2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships for Duke University Students

Duke University students have a chance to join the 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships. This program from the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity offers hands-on work in research about social inequality. Both graduate and undergraduate students can apply to build skills and networks in this field.

The fellowships focus on key areas like education, economic chances, health fairness, prison reform, and public policy. Students work with teams that use data and new methods to study inequality. This setup helps participants learn advanced tools and contribute real work.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Social inequality affects people everywhere. These fellowships let students explore its causes and find solutions based on facts. The program shows how research shapes policies, programs, and discussions.

It builds skills for careers in academia, policy, or advocacy. Students get mentorship and teamwork experience. The Cook Center also creates a group of diverse scholars ready to fight inequality at home and abroad.

What You’ll Gain

Fellows receive strong support and growth chances. Here are the main benefits:

• Stipend: Graduate students get $10,625.01 for the summer. Undergraduates earn $2,500 per term, or $5,000 for both terms.
• Mentorship: Work one-on-one with faculty, postdocs, and experts for career advice.
• Research Experience: Help with data collection, reviews, analysis, and sharing results.
• Skill Development: Learn research methods, stats, teamwork, project management, and clear communication.
• Networking: Connect with peers and pros from different fields for future work.
• Professional Exposure: Share your findings on the Cook Center site for wider notice.

Graduate fellows can mentor undergrads, which builds leadership. Undergrads see high-level research up close.

Eligibility Requirements

The program has clear rules for applicants.

For Graduate Fellows:

• Current Duke PhD students in good standing.
• Enrolled for Fall 2026.
• Check with your department on summer funding.

For Undergraduate Fellows:

• Current Duke students enrolled for Fall 2026.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

For All Fellows:

• Strong interest in social equity research.
• Commit to biweekly meetings and project work all summer.

Application Process and Deadlines

Start by getting the right form from the Cook Center website, for grads or undergrads. Gather your CV, research interest statement, and recommendation letters into one PDF. Follow the site’s steps to submit.

Key dates:

• Priority deadline: March 31, 2026.
• Rolling deadline: April 30, 2026, if spots remain.

Check the official Cook Center website for full details and to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the 2026 Cook Center Summer Research Fellowships?

Current Duke undergraduate and graduate students enrolled for Fall 2026 with a strong interest in social equity research are eligible. Graduate students must be PhD candidates in good standing.

What benefits do fellows receive?

Fellows get stipends, one-on-one mentorship, hands-on research experience, skill building, networking opportunities, and professional exposure through the Cook Center website.

What are the application deadlines?

The priority deadline is March 31, 2026, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, if spots remain.

How do I apply for the fellowships?

Visit the Cook Center website to get the application form, combine your CV, research statement, and recommendation letters into one PDF, and submit following the site’s instructions.