The Institute for Policy & Social Research Doctoral Research Fellows Program helps develop the next generation of KU interdisciplinary social science scholars. This program provides a select group of graduate students with training and support in interdisciplinary social science research skills. The program also creates a community of graduate students across the social sciences to support each other at KU and in the future.

Program participants meet throughout the academic year to share research plans and findings, gain knowledge of interdisciplinary social science research methods, skills, and analysis, and share experiences and knowledge associated with their graduate studies. The program concludes with research presentations to the KU community. Upon completion, participants will be designated IPSR Doctoral Research Fellows.

Eligibility

KU students enrolled in a doctoral program are eligible for the program. We encourage participation in the second through fourth years of a program. Advanced doctoral students tend to submit more competitive applications because they have had time to demonstrate their commitment to interdisciplinary work through research and writing.

Students from any doctoral program/PhD program at KU can participate in this program regardless of school as long as their research uses a social science perspective. Students from fields that incorporate social science methods and theory are welcome, including from education, journalism, public policy, and social welfare.

Faculty nominators should be IPSR affiliates. Should a faculty member wish to become an IPSR affiliate, please contact us at IPSR@ku.edu.

Selection Process

The application cycle is announced annually in March for the subsequent academic year. IPSR faculty affiliates nominate students for the program. Nominated students are invited to prepare an online application that includes a brief CV and statement of interest. The full application is due in May. A committee of doctoral fellows evaluate applications. Students are notified of their application status in late summer.

The committee reviews applications for the interest a student demonstrates in the program, the strength of the nomination letter, and the interest a student demonstrates in interdisciplinary engagement.

Nominees can apply more than once. Previous applications are not considered in the selection process.

Program Curriculum

Fellows help set the program curriculum based on their needs and interest. In recent years, fellows have learned about:

• Networking and Conferencing
• Preparing for Academic Job Talks
• Non-Academic Jobs for PhDs
• Building Interdisciplinary Collaborations
• Evaluating Secondary Data
• Research Participant Protections
• External Grant Writing

After the Program

After completing the program, IPSR Doctoral Research Fellows are invited to attend sessions in subsequent years while enrolled at KU to refresh their skills. Fellows review the subsequent year’s applicants, provide feedback to improve the program, and informally mentor future Fellows.

IPSR Doctoral Research Fellows, 2026–2027