Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program and Russell Sage Foundation, New York City (June 2026)

The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program offers a prestigious residential fellowship for social, economic, political, and behavioral scientists at the foundation’s headquarters in New York City. This program provides a unique environment for researchers to pursue data analysis and writing while engaging in an intellectually diverse community. Consequently, scholars benefit from significant financial support and administrative resources, allowing them to focus entirely on projects that address pressing social issues such as economic inequality, racial marginalization, and the future of work.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program
Organizing Institution	Russell Sage Foundation (RSF)
Location	New York City, NY (Residential)
Duration	10 Months (Sept 1 – June 30) or Half-Year
Salary Support	Up to 50% of salary (Max $150,000)
Application Deadline	June 2026

Program Overview

The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program is designed for established researchers who are at least two years beyond their Ph.D. The foundation typically awards 15 to 17 fellowships annually. While in residence, scholars are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the foundation, maintaining a physical presence in their provided offices for at least 75% of workdays. Furthermore, the program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together experts from sociology, economics, political science, psychology, and urban planning.

Core Research Priorities

Fellows typically work on projects aligned with RSF’s core programs:

• Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration: Exploring demographic changes, legal status, and social cooperation.
• Social, Political, and Economic Inequality: Analyzing the “motherhood penalty” and class marginalization.
• Future of Work: Investigating the consequences of anti-union legislation and shifts in the labor market.
• Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context: Understanding the expansion of alternative financial services.

Financial Benefits and Support

The Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program provides extensive financial backing to offset the high cost of living in New York City:

• Stipend: Salary support of up to 50% of the academic year salary (maximum of $150,000 for full year; $75,000 for half year).
• Minimum Salary Guarantee: A salary supplement is provided for those earning less than $100,000 per year to ensure a minimum threshold during the fellowship.
• Housing: Partially subsidized apartments near the foundation offices for those residing outside the NYC area. Fully subsidized housing may be available for fully externally funded scholars.
• Childcare: Subsidies are available for fellows with children below the age of 13.
• Research Tools: Each scholar receives a private office, computer, software, and full access to online journals and databases.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To qualify for the Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following standards:

• Academic Standing: Must be a scholar in the social, economic, political, or behavioral sciences.
• Experience: Applicants must be at least two years beyond the completion of their Ph.D. at the time of application.
• Commitment: Must be willing to relocate to New York City and engage fully in the residential community.
• Exceptions: In rare cases, scholars without sabbatical support (e.g., tenure-track faculty within 7 years of Ph.D.) may request more than 50% salary support.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit all materials through the RSF Fluxx portal. New accounts must be created at least one week prior to the June deadline.

1. Research Proposal: A five-page single-spaced proposal (12-point font) describing the project to be undertaken.
2. Curriculum Vitae: An abbreviated CV of no more than five pages.
3. References/Figures: Up to two additional pages for references, tables, or figures.
4. Submission: Supplementary materials like recommendation letters or full papers are not accepted.

Impact and Statistics

Since its inception, the Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program has supported hundreds of preeminent social scientists, including several Nobel laureates. The program’s strength lies in its diversity; recent cohorts have represented over 15 different disciplines, including social epidemiology, criminal justice, and statistics. By providing a base in NYC, RSF enables researchers to interface directly with the Visiting Journalists and Margaret Olivia Sage Scholars also in residence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum salary support provided?
The program provides up to 50% of your academic year salary, capped at $150,000 for a full-year visit.

Are researchers from outside the United States eligible?
Yes, the foundation welcomes international scholars, provided they meet the academic criteria and can commit to the residency in New York City.

Is there a minimum salary for fellows?
Yes, RSF ensures a minimum fellowship period salary of $100,000 (total from all sources) for those earning less, subject to specific guidelines.

When do applications open for the 2027-2028 academic year?
Applications for the period starting in September 2027 are typically due in June 2026.

Can I apply for a stay shorter than 5 months?
No, the foundation only considers applications for a full 10-month academic year or a single 5-month term.