Applications are now open for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2025/2026 in the United States. This prestigious one year, fully funded fellowship will take place at George Mason University in virginial and is open to individuals of any nationality and academic background. Designed for the early career scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies, the program encourages fellows to explore the political economy theories of Adam Smith and the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington school of thought. Established by James M. Buchanan Jr. the Virginia of Political Economy examines the interplay between economics, politics, and law. Scholars from any discipline are welcome to apply for this opportunity, which provides comprehensive support, including airfare, a stipend, and housing. With its reputation as a hub of opportunity, the United States offers a dynamic environment for intellectual growth and exploration through this fellowship.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: George Mason University
- Host Country: United States
- Study Level: Undertake Fellowship level ;
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Worth: $8,000 (includes stipend, reading materials, travel, and lodging for colloquia)
- Eligible Countries: Open to both international and domestic students
- Subjects Available: All subjects (with a primary focus on political economy and social sciences)
- Application Deadline: April 19th, 2025
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2025 is a one-year, highly competitive program aimed at scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies. The fellowship is dedicated to the study and application of political economy, drawing from the intellectual traditions of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
Named after James Buchanan, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and a key figure in public choice theory, the fellowship focuses on exploring the institutional foundations that enable economic, political, and social coordination.
Through a series of colloquia, discussions, and mentorship programs, fellows gain deeper insights into the principles of mainline political economy, following the intellectual legacy of thinkers such as Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, James Buchanan, and Elinor Ostrom.
The primary objectives of the fellowship include:
1. Encouraging scholars to engage in interdisciplinary research that bridges economics, political science, and public policy.
2. Providing a structured intellectual environment for discussing and refining research in political economy.
3. Supporting participants in the dissemination of their research through conferences, publications, and workshops.
4. Building a network of like-minded scholars and experts dedicated to advancing research in political economy.
This fellowship is not a full-time residential program. Instead, it involves periodic in-person engagements at George Mason University, making it an excellent opportunity for scholars who wish to remain active in their academic or research positions while benefiting from the program.
Scholarship Benefits
The James Buchanan Fellowship offers numerous benefits that make it a highly desirable academic opportunity. These include:
1. Financial Support
Fellows receive a total award of up to $8,000, which includes:
- A stipend to help cover research-related expenses.
- Essential reading materials to support their studies in political economy.
- Travel and lodging expenses for in-person colloquia at GMU.
2. Access to Prestigious Colloquia
Participants attend three in-person academic weekends at George Mason University, where they engage in:
- High-level discussions and workshops led by distinguished scholars.
- Lectures from top economists, political theorists, and philosophers associated with the Mercatus Center’s Hayek Program.
- Networking events that provide opportunities to collaborate with researchers from leading institutions.
3. Academic and Research Support
- Fellows receive guidance and mentorship from senior scholars in political economy.
- Opportunities to present and refine research with valuable feedback from experts.
- Access to additional funding for conferences, research projects, and publication assistance.
4. Long-Term Career Development
- Becoming a James Buchanan Fellow provides scholars with a prestigious academic credential that enhances career opportunities.
- Fellows join a strong alumni network that can lead to future collaborations, research grants, and faculty positions.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
Must have completed a doctoral program (Ph.D.) within the last six years.
Open to scholars in economics, political science, public policy, philosophy, history, and related social sciences.
2. Professional Experience
Applicants should currently hold an academic or research position at an accredited university or a recognized research institute.
Individuals working in policy analysis, think tanks, or government research roles may also be considered.
3. Intellectual Commitment
Strong interest in political economy and institutional analysis.
Willingness to engage with the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
Ability to contribute original academic research in the field of political economy.
Application Process
1. Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2025–2026 academic year is April 19, 2025.
The review process begins immediately after the deadline, with final decisions announced within 10–12 weeks.
2. Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
A current CV (Curriculum Vitae) outlining academic and professional achievements.
A personal statement (500–1,000 words) explaining their research interests, academic background, and reasons for applying.
A research proposal or writing sample demonstrating their engagement with political economy.
Two letters of recommendation from academic mentors or research supervisors.
Conclusion
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2025 at George Mason University is an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars looking to deepen their understanding of political economy.
Through financial support, academic mentorship, and engagement with top-tier scholars, this program fosters intellectual growth and professional development.
If you are passionate about exploring the fundamental principles of economic and social coordination, this fellowship provides the ideal platform to expand your research, enhance your career, and join a global community of scholars.
To begin your application process, visit the official Mercatus Center website and submit your materials before the April 19, 2025 deadline. Don’t miss this chance to advance your academic career and contribute to the evolving discourse in political economy!
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://economics.gmu.edu/graduate/funding