Sharpen your work at the world’s premier classical liberal residential research center.
Every year since 1933, AIER has offered an exceptional program of fellowships in the social sciences, humanities, and journalism to research scholars and writers who share AIER’s commitment to the serious study of liberty. In addition to enjoying accommodation at no cost, researchers at all stages of their career benefit from AIER’s research library, the peaceful charm of the Berkshires, and the lively intellectual life of our Great Barrington campus.
AIER’s fellowships are intended for full-time professional researchers at all stages of their career. Academics, journalists, and think-tank researchers are all welcome to apply. Advanced doctoral students are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Undergraduate and early-stage MA students should apply to our internship program. Doctoral and advanced MA students should apply to our Graduate Fellowship program.
Short Term Fellowships
- 1-6 week fellowships; variable dates
- Accomodation & some meals provided
- Rolling applications (min. 6 weeks prior to start date)
Harwood Fellowships
- 10-12 week fellowships; variable dates
- Accomodation & some meals included
- $350 per week stipend & generous travel assistance
AIER’s fellowships are intended for full-time professional researchers at all stages of their career. Academics, journalists, and think-tank researchers are all welcome to apply. Advanced doctoral students are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Undergraduate and early-stage MA students should apply to our internship program. Doctoral and advanced MA students should apply to our Graduate Fellowship program.
Our unique campus in the Berkshires affords both a peaceful environment to work in and opportunities for relaxation. You will stay in our world-class accommodations, while AIER takes care of airport and rail transfers and weekday lunches.
Applications
How do I apply for long term fellowships?
Long-term (Harwood) fellowship applications are reviewed quarterly. The deadline for fall fellowships is April 1, for winter fellowships July 1, for spring fellowships September 1, and for summer fellowships January 15.
How do I apply for short term fellowships?
AIER reviews short-term research fellowships on a rolling basis with a minimum of six (6) weeks of advance notice before the proposed fellowship start date. We strive to provide application feedback within three (3) weeks of an application.
The application process typically consists of a formal written application with a research proposal through AIER’s application portal and a single interview with the Fellowship Director.
“The physical and intellectual environment at AIER is a scholar’s dream. The ability to associate freely with some of the most creative minds in economics, history, and other social sciences in an atmosphere that encourages peaceful reflection allowed me to go from having one research project to having a burgeoning research agenda.”
Dr. ANTHONY GILL
The AIER Experience
Discussions and Feedback
One of the most enriching aspects of your time at the Institute will be the opportunity to share your work with a community of dedicated scholars. Throughout your fellowship, you’ll engage in meaningful dialogue with AIER’s research faculty as well as with fellow participants from a variety of academic backgrounds. By participating fully in the intellectual life of the Institute, you’ll become part of a vibrant scholarly network committed to rigorous inquiry, open debate, and the pursuit of ideas that shape society.
Resources for Research
You will have access to AIER’s library, which enjoys full borrowing privileges through Inter-Library Loan, and IT support. You will also be eligible to submit research tasks to the intern pool. Interns accept research tasks on a voluntary basis.
Publication Opportunities
AIER Fellowships create opportunities to meaningfully extend fellows’ scholarship and professional reach. In addition to providing dedicated time and support for serious scientific research, the Institute maintains a robust publication platform—including its own outlets, such as Fusion Magazine—as well as strong ties to major academic journals and journalistic publications.
The Daily Economy
Fellows have contributed hundreds of articles to the Daily Economy, the institute’s internal publication devoted to economic monitoring.
Fusion Magazine
Fusion seeks to continue discussion with leading thinkers writing short- and medium-form essays in a fusionist idiom on a wide range of contemporary topics. Visiting fellows are encouraged to send in submissions.
AIER Press
Fellows have published book manuscripts with AIER on a wide variety of topics in the social sciences and humanities.
Research conferences
Fellows have often been invited to participate in AIER’s research conferences, many leading to special issue or edited volume publication.
Speaking engagements
Fellows have also been invited to speak at AIER Bastiat Society events, our Harwood Graduate Colloquia, the Seminar in Classical Liberalism, and other AIER events.
Some content published by our fellows:
Central Bank Independence: More Heat than Light
President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again feud with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has market observers apprehensive. Economists, policymakers, businessmen, and commentators are worried about growing threats to the Fed’s independence. […]
Teachers’ Unions Think They Own Your Kids
The teachers unions, led by figures like Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) president Stacy Davis Gates, believe they own your children, and they’re not shy about admitting it. Their fierce resistance […]
Trump’s ‘Art of the Deal’ Politics Undermine America’s Future
In game theory, a “first-mover advantage” gives the opening player the power to set the rules of engagement. President Donald Trump built much of his political brand — and his […]
Testimonials
AIER’s reputation for rigorous scholarship and principled inquiry has earned the respect of scholars at some of the world’s most distinguished institutions. These testimonials reflect the high regard in which the Institute is held by academics who value intellectual integrity, depth of analysis, and a commitment to the enduring principles of a free society.
Dr. Michael Ryall
“My AIER Visiting Fellowship was a scholarly experience of rare perfection. On the one hand, the level of intellectual intensity generated by the campus community was incredibly high — from the wonderful staff, to the terrific group of visiting students, to the daily workshops, to the many informal research discussions with amazing scholars throughout the day. On the other hand, the campus setting was so utterly serene. That combination proved optimal for my own research productivity. I managed to generate a new paper that I am quite excited about and that I am sure would not exist had it not been for this unique AIER experience.”
Dr. Anthony Gill
“The physical and intellectual environment at AIER is a scholar’s dream. The ability to associate freely with some of the most creative minds in economics, history, and other social sciences in an atmosphere that encourages peaceful reflection allowed me to go from having one research project to having a burgeoning research agenda.”
Dr. Caroline Breashears
“I have been a Visiting Research Fellow at AIER over the recent summers, and I have greatly enjoyed the stimulating AIER discussions, interactions, and hospitality. In addition, the Berkshires and AIER setting are beautiful places to spend part of the summer. I highly recommend the AIER Visiting Research Fellow experience!”
Jay Liebowitz, D.Sc.
“My short visiting fellowship at AIER was the opportunity I didn’t know I needed to disconnect from day-to-day distractions and demands and finally get going on a long-term research project. The unique location and chance to get to know other smart people from around the world.”
The Fellowships Director
Jason Sorens (PhD. Yale 2003) is Senior Research Fellow and director of the Visiting Research Fellows program at AIER.A political economist by training, his research has ranged from movements for regional autonomy and independence around the world to U.S. state and local policy, especially land-use regulation and housing markets.
Email: [email protected]