George Mason University (GMU) is a renowned public research institution located in Fairfax, Virginia, with a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university is known for its commitment to freedom of thought, diversity, and intellectual curiosity, fostering an environment where students and scholars can explore complex global issues. With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, GMU attracts students from across the world, offering cutting-edge research opportunities and a vibrant academic community.
At the heart of GMU’s success is its dedication to practical learning and policy-driven research, particularly in economics, political science, public policy, and law. The university is home to the Mercatus Center, a globally recognized research institute that focuses on advancing knowledge in economics and political economy. Through its various programs and fellowships, GMU provides scholars with access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive networking opportunities, making it an ideal place for academic and professional growth.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: George Mason University
- Host Country: United States
- Study Level: Undertake Fellowship level ;
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Worth: $8,000 (includes stipend, reading materials, travel, and lodging for colloquia)
- Eligible Countries: Open to both international and domestic students
- Subjects Available: All subjects (with a primary focus on political economy and social sciences)
- Application Deadline: April 15th, 2025
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2025 is a one-year, highly competitive program aimed at scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies. The fellowship is dedicated to the study and application of political economy, drawing from the intellectual traditions of the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
Named after James Buchanan, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and a key figure in public choice theory, the fellowship focuses on exploring the institutional foundations that enable economic, political, and social coordination. Through a series of colloquia, discussions, and mentorship programs, fellows gain deeper insights into the principles of mainline political economy, following the intellectual legacy of thinkers such as Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, James Buchanan, and Elinor Ostrom.
The primary objectives of the fellowship include:
- Encouraging scholars to engage in interdisciplinary research that bridges economics, political science, and public policy.
- Providing a structured intellectual environment for discussing and refining research in political economy.
- Supporting participants in the dissemination of their research through conferences, publications, and workshops.
- Building a network of like-minded scholars and experts dedicated to advancing research in political economy.
This fellowship is not a full-time residential program. Instead, it involves periodic in-person engagements at George Mason University, making it an excellent opportunity for scholars who wish to remain active in their academic or research positions while benefiting from the program.
Scholarship Benefits
The James Buchanan Fellowship offers numerous benefits that make it a highly desirable academic opportunity. These include:
1. Financial Support
Fellows receive a total award of up to $8,000, which includes:
- A stipend to help cover research-related expenses.
- Essential reading materials to support their studies in political economy.
- Travel and lodging expenses for in-person colloquia at GMU.
2. Access to Prestigious Colloquia
Participants attend three in-person academic weekends at George Mason University, where they engage in:
- High-level discussions and workshops led by distinguished scholars.
- Lectures from top economists, political theorists, and philosophers associated with the Mercatus Center’s Hayek Program.
- Networking events that provide opportunities to collaborate with researchers from leading institutions.
3. Academic and Research Support
- Fellows receive guidance and mentorship from senior scholars in political economy.
- Opportunities to present and refine research with valuable feedback from experts.
- Access to additional funding for conferences, research projects, and publication assistance.
4. Long-Term Career Development
- Becoming a James Buchanan Fellow provides scholars with a prestigious academic credential that enhances career opportunities.
- Fellows join a strong alumni network that can lead to future collaborations, research grants, and faculty positions.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the James Buchanan Fellowship 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Qualifications
- Must have completed a doctoral program (Ph.D.) within the last six years.
- Open to scholars in economics, political science, public policy, philosophy, history, and related social sciences.
2. Professional Experience
- Applicants should currently hold an academic or research position at an accredited university or a recognized research institute.
- Individuals working in policy analysis, think tanks, or government research roles may also be considered.
3. Intellectual Commitment
- Strong interest in political economy and institutional analysis.
- Willingness to engage with the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of thought.
- Ability to contribute original academic research in the field of political economy.
Application Process
1. Application Deadline
- The application deadline for the 2025–2026 academic year is April 15, 2025.
- The review process begins immediately after the deadline, with final decisions announced within 10–12 weeks.
2. Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- A current CV (Curriculum Vitae) outlining academic and professional achievements.
- A personal statement (500–1,000 words) explaining their research interests, academic background, and reasons for applying.
- A research proposal or writing sample demonstrating their engagement with political economy.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic mentors or research supervisors.
3. Application Submission
- Applications must be submitted online through the official Mercatus Center website.
- All documents should be in PDF format, and applicants should ensure they meet all formatting and content guidelines provided on the website.
4. Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit and research potential.
- Alignment with the fellowship’s focus areas (Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools).
- Quality of research proposal and writing sample.
- Strength of recommendation letters.
Conclusion
The James Buchanan Fellowship 2025 at George Mason University is an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars looking to deepen their understanding of political economy. Through financial support, academic mentorship, and engagement with top-tier scholars, this program fosters intellectual growth and professional development.
If you are passionate about exploring the fundamental principles of economic and social coordination, this fellowship provides the ideal platform to expand your research, enhance your career, and join a global community of scholars.
How to Apply
To begin your application process, visit the official Mercatus Center website and submit your materials before the April 15, 2025 deadline. Don’t miss this chance to advance your academic career and contribute to the evolving discourse in political economy!
Official Website :
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://economics.gmu.edu/graduate/funding
