The submission period for a number of Institute for Religion, Culture and Public Life Fellowships is now open. The IRCPL supports academic research, teaching, and scholarship on the study of religion, culture, and social difference at Columbia University, and their Fellowships are an extension of this commitment.

Available Fellowships

Faculty Joint Projects
Deadline for applications: Monday, March 17th, 2025.

IRCPL seeks proposals from Columbia University faculty for Joint Projects that aim to understand the role of religion and secularism, both historically and in the contemporary world. Joint Project funding may be applied to research projects, seminars, conferences, working groups, and other programs that bring together an interdisciplinary group of scholars. IRCPL Joint Projects will fund projects up to $10,000 for travel, materials, and other expenses related to the design and implementation of the project. Learn more here.

Graduate Summer Research Fellowships
Deadline for applications: Monday, March 17th, 2025

IRCPL Summer Research Fellowships are available to Columbia University graduate students for any type of research activity related to the study of religion or secularism. The fellowship provides each student a maximum of $4,000 to cover expenses during the Summer of 2025. Learn more here.

Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships
Deadline for applications: Monday, March 17th, 2025

The IRCPL Undergraduate Summer Fellowship supports summer research or internship opportunities for undergraduate students with a strong interest in the study of religion and/or secularism. Successful candidates will receive a maximum of $1,500 to support their research or internship during the Summer of 2025, and are expected to participate in the intellectual life of the Institute by attending public programs during the upcoming academic year. Learn more here.

Dissertation Fellowships
Deadline for applications: Monday, March 31st, 2025

IRCPL Dissertation Fellowships provide students with $5,000 towards the completion of their dissertation over the course of an academic semester. The dissertation should focus in a significant way on the study of religion, secularism, or closely related topics. As part of their fellowship, IRCPL Dissertation Fellows attend a seminar/roundtable series with the Director of IRCPL. Each fellow will have the opportunity to present a chapter on which they are working and receive feedback. Learn more here.