Juan Sebastián Chamorro - Hewlett
Visiting Fellowship Program

Hewlett Visiting Fellowship


The Kellogg Institute Hewlett Visiting Fellowship for Public Policy is awarded annually through a competitive selection process to practitioners, policymakers, journalists, educators, artists, activists, and others whose work demonstrably advances the Institute’s core research theme of global democracy. Each year, one Hewlett Fellow is chosen to spend a semester or academic year at the Institute, dedicating time to reflect on their area of interest and develop an individualized project – such as a book, artistic work, policy proposal, curricular program, or other innovative endeavor.

Hewlett Visiting Fellowships Include:

  • Up to two fellowships awarded per academic year (August - May); Semester or academic year–long fellowships available
  • Applications off the competition cycle will be considered in exceptional circumstances, especially for candidates at risk.
  • Competitive stipend (commensurate with experience)
  • Round trip travel expenses
  • Medical insurance benefits

  • Research/travel funding

 

Who is Eligible?

We invite applications from individuals with a demonstrated track record of leadership, innovation, and impact in the practice, defense, or support of democracy. Candidates may be based in any country and should be senior practitioners, including civil servants, policy-makers, journalists, businesspeople, artists, civil society leaders, or other professionals.

While scholarly credentials are not required, applicants must demonstrate intellectual engagement and a clear connection to Kellogg’s global democracy theme.
 

Eligibility Considerations (for non-US citizens/residents)

  • Advanced English language proficiency is required
  • Foreign nationals must have a valid passport and obtain a J-1 Visa
     

Other Considerations

According to US immigration regulations, an individual who completes a period of stay of less than five years as a J-1 professor or research scholar and does not have another appointment immediately following the completion of said stay, cannot return to the US in the J-1 Professor or J-1 Research Scholar category until the individual has been outside the US for a minimum period of 24-months. This 24-month bar is different from the two-year home residency requirement some scholars are subject to.

For program information, please contact Lupe Ramírez, Senior Program Manager of Visiting Fellowships and Graduate Student Affairs at gramirez@nd.edu.

Expectations

Residency

The Hewlett Visiting Fellow is expected to reside at the University of Notre Dame for either an academic year (August–May) or a single semester. Limited absences may be permitted with prior approval.

Presentation

The fellow should focus on independent research or a special project that advances a publication for a general audience. Each fellow is expected to deliver at least one public lecture or a Work-in-Progress presentation during their stay.

Participation

The fellow is encouraged to actively participate in the Kellogg Institute’s vibrant academic life, including seminars, lectures, and other events. Informal interaction with faculty, students, and peers is an essential part of the collaborative atmosphere we foster.

Completed Work

We expect the fellow to complete an individualized project, such as a book, artistic work, policy proposal, curricular program, or another innovative endeavor during their stay. We ask that the completed work acknowledges the support of the Kellogg Institute.

 
Application Process

Kellogg Institute fellowship applications are submitted through our online system in Interfolio. 

You will be asked to create an account and you will need to remember your login and password in order to save and return to your application until you are ready to submit.

A complete application will consist of a Visiting Fellowship Application Form and Institutional Required Information Form (IRIF) and the following documents uploaded through the online application system:
  • Cover letter addressing your interest in the fellowship and specifying your preferred term of stay
  • Curriculum vitae
  • A research project statement (6–10 double-spaced pages)
  • Project Abstract (150 words max)
  • Short Bio (200-300 words)
  • Three Confidential Letters of Recommendation - Letters must be received into the Interfolio system no later than October 7
     
Competition for A/Y 2026 -27 - Applications open August 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025

Fellowship Duration

Fellowships are offered for the academic year (August to May) or the fall (August to December) or spring semester (January to May). 

Annual Visiting Fellow Competition

The application for the 2026-27 academic year opens on August 1, 2025 with the deadline of October 1, 2025. Applications off the competition cycle will be considered in exceptional circumstances, especially for candidates at risk.


How Are Hewlett Visiting Fellows Selected?

The Kellogg Visiting Fellow Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant based on:

  • Candidates' contributions to the practice, defense, or advancement of democracy
  • Relevance and potential impact of proposed project
  • Demonstrated leadership and public engagement
  • Potential for engagement in scholarly exchanges and collaboration with the Institute's visiting fellow cohort and broader intellectual community
  • The quality and feasibility of work the fellow would be able to complete during his/her time at the Institute

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Institute offers visiting fellows the possibility of leasing a furnished on-campus apartment, subject to availability.

As salaried employees, Visiting Fellows have coverage through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and other providers for medical, dental, and vision insurance; and access to an onsite medical facility and pharmacy.

The stipend is paid across the months of the appointment in equal payments (e.g. 9 equal payments for academic year, August - May)

Yes, $3,000 is available in research/travel funds

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