Visiting Fellows Information

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Regional & Community Outreach (RCO) department supports up to three scholars trained in social science research to conduct one-year research fellowships annually. Fellows receive $15,000 for a published brief. We announce upcoming fellowships in October for the subsequent calendar year. The purpose of the fellowship is to produce short and timely research briefs in areas related to RCO’s work on the economic conditions of low- and moderate-income households and communities in New England or nationally. Each fellow produces one 3,000-word brief intended for a research and policy audience.

We prioritize proposals emphasizing structural explanations and roles and not evaluation studies. We look for proposals that align with our goals for impact on improving conditions of economically excluded people and communities. This could be through widespread readership as well as being informative to policy, discussions, and practice. Research fellows have the opportunity to work as a cohort to support each other’s progress and are paired with a partner from the RCO research team.

Studies are quantitative or qualitative in nature and may employ a mix of research designs and analytic methods. Examples of RCO’s past briefs are accessible on our website. Applicants may submit proposals with co-authors, but in those cases, we establish a contract with just one lead researcher.

To express early interest in next year’s fellowship, contact Sarah Savage.