The Good Authority editorial team has officially opened applications for the second cohort of the Good Authority Fellows Program—a year-long, non-residential fellowship designed to support political scientists who are passionate about strengthening public understanding of politics through rigorous, research-informed storytelling.
This fellowship offers a rare professional development pathway for scholars who want to translate political science research into clear, compelling commentary that reaches broad public audiences at a moment when misinformation and democratic uncertainty are on the rise.
About the Good Authority Fellows Program
Duration: March 2026 – February 2027
Stipend: USD 2,500
Format: Fully remote
Commitment: ~1 post per month
Outputs:
- 12 research-based public-facing blog posts (core requirement)
- Optional multimedia contributions (short videos, interviews, podcast segments)
The fellowship combines structured mentorship, hands-on editorial guidance, and writing practice focused on crafting accessible, timely, evidence-based political analysis. Fellows will learn to:
- Frame narratives for non-academic audiences
- Translate empirical findings into engaging commentary
- Connect research to current events and ongoing political dynamics
The program is flexible and designed to fit around teaching, research, and other academic responsibilities.
What Fellows Will Do
Selected fellows will:
Produce monthly research-informed blog posts
Posts will link political science research to:
- Breaking political developments
- Long-term institutional trends
- Issues related to democracy, governance, public opinion, elections, policy, and more
Work closely with editors
Fellows receive individualised support to improve:
- Clarity and accessibility
- Structure and argumentation
- Evidence communication
- Narrative style
Engage with a scholarly community
Optional activities include:
- Peer feedback sessions
- Community discussions
- Collaborative writing projects
Explore alternative content formats
Those interested may contribute:
- Short videos
- Podcast segments
- Interviews
- Q&A features
Good Authority’s platform reaches policymakers, journalists, educators, and civic-engaged readers, giving fellows meaningful public visibility.
Apply for the Waste to Wealth Initiative 2026
Why the Fellowship Matters
Political science has immense potential to inform public discourse—but much academic work remains inaccessible to the broader public. The fellowship aims to bridge this gap by empowering scholars to:
- Bring research-backed analysis into public debates
- Combat misinformation with evidence
- Elevate diverse voices in political scholarship
- Build a public-facing writing portfolio
- Strengthen the discipline’s role in democratic life
Through mentorship and consistent practice, fellows gain essential communication skills that support both academic and non-academic career advancement.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in political science, OR
- Be an advanced PhD candidate nearing dissertation completion
- Priority consideration is given to applicants who:
- Are early-career scholars
- Come from underrepresented or equity-seeking groups
- Study topics that diversify Good Authority’s content
- Have demonstrated public communication potential
- Show strong writing and analytical clarity
- Public writing experience is a plus, but not required.
Training & Mentorship
Fellows will benefit from:
- Monthly editorial meetings
- Tailored feedback on writing style, clarity, and public communication
- Insights from journalists and experienced public scholars
- Collaborative engagement with other fellows
- Structured support in idea development and storytelling techniques
By the end of the program, fellows will have a significant portfolio of published work and refined skills in communicating research to global audiences.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their materials through the Good Authority Fellowship Google Form, including:
- A link to a current CV
- Short written responses about research interests and contribution areas
- Writing samples (academic or public), if available
Application Deadline
January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Late submissions will not be considered.
Good Authority welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, methodological traditions, and research interests. The fellowship seeks scholars dedicated to strengthening public engagement with evidence-based political science and contributing to a healthier democratic discourse.
APPLY TO BECOME A GOOD AUTHORITY FELLOW
Author
Discover more from Leaving Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
