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.
For Students Considering an Application:
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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.
- The program has a strong preference for projects that significantly advance our understanding of American politics and public policy.
