Visiting Scholar Selection Criteria
The Russell Sage Foundation’s Visiting Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for select scholars in the social, economic, political and behavioral sciences to pursue their data analysis and writing while in residence at the foundation’s headquarters in New York City.
All applications undergo internal screening for relevance to RSF’s priority areas and the strength of the application. Applications that are internally approved are then externally reviewed by experts selected by the Foundation. Final selection decisions are made by a committee of the Russell Sage Board of Trustees.
The selection of Visiting Scholars is based on both an individual’s demonstrated record of research accomplishments and the scientific merit of the applicant’s proposed project. Several criteria receive special consideration. The project’s relevance to RSF’s declared mission to contribute to “the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States” is given substantial weight—this usually rules out studies of other countries unless they are part of a comparative project aimed at elucidating social and living conditions in the U.S. Strong preference is given to proposals focused on RSF’s priorities. On occasion, selected scholars work on projects less immediately relevant to RSF’s priorities that are innovative and might influence the Foundation to consider new directions. We also make a special effort to include talented early-career scholars and to promote racial/ethnic, gender and disciplinary diversity in each year’s class.
Applications are typically due at the end of June for a fellowship period starting in September of the following calendar year.
All applications must be submitted through the portal. New accounts must be created at least one week before an application deadline. Activating a new account may take up to two business days.
Submit a five-page proposal describing the project to be undertaken while in residence at the Foundation. No more than 5 single-spaced pages, with standard 11 or 12-point font and 1-inch margins—excluding up to 2 pages of references and figures/tables).
We do not accept supplementary application materials such as papers and recommendations.
*New accounts must be created at least one week before an application deadline. Activating a new account may take up to 5 business days.
Russell Sage Foundation Fellows
