The Emerging Scholars Program is a full-time fellowship for rising public intellectuals pursuing innovative, ideas-driven projects that advance classical liberal principles.
If you are interested in the program or have a question, contact Rebecca Lowe.
The Emerging Scholars Program is designed to cultivate a new generation of classical‑liberal public intellectuals. Through a full‑time, two-year fellowship based at our office in Arlington, Virginia, the program provides each scholar with immersion in Mercatus’s intellectual community, a network of mentors, tailored training in communications and policy analysis, and weekly collaborative activities. Scholars will each complete a research project, regularly publish influential scholarship, master public‑facing communication skills, and strengthen the public justification of classical‑liberal ideas.
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Fellow at the Labor Policy Project
Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Reach out to Rebecca Lowe at [email protected].
We define "scholar" broadly. Participants may come from academia, policy, journalism, business, or other fields. What matters is commitment to substantive intellectual work and classical liberal ideas.
"Emerging" can apply to individuals at various career stages—whether finishing a degree, shifting focus mid-career, returning to public life, or delaying retirement to pursue meaningful intellectual work.
Beyond conducting core research, scholars will engage fully in our interdisciplinary academic community. Scholars are expected to take initiative by organizing reading groups, hosting events, and building networks.
Fellowships are full-time, salaried positions with benefits. Each scholar also receives individualized mentorship and training tailored to their specific goals and areas of expertise. We provide support for producing content across various media platforms and connecting with relevant audiences.
Mercatus may be able to sponsor visas for successful candidates, depending on eligibility and role requirements. International applicants are encouraged to apply, and visa sponsorship will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
