Now Open! Applications for the 2026 APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant (DDRIG)
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (ET)
Apply Here
The Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant project provides support to enhance and improve the conduct of doctoral dissertation research in political science. Awards support basic research which is theoretically derived and empirically oriented. The APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant program intends to award between twenty and twenty-five grants yearly of between $10,000 and $20,000 to support doctoral dissertation research that advances knowledge and understanding of citizenship, government, and politics.
The 2026 cycle of APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants opened April 1, 2026 and closes June 1, 2026.
APSA may be unable to make grant awards for the 2026 cycle if APSA does not receive the funds for the administration of this grant from the National Science Foundation. The issuance of this call for applications for research grants does not constitute a guarantee that APSA will make these grant awards.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant (DDRIG) are due Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Apply here!
The APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants are available to all US-based graduate students who are at the point of initiating or are already conducting empirical dissertation research focused on advancing knowledge and understanding of citizenship, government, and politics.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Applicants must be enrolled at a doctoral degree granting university at the time of application.
- Applicants must be enrolled at a university accredited in and having a campus located in the United States.
- Applicants must have completed all preliminary degree requirements at the time of their application, including having successfully completed comprehensive exams and a dissertation prospectus defense.
- Applicants must be sponsored by their dissertation adviser.
- Applicants must be endorsed by their graduate institution. If the grant application is successful, grant funds will be distributed through the student’s host institution.
Join the DDRIG Q&A Session
Have questions you’d like ask in-person? Register for a virtual DDRIG application webinar that provide insights on the DDRIG review process and discuss what makes an effective application.
To sign up for this webinar about how to put together a strong DDRIG application, register here with a .edu email address. This webinar will also feature three current 2025 grantees for a Q&A session about their application process.
Q&A Webinar: APSA 2026 DDRIG Applicants
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
2:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Register Here
For more information about the grant, the application, and eligibility, visit the APSA DDRIG website. If you have any additional questions, please contact Elizabeth Meehan at dissertations@apsanet.org.
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