Lightning Scholar

Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for its 2026-2027 Lightning Scholars Program. This program brings untenured, but tenure-track, faculty at either the assistant or associate level from around the world to Philadelphia for a semester or year of writing, fellowship, and bridging the gap between academia and the policy world.

Since launching in 2016, Perry World House has catalyzed interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research by scholars at Penn and around the globe and convened conversations in Philadelphia on the most pressing global challenges. With fellowship and scholar programs, Perry World House has connected Penn’s students and faculty with the world’s leading academics and policy makers, infusing our research, teaching and, engagement with the ideas, wisdom, and experience of those shaping world events.

This fellowship program allows untenured faculty members at leading research universities around the world to join Perry World House and the Penn community for a semester or full academic year in residence in Philadelphia to produce a major research project or book. While the fellowship program is for faculty working on global affairs topics, preference will be given to faculty working on subjects broadly related to Perry World House’s thematic research areas:  Climate Change, Democracy, Global Justice and Human Rights, and Security.

The ideal candidates for this program will be looking for an in-residence fellowship away from their home institution that will provide the space and support to write, but also the opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary and vibrant community of global affairs scholars and practitioners. Perry World House is especially interested in faculty whose work connects to important global policy conversations and who will want to engage in dialogue with some of the many policymakers from around the world who visit Perry World House.

The program’s compensation is significant and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The program is intended to allow the selected Lightning Scholar to take a comfortable leave from their home institution, often by supporting the difference between a one semester sabbatical provided by the home institution and a full year leave. Although final compensation will depend on the circumstances of each applicant, the program will provide at least $50,000 as well as relevant fees and health insurance, if needed. The fellowship will also include $5,000 in research support, as well as the opportunity to help shape workshops and colloquia at Perry World House.

Applications, which should be submitted via Interfolio, are welcome from scholars who have either a Ph.D. or equivalent degrees (including a J.D.), are standing faculty members at a college or university, and are on the tenure track but still untenured. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on December 1st, 2025.