We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Research Fellowship?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,285
Share

A research fellowship is a usually temporary academic position which provides an academic with funding so that she can complete an agreed-upon research project. In many countries, these positions are offered across the full spectrum of academic disciplines. Unlike many academic positions, a research fellowship usually does not involve teaching, allowing the fellowship holder to devote most or all or her time to her own research. Those considering a research fellowship should keep in mind that competition for these positions is generally quite intense, and that application procedures can be time-consuming and arduous.

The purpose of a research fellowship is to provide an academic with funding so she can complete a specific research project agreed upon at the time the fellowship was awarded. Often, this type of fellowship is awarded to academics who have recently completed a PhD or other advanced degree and are just entering the career field, although this is not always the case. In many countries, these positions are offered across most or all academic disciplines. The nature of the research carried out by an academic during a fellowship can vary widely, often depending on one’s discipline. A fellow in the medical sciences may be awarded funding to develop a new drug, for instance, while a humanities academic may use her fellowship period to research and write a book or a number of articles.

Many academics regard research fellowships as coveted positions. This is largely because these posts provide a fixed period, usually ranging between one and five years, during which a fellow can carry out research free from the teaching obligations attached to a great many academic positions. Consequently, the fellow can focus solely on her research, an opportunity which many find leads to increased productivity and, in turn, a stronger research record.

Those considering a research fellowship should keep in mind that as these positions are limited in number, competition for them is generally quite intense. Successful applicants are usually those who have a demonstrated history of success conducting research in their chosen field, as measured by such tangible factors as the number of scholarly articles one has published. Additionally, fellowship application procedures can be extremely time-consuming and complex. To strengthen one’s chances of receiving a research fellowship, it is helpful to begin the application process well in advance of the deadline, and to seek application feedback from trusted colleagues within one’s chosen academic field.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-research-fellowship.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.