Good Authority Announces Its 2026–2027 Fellows Programme

The Good Authority 2026–2027 Fellows Programme invites political scientists to contribute research-informed commentary for a broad audience through a year-long, non-residential fellowship focused on public engagement and accessible writing.

Expanding the Public Reach of Political Science

Good Authority has announced the launch of its 2026–2027 Fellows Programme, inviting political scientists with a passion for public engagement to apply for its second cohort of non-residential fellows. The programme is designed for scholars who are eager to translate rigorous political science research into accessible, engaging commentary for a broad, non-academic audience.

As public debates around politics and policy grow increasingly complex, Good Authority continues to position itself as a trusted platform that bridges the gap between academic research and everyday political conversations. Through this fellowship, the organisation aims to amplify evidence-based insights that help readers better understand both breaking political developments and long-standing policy debates.

About Good Authority

Good Authority is a well-established platform that publishes commentary grounded in political science research. Its contributors draw on peer-reviewed scholarship to explain elections, institutions, public opinion, governance, and global affairs in ways that are clear, timely, and relevant. All content is published under a Creative Commons licence, allowing for responsible republication and wider dissemination of research-informed perspectives.

By cultivating a diverse network of contributors, Good Authority strengthens the role of political science in public discourse and promotes informed democratic engagement.

Overview of the 2026–2027 Fellowship

The Good Authority Fellows Programme runs for a full year, from March 2026 through February 2027, and is structured to support scholars in developing their public communication skills while contributing regularly to the platform.

Fellows selected for the 2026–2027 cohort will receive:

A stipend of USD 2,500 for the fellowship term
Training and mentorship focused on public engagement and effective research communication
Editorial guidance on writing for non-specialist audiences
Opportunities to collaborate with an experienced team of contributors and editors

The fellowship is non-residential, allowing participants to remain in their current academic or professional roles while contributing remotely.

Fellowship Expectations and Outputs

Good Authority fellows are expected to contribute content on a monthly basis, producing work roughly equivalent to 12 blog posts over the fellowship period. These posts should draw on political science research—either the fellow’s own work or that of the broader scholarly community—and connect it to timely political developments or enduring policy questions.

While written blog posts are the core output, fellows are also encouraged to explore alternative formats such as podcasts, videos, or other digital media. These formats are optional but welcomed as part of Good Authority’s broader effort to diversify how research reaches the public.

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is open to scholars with a PhD in political science, as well as advanced PhD candidates who are nearing completion of their dissertations. While the programme is inclusive, selection will prioritise applicants who align with Good Authority’s mission and editorial needs.

Preference will be given to:

Early-career scholars
Scholars from equity-seeking and underrepresented groups
Applicants whose research expertise broadens the thematic, regional, or methodological coverage of Good Authority
Candidates with demonstrated experience or strong interest in collaborative academic or public-facing projects

Strong applicants are those who not only conduct high-quality research but are also motivated to engage audiences beyond academia.

Building Skills in Public Engagement

A defining feature of the Good Authority Fellows Programme is its emphasis on mentorship. Fellows receive guidance on how to write clearly, persuasively, and responsibly for public audiences without sacrificing analytical rigor. This includes learning how to frame research questions in accessible language, connect findings to current events, and anticipate how non-specialist readers interpret political information.

For many participants, the fellowship serves as a valuable professional development opportunity, strengthening skills that are increasingly important for academics, policy professionals, and public intellectuals alike.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026–2027 Good Authority Fellowship are submitted through an online Google Form, which is accessible via the official Good Authority website. Applicants are required to provide a link to their curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the submission.

The application process is designed to identify scholars who can contribute thoughtful, research-driven content while engaging constructively with a broad readership.

The stated application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on January 9, 2026.

Applicants with questions about the fellowship or application process are encouraged to contact the Good Authority team directly via email.

Strengthening Evidence-Based Public Debate

By launching the 2026–2027 Fellows Programme, Good Authority reaffirms its commitment to promoting research-informed public dialogue. The fellowship not only supports individual scholars but also contributes to a healthier information environment, where political debates are informed by evidence rather than speculation.

For political scientists seeking to expand the impact of their work beyond journals and classrooms, the Good Authority Fellowship offers a structured, supportive pathway into public-facing scholarship—one that values clarity, collaboration, and civic responsibility.