The AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship is a groundbreaking, time-sensitive, and life-changing opportunity created to support women scholars in their pursuit of academic excellence. This prestigious fellowship is designed for women who have completed their doctoral studies and are now seeking the resources, recognition, and support needed to advance into tenure-track faculty positions. With a powerful $50,000 stipend, this program is not only a game-changer for academic careers, but also a bold statement toward achieving gender equity in higher education.
The fellowship enables awardees to dedicate one full year to independent, full-time research without the burden of juggling multiple responsibilities. This is your final call—a unique chance to unlock the resources and support needed to push your scholarly work to the next level. Whether your project is in STEM fields, social sciences, arts, humanities, or gender-focused research, this fellowship opens doors to career-defining opportunities.
AAUW’s commitment goes beyond funding; it is about fostering an environment where women can break barriers, inspire the next generation, and transform academic landscapes. The selection committee looks for originality, feasibility, and scholarly excellence while also valuing teaching experience and service to women and girls. Preference is extended to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation graduates, single-parent households, and those who have faced adversity—making this fellowship an inclusive, inspiring, and transformational program.
Time is running out. Applications will close soon, and this is your last chance to apply, secure your spot, and fast-track your research career with the backing of one of the most respected organizations championing women’s advancement worldwide.
Name of Organizer
AAUW (American Association of University Women)
Requirement/Eligibility
1. Applicants must identify as women at the time of application.
2. Must hold a doctoral degree or terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., M.F.A., D.B.A., D.V.M., D.S.W., M.P.H., or equivalent) by the application deadline.
3. Must commit to full-time postdoctoral research during the fellowship year.
4. The research must be carried out at a U.S. accredited institution or an international institution recognized for U.S. federal student aid.
5. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
6. Applications must demonstrate originality, feasibility, and potential for scholarly excellence.
7. Teaching experience and demonstrated service to women and girls will strengthen applications.
8. Applicants who are tenured professors, AAUW board members, staff, review panelists, or their immediate family members are not eligible.
9. Candidates applying for another national AAUW fellowship or grant in the same year are not eligible.
10. Special preference is given to those in STEM fields, gender equity research, first-generation graduates, and applicants from diverse or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Duration/Stipend
The fellowship offers a one-year research leave beginning September 1, 2026 and running through May 30, 2027 (minimum). Fellows receive a $50,000 stipend, disbursed in two equal installments—one at the start of the award year and the other at its midpoint. This generous stipend is designed to allow awardees to focus fully on their research, teaching development, and academic career trajectory without financial distractions.
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