The National Academy of Education advances high-quality education research and its use in policy formation and practice. Founded in 1965, the academy comprises United States members and foreign associates who are elected on the basis of outstanding scholarship related to education. Since its establishment, NAEd has undertaken research studies that address pressing issues in education typically conducted by members and other scholars with relevant expertise.

As part of that mission, the NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship Program seeks to encourage a new generation of scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields to undertake research relevant to the improvement of education. These $27,500 fellowships support individuals whose dissertations show potential for bringing fresh and constructive perspectives to the history, theory, analysis, or practice of formal or informal education anywhere in the world.

Although the dissertation topic must concern education, graduate study may be in any academic discipline or professional field. (Fellowships have been awarded to candidates in anthropology, architecture, art history, communications, economics, education, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, public health, religion, and sociology.)

In 2018, thirty-five fellows will receive fellowship stipends of $27,500 each to support completion of their dissertation. Funds must be expended within a time limit of up to two years and in accordance with the work plan provided by the candidate.

Applicants need not be citizens of the United States; however, they must be candidates for a doctoral degree at a graduate institution within the United States.

NAED will begin accepting applications on August 1, 2018.

For complete program guidelines, information about an informational webinar, application instructions, and the site’s FAQ, see the National Academy of Education website.