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American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship

American Association of University Women

The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship increases the number of women in research, development, and academic leadership, and promotes gender equity in higher education by providing funding to women in academia to pursue independent research over the course of a year. The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship supports early-career postdoctoral scholars including both new applicants and AAUW alumnae. The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship is open to applicants in all fields of study, though those engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math fields, or those researching gender issues, are especially encouraged to apply. Established in 1888, AAUW American Fellowships are the oldest non-institutional source of graduate and postdoctoral funding for women in the United States.

Disqualifying Factors

The following are not eligible for consideration:

Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
Employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns, and contract employees
Current AAUW Review Panelists
Immediate families (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of individuals described in the points above
Applicants for another national AAUW fellowship or grant, in the same year
Previous AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave fellowship recipients
Tenured professors

Award Details

American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowships carry a stipend of $50,000. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Outstanding academic and scholarly excellence (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important criterion across nearly all AAUW funding programs.

Competitive applicants should demonstrate:

Excellent academic record
Strong research achievements
High-quality publications (where applicable)
Academic distinction
Evidence of scholarly excellence

Applications should clearly show the applicant's ability to complete the proposed educational or research program successfully. (aauw.org)

2. Potential to advance women and girls (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A defining feature of AAUW funding is its mission-driven focus.

Competitive proposals should clearly explain how the applicant's work will:

Advance gender equity
Improve opportunities for women and girls
Promote educational access
Increase women's leadership
Address barriers to equality

Projects aligned with AAUW's mission are significantly more competitive. (aauw.org)

3. Leadership potential and community impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers look for evidence that applicants have:

Leadership experience
Community engagement
Professional achievements
Service activities
Potential to become leaders in their fields

Applicants should demonstrate that they will make meaningful contributions beyond academia. (aauw.org)

4. Strong and feasible project or study plan (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications include:

Clearly defined objectives
Well-developed research or educational plan
Realistic timeline
Achievable milestones
Appropriate methodology (for research proposals)

The proposed plan should demonstrate both quality and feasibility within the funding period. (aauw.org)

5. Clear long-term career goals (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applicants should explain:

Career objectives
Professional development plans
Long-term vision
How AAUW funding will contribute to career advancement

Reviewers favor applicants with a well-articulated pathway toward leadership and impact. (aauw.org)

6. Demonstrated need for funding (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For several AAUW programs, reviewers consider:

Financial need
Educational expenses
Career transition needs
Lack of alternative funding

Applicants should clearly explain why AAUW support is important for achieving their goals. (aauw.org)

7. Strong letters of recommendation (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Recommendations should demonstrate:

Academic ability
Leadership qualities
Research potential
Professional integrity
Capacity for future achievement

Well-written, detailed recommendations from knowledgeable referees strengthen an application. (aauw.org)

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

AAUW values applicants who:

Promote diversity
Support inclusive education
Address inequities
Contribute to underserved communities

Activities reflecting these values strengthen competitiveness. (aauw.org)

9. Relevant experience and professional accomplishments (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Reviewers consider:

Previous employment
Research experience
Publications
Awards
Volunteer activities
Professional achievements

A strong track record supports confidence in future success. (aauw.org)

10. Complete, well-prepared application (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Successful applications include:

Complete documentation
Well-written essays
Accurate transcripts
Required recommendation letters
Compliance with eligibility criteria
Timely submission

Attention to detail and adherence to program requirements are essential. (aauw.org)

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must identify as a woman.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D., D.Sc/Sc.D, Ed.D., D.B.A., D.Eng, M.F.A., S.J.D./J.S,D/J.D., M.D., D.P.H., D.M.D., D.V.M., D.S.W., or M.P.H. by May 30, 2027.
Applicants must have completed one of the above degrees on or after August 30, 2023.
Applicants must begin their postdoctoral program on or before September 2027, and complete it on or after April 30, 2028.
Applicants must be working full-time on their postdoctoral research for the duration of the award year.
Applicants must be pursuing their postdoctoral research at an institution:
- Recognized as accredited by the US Department of Education, or
- An international institution recognized as eligible to participate in U.S. federal student aid programs, as listed on the Federal Student Aid Participating Schools list.
AAUW Alumnae applying for this award must have adhered to all program requirements during their award year and submitted their final report to AAUW.

Citizenship & Immigration Status

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents from the 50 States, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, United States Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any other territory of the United States.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Association of University Women

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 202.785.7700

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