About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Fellowship Overview
The EPOVB Early-Career Fellowship will award funding to up to six scholars in 2026. Each selected Fellow will receive a grant of $500 to support their research activities.
In addition to the financial award, every Fellow will be paired with an experienced mentor from the EPOVB community. The mentorship component is intended to help junior researchers refine their projects, receive professional guidance, and build meaningful connections within the political science discipline.
Mentors and mentees will determine the structure of their engagement, although regular meetings throughout the academic year are encouraged. Fellows will have the opportunity to discuss their research progress, receive feedback on their work, and gain valuable insights from established scholars in the field.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open to:
Graduate students conducting research related to elections, public opinion, voting behavior, or political participation.
Junior scholars who earned their Ph.D. in 2024 or later.
Current or future members of the EPOVB Section.
Researchers interested in advancing scholarly work within political behavior and electoral studies.
The fellowship particularly seeks to support emerging researchers who can benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities while contributing innovative ideas to the field.
Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit their materials in English and provide a concise research proposal outlining their intended project.
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The proposal should include:
The primary objective of the proposed research project.
An explanation of how the fellowship will contribute to achieving the project’s goals.
A description of the research design and methodology.
Additional application materials include:
A brief paragraph explaining the value of mentorship from an EPOVB scholar.
A short statement describing how the fellowship funds will be used.
A current curriculum vitae (CV).
The fellowship committee encourages applicants to clearly demonstrate how the proposed funding will support meaningful progress in their research.
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How Fellowship Funds Can Be Used
Recipients will have flexibility in determining how to allocate the fellowship funds based on their research needs.
Eligible uses may include:
Accessing research databases and archives.
Conducting surveys and data collection.
Covering travel expenses related to research activities.
Purchasing books and academic materials.
Translation services.
Professional membership fees.
Childcare expenses that facilitate research participation.
Acquiring specialized resources necessary for project completion.
Applicants should explain how their planned expenditures will directly contribute to advancing their research objectives.
Mentorship and Professional Development Opportunities
One of the most valuable components of the EPOVB Early-Career Fellowship is its structured mentorship program.
Selected Fellows will be matched with established scholars whose expertise aligns with their research interests. These relationships are expected to provide:
Professional guidance and career development support.
Constructive feedback on research projects.
Opportunities to expand academic networks.
Exposure to broader scholarly conversations in political science.
Increased visibility within the EPOVB community.
The fellowship seeks not only to fund research but also to cultivate long-term professional relationships that can benefit scholars throughout their careers.
Presentation Opportunity for Fellowship Recipients
Successful applicants will be invited to present their research during the annual EPOVB conference scheduled for Spring 2027.
This presentation opportunity will allow Fellows to:
Share research findings with peers and experts.
Receive scholarly feedback.
Build connections within the political science community.
Enhance the visibility of their work.
Additional funding may also become available to help support travel costs associated with attending the conference.
At the conclusion of the fellowship period, recipients will be required to submit a brief report summarizing how the fellowship contributed to the advancement of their research.
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Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
The EPOVB Section emphasizes its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within political science.
Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to share information regarding their identities as members of historically marginalized groups. Any information provided for diversity considerations will remain strictly confidential and will be used only as part of the fellowship selection process.
The program’s broader goal is to create a more inclusive academic community while supporting innovative research across diverse perspectives and experiences.
Application Deadline and Key Dates
Prospective applicants should take note of the following timeline:
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Announcement of Awardees: July 31, 2026
Mentor Matching and Preparation: August 2026
Fellowship Begins: During APSA 2026
Fellowship Ends: During APSA 2027
Applications should be submitted directly to Melissa R. Michelson via email
About the EPOVB Section
The Elections, Public Opinion, and Voting Behavior Section is one of the largest and most active organized sections within the American Political Science Association. The section promotes research and teaching focused on elections, voter behavior, public opinion, political participation, and democratic processes in both the United States and around the world.
Through conferences, scholarly publications, awards, and mentorship initiatives, EPOVB continues to support the development of both established and emerging political scientists while advancing knowledge in the study of political behavior.
Final Thoughts
The EPOVB Early-Career Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for graduate students and recent Ph.D. graduates to strengthen their research, access mentorship from leading scholars, and expand their professional networks. With funding support, conference presentation opportunities, and individualized mentorship, the fellowship represents a valuable platform for advancing scholarship in elections, public opinion, and voting behavior.
How to apply