The Charles F. Kettering Foundation’s research fellows are leading scholars, practitioners, and public intellectuals who produce timely, high-impact research that informs and advances inclusive democracy. Their work spans critical issues such as democratic governance, citizen engagement, and the global contest between authoritarianism and democratic resilience.  

Through individually tailored, nonresidential fellowships, research fellows pursue translational research that bridges theory and practice, ensuring that their insights are both rigorous and accessible to broad audiences that range from academics and policymakers to civic leaders and the public. In collaboration with the foundation, fellows contribute to public scholarship that deepens understanding of the forces shaping democracy and supports actionable strategies for democratic renewal. 

Research fellows also engage the broader public through Kettering’s From Many, We blog series, The Context podcast, The Stakes video series, and virtual and in-person convenings.