Dahl Research Scholars

Robert Dahl

In honor of the late Yale Professor Robert Dahl, widely considered the greatest American political scientist of the Twentieth Century, the Institution for Social and Policy Studies at Yale (ISPS) launched the Dahl Research Scholars in 2015 - 2016 academic year. The program is for Yale College students committed to positively influencing American public policy through research.

Selected Yale College students engage in policy-oriented academic research with leading scholars  affiliated with ISPS in a year-long research fellowship and academic mentorship opportunity. In addition to a policy-relevant research assistant position, Dahl Scholars collaborate with their faculty mentors, and draw support from peer fellows, to complete public policy research projects proposed upon application for the program.

Fellowship support is extended to a select number of Yale College students each academic year, chosen in a competitive application process in the fall. Dahl Scholars are chosen based upon credentials and compatibility with the research assistantships offered, including the relative merits of student research proposals, relevant past experiences and coursework, and faculty references or recommendations for the fellowship.

The fellowship requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours of research assistance each week for the academic year. In addition, Dahl Scholars will be required to attend and prepare for 4-5 peer review meetings designed to support fellows in completion of their independent research projects over the fall and spring semesters. A stipend is provided.

Please note the following:

1) Students must have confirmation from their intended adviser ahead of time that they agree to supervise the project. Moreover, we require that the proposed adviser email a one-paragraph endorsement of the project to the graduate student coordinator before the application deadline that confirms their willingness to mentor the student.
 
2) The program has a strong preference for projects that significantly advance our understanding of American politics and public policy. 
 

Participation for 2026 - 2027

Yale College students need to be enrolled to apply; students on leave of absence for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 are not eligible.

The coordinator for this program is Justin Greenman [justin.greenman@yale.edu]. 

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This program complements, but is distinct from ISPS’ Director’s Fellows program.
Dahl Scholars will focus on positively influencing policy through research. Most will have plans to attend graduate school or join organizations conducting rigorous policy research (think tanks, NGOs).

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Applications are closed for the 2025-2026 cohort of Dahl Scholars. Please check back Fall 2026 for information on how to apply for next year’s cohort.