowship period. Participants develop an original research project related to electoral integrity while receiving feedback from fellow researchers, practitioners, and members of the EIP International Advisory Board.
Fellowship Categories
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds through four fellowship streams:
| Fellowship Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Junior Fellow | Master’s and PhD students or doctoral candidates |
| Fellow | Postdoctoral researchers, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, or equivalent |
| Senior Fellow | Associate Professors, Full Professors, Readers, and senior academics |
| Practitioner Fellow | Professionals working in government, NGOs, civil society, industry, or election-related fields |
The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries whose research or professional work contributes to the understanding and improvement of electoral integrity.
What Fellows Will Do
Successful applicants will undertake an original research project addressing a topic related to elections, democracy, governance, or electoral institutions.
Core programme activities include:
- Conducting an independent research project on electoral integrity
- Producing a working paper suitable for academic or policy audiences
- Presenting research at the Electoral Integrity Project’s annual conference and workshop
- Participating in monthly research seminars with fellow participants
- Engaging in peer review, discussion, and collaborative learning
Junior Fellows also have the opportunity to be matched with a senior mentor from the International Advisory Board or established practitioner partners, providing valuable guidance throughout their research journey.
Named Fellowship Awards
In addition to the general fellowship programme, applicants may be considered for two funded named fellowship awards.
Carter Center Democracy Fellowships
Two fellowships valued at US$1,000 each are available for students and scholars from any country conducting research on any aspect of electoral integrity. These awards are offered in collaboration with The Carter Center and support outstanding research that contributes to democratic elections worldwide.
Electoral Management Resiliency Fellowships
Two fellowships valued at CAD$1,000 each are available for junior scholars and practitioners whose projects focus on strengthening electoral management resilience. Priority topics include legal frameworks, leadership capacity, institutional resilience, financial sustainability, emerging technologies, and changing public attitudes toward electoral management. These fellowships are supported in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
Research Themes
The fellowship welcomes projects across a broad range of electoral integrity topics, including:
- Election administration and governance
- Electoral management bodies
- Democratic institutions
- Political communication and misinformation
- Election observation
- Digital democracy and emerging technologies
- Campaign finance and political participation
- Voting behaviour and representation
- Electoral law and institutional reform
Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are encouraged, alongside interdisciplinary projects that connect political science, sociology, public policy, law, technology, economics, and governance.
Why Apply?
The Electoral Integrity Project Fellowship offers more than recognition—it provides access to an international network of leading scholars and practitioners working on some of the most pressing challenges facing democratic elections.
Participants benefit from:
- International academic collaboration
- Expert feedback through monthly seminars
- Mentorship opportunities for junior researchers
- Presentation opportunities at the annual workshop
- Increased visibility for research through the EIP network
- Eligibility for competitive named fellowship awards
The programme is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to develop publishable work while building connections with experts in comparative politics, election studies, governance, and democratic institutions.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Strong applications typically present a clear and well-defined research question with practical or scholarly significance.
Applicants should ensure their proposal includes:
- A clearly articulated electoral integrity challenge
- A robust research methodology
- Expected academic or policy contributions
- A realistic timeline for completing the working paper
- Evidence of relevant academic or professional experience
Junior applicants should also highlight how mentorship would support their research development and long-term career goals.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 Electoral Integrity Project Fellowship Program are open internationally and must be submitted by:
30 October 2026
Interested candidates should complete the official online application form before the deadline.
