The Women’s Refugee Commission runs this remote research fellowship on gender, displacement, and humanitarian systems. It supports women researchers whose work is informed by lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or statelessness. Fellows develop original research intended to question established humanitarian approaches and advance inclusive, feminist alternatives.
The 2026 inaugural cohort has six fellows, and its application window is closed. WRC has not announced the next application period.
Benefits & funding
- An eight-month research stipend; WRC does not publish the amount.
- Research guidance from WRC staff.
- Peer learning and collaboration with the fellowship cohort.
- Opportunities to present findings at convenings and publish through WRC platforms.
Eligibility
- The call sought early- to mid-career women researchers.
- The stated profile included a completed or ongoing Master’s or PhD in a related field and 3–10 years of research experience. WRC also encouraged women to apply even if they did not meet every listed criterion, so the degree and experience ranges were not encoded as absolute gates.
- Applicants were expected to have lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or statelessness.
- Applicants needed experience working in or researching displacement, migration, or humanitarian contexts, a commitment to participatory and community-centered methods, and fluency in English.
- No nationality or residency restriction was stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Gender requirement
Female
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Application process
- 1Prepare a statement of interest of up to 800 words, including a short biography, reasons for applying, and the connection to professional goals and personal experience.
- 2Attach a CV or resume of no more than three pages.
- 3Submit a research proposal of up to 1,500 words covering the questions, significance, methodology, and community-centered ethical approach.
- 4Provide two sole- or lead-authored writing samples totaling no more than 50 pages, with at least one showing independent research ability.
- 5Provide the names, titles, affiliations, and contact details of two references.
- 6Submit the materials through WRC’s application portal.
Program timeline
Application deadline.
February 9, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Eight-month fellowship began.
March 2026
WRC announced the six inaugural fellows.
April 22, 2026
Fellowship scheduled to end.
October 2026
Next cycle
Not announced.