Dahl Scholars

Baji Tumendemberel shakes hands on campus

As a Dahl research scholar in 2019-20, Baji Tumendemberel researched incentive structures of privately owned prisons with Professor Daniel HoSang.

In honor of the late Yale Professor Robert Dahl, widely considered the greatest American political scientist of the 20th century, ISPS launched the Dahl Research Scholars in the 2015-16 academic year. The program serves Yale College students committed to positively influencing American public policy through research.

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 to 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.

The fellowship requires a commitment of eight to 10 hours of research assistance each week for the academic year. In addition, Dahl scholars are required to attend and prepare for about five peer review meetings designed to support fellows in completion of their independent research projects over the fall and spring semesters. A stipend is provided.

This program complements, but is distinct from ISPS’ Director’s Fellowship.

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).

For Students Considering an Application:

  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 confirming 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. 
Robert Dahl

It is very hard to ask important research questions unless you define them in terms of their human value. In terms of what difference it will make if you answer them.

—

Robert Dahl

Participation for 2026-27

We are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 cohort. Applications are open to currently enrolled Yale College students from all disciplines with demonstrated experience in research. Successful applicants will have:

  • At least three courses in the social sciences (such as economics, political science, sociology, or psychology)
  • Econometrics and/or at least one upper-level course in the social sciences
  • Evidence of research ability (paper, prior work)
  • Demonstrated familiarity with at least one spreadsheet or statistics program (Excel at a minimum)
  • GPA greater than 3.5

To apply

Please send an email to program coordinator Justin Greenman with the following information and attachments: 

  • Your name
  • Program or department and year of study
  • Name and email address of an academic reference at Yale
  • Current resume
  • Unofficial transcript
  • A one-page research proposal

As a reminder the applicant’s proposed advisor must email a one-paragraph endorsement of the project to the program coordinator before the application deadline confirming a willingness to mentor the student.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified of a decision by mid-October.

Dahl Scholars in the News