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The von der Heyden Global Fellowship (vdH Fellows) is a prestigious opportunity designed to support advanced Duke PhD students who are deeply engaged in research that bridges international or regional studies with critical issues of racial, social, and equitable justice. Eligible applicants are those who have successfully completed their preliminary exams and fieldwork, positioning them to fully dedicate themselves to their dissertation research. This fellowship provides comprehensive financial support for a full twelve months, allowing fellows the freedom to immerse themselves in their scholarly pursuits. In addition to financial backing, the fellowship offers a dynamic cohort experience and valuable professional development opportunities, fostering an environment where intellectual exchange and collaborative growth can thrive.
This fellowship is inspired by the legacy of John Hope Franklin, whose lifelong commitment to justice through rigorous scholarship and public engagement serves as a guiding light for the program. Franklin’s work reminds us of the transformative power of academic inquiry when paired with a dedication to societal change. vdH Fellows will join a diverse, interdisciplinary community of researchers, each bringing unique regional insights and disciplinary perspectives to the table. Together, they will critically examine the persistent structural barriers to global justice — including the enduring impacts of colonialism, the inequalities perpetuated by capitalist systems, and the complexities of globalization.
Through collective discussions and individual research, fellows will explore potential pathways to dismantle these barriers and foster a more just and equitable world. Key themes of exploration may include the moral and practical dimensions of global responsibility, strategies for redistribution of resources and power, the importance of meaningful participation and representation, and the mechanisms of empowerment and social transformation. The fellowship encourages scholars to grapple with pressing questions: What do we owe one another as global citizens? How can historical injustices be meaningfully addressed? And what role can scholars play in envisioning and enacting a more just future?
Ultimately, the von der Heyden Global Fellowship aims to cultivate a new generation of scholars whose work not only advances academic knowledge but also contributes to real-world change. By supporting research that interrogates injustice and imagines new possibilities for global equity, the fellowship honors Franklin’s legacy and affirms the Office of Global Affairs and Duke University’s commitment to scholarship in service of society.
To contact the vdH Fellows program, please email globalfellows@duke.edu.
This fellowship particularly intrigued me because it involves an interdisciplinary cohort I can learn from and which I am sure will greatly expand the scope of my dissertation project. I am also excited about the opportunity to learn important skills for building a sustainable community in academia.
Theresa Sambruno Spannhoff, PhD student in German Studies (25-26 vdH Fellow)