The USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research Fellowships 2027-2028 offer an opportunity for established scholars to advance research in Holocaust and genocide studies using specialized archival collections and research resources at the University of Southern California (USC).
The Center Research Fellowship supports an outstanding senior scholar whose proposed project can contribute new perspectives to the field. The selected fellow will receive $30,000 in support for a one-semester residency in Los Angeles during the 2027-2028 academic year. Applications are currently open, and interested researchers must submit their materials by December 15, 2026.
Center for Advanced Genocide Research Fellowships Overview
The fellowship is designed for researchers who want to deepen their work through access to specialized historical evidence and collections that may not be readily available elsewhere.
A major resource is the USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive, which contains audiovisual testimonies from survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides. These testimonies offer researchers opportunities to investigate individual experiences, historical memory, social conditions, and the wider consequences of mass violence.
Additional resources include the Holocaust and Genocide Studies collection at USC Libraries and archival materials held in USC Special Collections.
The Center encourages interdisciplinary research and places particular emphasis on areas that remain underexplored within Holocaust and genocide studies. Applicants should therefore demonstrate how their projects will make meaningful use of USC’s resources rather than simply propose a general research topic.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host institution | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Host country | United States |
| Research center | USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research |
| Fellowship name | Center Research Fellowship |
| Academic year | 2027-2028 |
| Award amount | $30,000 |
| Duration | One semester |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Eligible applicants | Senior scholars from any academic discipline |
| Residency requirement | Fall or Spring semester during the 2027-2028 academic year |
| Application deadline | December 15, 2026 |
Benefits Selected Fellow Receives
The fellowship provides:
- $30,000 in financial support for a one-semester residency.
- Access to the Visual History Archive and other relevant USC research resources.
- An opportunity to conduct research at the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research.
- Opportunities to engage with the Center’s academic activities and visiting scholars.
- A platform to present research findings through a public talk during the residency.
Who Can Apply?
The 2027-2028 Center Research Fellowship is intended for senior scholars from any academic discipline whose work can advance research in Holocaust and genocide studies.
A competitive application should demonstrate:
- A strong record of scholarly achievement.
- An original research proposal with clear academic value.
- The potential to contribute new perspectives to Holocaust and genocide studies.
- A convincing explanation of how USC’s research resources will support the proposed project.
- The ability to undertake the required semester-long residency in Los Angeles.
- A willingness to participate in Center activities and deliver a public talk.
Moreover, the announcement does not restrict applicants to a single academic discipline. However, the fellowship is specifically intended for senior scholars, not a general undergraduate or master’s scholarship.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Center identifies several factors that will guide its selection decision:
Originality of the research proposal:
The proposed work should present a meaningful and distinctive contribution to the field.
Potential academic contribution:
The project should have the potential to advance research in Holocaust and genocide studies.
Scholarly achievements:
The candidate’s previous academic and research accomplishments will be considered.
Relevance of USC resources:
Applicants must explain why the Center’s archives and collections are important to the successful completion of their research.
However, a strong application should connect these elements into a clear research plan, demonstrating both the significance of the proposed work and the value of conducting it at USC.
How to Apply for the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research Fellowship
Applicants should prepare the following materials as specified in the official announcement:
- Cover letter: Include your proposed dates of residency.
- Curriculum vitae (CV): Present your academic background, research experience, publications, and other relevant scholarly achievements.
- Research proposal: Submit a proposal of no more than three pages explaining the research topic, methodological approach, and relevant USC resources.
Meanwhile, to submit an application:
- Visit the official Center Research Fellowship webpage.
- Review the fellowship announcement and application instructions.
- Prepare the required documents and ensure that your research proposal addresses the Center’s selection criteria.
- Submit the application through the official application portal linked from the Center’s website.
- Ensure that your submission is completed by December 15, 2026.
USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research Fellowship Deadline
The application deadline is December 15, 2026. The successful applicant must spend either the Fall or Spring semester in residence at the Center during the 2027-2028 academic year.
Moreover, applicants should plan their proposed residency dates carefully and ensure that their research can be carried out using the resources available at USC.
Official Website
For the latest application instructions, eligibility information, and submission link, visit the official pages below:
- 2027-2028 Call for Applications: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cagr/2026/09/11/call-for-applications-2027-2028-center-research-fellowship/
- Center Research Fellowship page: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cagr/fellowships/center-fellowship/
- All Center fellowships: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cagr/fellowships/
Applicants should rely on these official USC pages when preparing their submissions and confirming any updates to the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USC Dornsife Center for Advanced Genocide Research Fellowship open for 2027-2028?
Yes, the Center’s official announcement confirms that applications are open for the 2027-2028 Center Research Fellowship.
How much is the fellowship worth?
The selected senior scholar receives $30,000 in support for a one-semester residency.
Can applicants from outside the United States apply?
The fellowship is intended for senior scholars, including international scholars, from any academic discipline. Applicants should review the official requirements and independently confirm any visa or immigration arrangements needed for the residency.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 15, 2026.
Is this fellowship available to undergraduate students and PhD candidates?
The Center Research Fellowship featured in this article is intended for senior scholars. USC also advertises separate research fellowships for advanced-standing PhD candidates and USC students, each with its own eligibility requirements, award amount, and application process.
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