The Adam Smith Fellowship is a competitive programme for doctoral students who wish to deepen their knowledge of political economy. The fellowship offers mentorship and structured workshops outside doctoral study. It is open to doctoral candidates from any country.
About the Adam Smith Fellowship
The fellowship is offered by the Mercatus Centre, a research organisation affiliated with George Mason University. It administers this grant as an honour to Adam Smith’s legacy. Successful applicants receive funding to cover travel, accommodation, and participation costs.
Participants attend three weekend colloquia during the academic year and an extra week-long summer session. The programme will discuss several topics which will help participants apply insights to their dissertations and research projects.
The fellowship supports academic development, networking, and practical exposure. Applicants should show strong academic commitment and a clear understanding of political economy.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: Up to US$7,000
- Maximum award: US$7,000 per fellowship cycle.
- Project duration supported: One academic year
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Who Can Apply for the Adam Smith Fellowship
Eligible organisation types
- Individuals enrolled in accredited PhD programmes.
- Independent researchers who are full-time PhD candidates.
- Students from universities worldwide.
- Individuals committed to research in political economy.
Registration or legal documents
- Proof of enrolment in a PhD programme.
- Curriculum vitae or academic resume.
- Personal identification as required.
- Institutional authorisation, if applicable.
Project focus requirements
- Research interests related to political economy.
- Engagement with history and public policy.
- Ability to participate fully in fellowship activities.
- Intellectual objectives aligned with the fellowship’s mission.
Geographic eligibility
- Open to applicants globally.
- Must be able to attend in-person events in the United States.
- Visa or travel requirements are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Projects and research may have local, national, or international relevance.
Sector or thematic focus
- Political economy and economic thought.
- Public policy and economic behaviour.
- Economic history and philosophical foundations.
- Interdisciplinary approaches involving economics, politics, or sociology.
Application Process
- Access the fellowship application through the Mercatus Centre portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit a cover letter outlining your academic background, research interests, and reasons for applying.
- Upload a current curriculum vitae and responses to short-answer questions.
- Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and successful candidates are notified after the review period.
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Required Materials
- Completed online application form.
- Cover letter (one to two pages) describing academic background and research focus.
- Academic curriculum vitae or resume.
- Responses to short-answer questions provided in the application.
Key Dates
- Application opening date: January 2026.
- Application deadline: 15 March 2026.
- Review period: May 2026.
- Notification date: Twelve weeks post-deadline.
- Fellowship participation: Academic year 2026–2027.
Selection Notes
- The fellowship is highly competitive,
- Priority is given to doctoral students demonstrating strong research in political economy and commitment to attending all fellowship events.
- Applicants not enrolled in a doctoral programme and unable to attend in-person sessions are excluded.
Official Source of the Adam Smith Fellowship
Application Page: https://mercatus.tfaforms.net/5120155