Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship

Overview

The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs have been administered by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine since 1979 and the Ford Foundation has invested in fellowships as far back as the early 1960’s. These fellowship awards have made substantial contributions in bringing excellence and diversity to the academic community by supporting the career development of almost 5000 outstanding scholars. Many of these scholars continue to be connected to the fellowship programs, to other Ford Fellows, and to the broader work of the Foundation through their scholarship and service in both public and private spheres.

To further engage Ford Fellows in the important work of the Foundation, we have established a Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship award. The Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship will provide funding for selected Ford Fellow or Fellows to conduct innovative research that advances the mission of the Ford Foundation to "reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement." 

Scope of Award

The Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship award is intended to support research that advances and contributes knowledge to areas that are consistent with the work of the Ford Foundation. Applicants will be required to describe how their proposed work will contribute to knowledge, or otherwise advance this mission.

The Fellow will be expected to devote full time to the proposed research project during the fellowship period. During the term of the fellowship, the Ford Foundation Senior Fellow will not have any other obligations at their university. If feasible and desirable for the conduct of the research, the Fellow may work full or part-time, in residence, at a location away from their university. Location options include working at the Ford Foundation in New York, at the Academies in Washington, D.C., or at another location suitable for the approved work plan. The rationale for choice of location should be clearly articulated in the applicant’s Technical Work Plan.

Upon completion, the Fellow will be required to present their research in a plenary talk at the annual Conference of Ford Fellows or approved similar venue.

The Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship award is open only to individuals who have previously held a Ford Foundation Predoctoral, Dissertation, or Postdoctoral Fellowship administered by the National Academies and currently hold a faculty appointment at an accredited U.S. academic institution. Applicants must have held the Ph.D./Sc.D. for at least seven years by the application deadline.

The Ford Foundation Senior Fellowship will be awarded annually to one or more individuals. The term of the award will be for a period of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months, depending on the work plan submitted.

Awards may begin as early as September 1, 2023 but no later than January 1, 2024.

An annual stipend of $80,000 will be pro-rated according to the length of the approved work plan. An allotment of $5,000 for travel and other research expenses also will be provided. The fellowship may be held during a sabbatical year, but this is not a requirement. The stipend will be paid independent of any sabbatical pay. If necessary, health insurance may be negotiated as part of the award.