AIBM Graduate Research Fellowship 2026

The American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) is inviting applications for its Graduate Research Fellowship, an opportunity designed to support graduate students conducting rigorous and objective research on issues affecting boys and men. The fellowship provides $10,000 per year for up to two years to help emerging scholars advance research that can contribute to a stronger evidence base and improve the wellbeing of boys and men.

The fellowship supports researchers working across disciplines and welcomes both qualitative and quantitative research. Applicants may be conducting research in areas such as economics, political science, sociology, psychology, public policy, education and related fields.

For the 2026 fellowship cycle, AIBM has identified several areas of particular interest, including men’s employment and labour force participation, online gambling, gaming and pornography, modern fatherhood, and social connection, belonging and civic engagement among young men. AIBM may also consider strong proposals addressing other issues related to boys and men.

About the AIBM Graduate Research Fellowship

The AIBM Graduate Research Fellowship is part of the Institute’s broader effort to strengthen research on boys and men and support a community of emerging scholars working in this area.

AIBM describes its research mission as rigorous and objective, with an emphasis on producing evidence that can improve understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing boys and men. The fellowship therefore supports graduate researchers whose work can contribute meaningful evidence to the wider field.

Research may address education, employment, family and fatherhood, health, digital behaviour, social and emotional development, economic policy, gambling, online pornography, civic engagement and other subjects relevant to boys and men.

Fellowship Benefits

• $10,000 per year

• Funding available for up to two years

• Support for research interviews and fieldwork

• Funding for experiments and research participants

• Support for purchasing research data

• Stipend support

• Conference and travel support

• Eligible research fees

• Support for contributions from project collaborators

• Opportunity to join a growing community of scholars researching boys and men

The fellowship does not cover indirect institutional overhead costs.

Research Areas

AIBM welcomes proposals on topics related to boys and men, with particular interest in the following areas for the current cycle.

Men’s Employment and Labour Force Participation

Research may examine declining employment and labour force participation among men, particularly men without a four year college degree. Proposals may explore employment patterns, economic opportunities, workforce participation and factors affecting men’s connection to the labour market.

Online Gambling, Gaming and Pornography

AIBM is interested in research examining how online gambling, gaming and pornography affect boys and men. This area connects with the Institute’s broader work examining digital environments and their social, emotional and financial effects.

Modern Fatherhood

Research can contribute to a modern, inclusive and strengths based understanding of fatherhood. Projects may examine fathers, father figures, male role models and their relationships with boys and young men.

Social Connection, Belonging and Civic Engagement

AIBM is also interested in research examining ways to strengthen social connection, belonging and civic engagement among young men. Research may explore how communities and institutions can create stronger connections and encourage constructive participation in civic life.

Other Research Topics

Applicants whose research does not fit precisely within the highlighted areas may still apply. AIBM also considers research relating to boys’ education, mental and physical health, family relationships, social and emotional development, economic policy and other issues affecting boys and men.

Eligibility Criteria

• Currently enrolled in a PhD programme at an accredited university in the United States

• Conducting research aligned with AIBM’s mission

• Research may be at the dissertation stage, although dissertation stage is not required

• Applicants may come from disciplines including economics, political science, sociology, psychology, public policy and education

• Both qualitative and quantitative research are eligible

• Proposed research should be rigorous and empirical

• Research should address issues affecting boys and men

• Applicants should demonstrate how their research can contribute to the wider field

AIBM encourages applications from researchers whose work can contribute to policy discussions and practical interventions.

Research Expectations

A strong proposal should clearly establish the research question and explain why the issue matters. Applicants should demonstrate a sound empirical approach and provide a clear explanation of how evidence will be collected or analysed.

Research should have a meaningful connection to boys and men. Applicants should also explain how their work could contribute to understanding challenges, identifying opportunities or developing evidence that can inform policy and practice.

The fellowship can support research at different stages, so applicants should explain how the funding would help move their project forward.

Required Application Information

Applicants should prepare an application that clearly explains:

• The research question

• The problem or issue being investigated

• The relevance of the research to boys and men

• The proposed empirical approach

• The expected contribution to the research field

• The potential relevance to policy or practical interventions

• How fellowship funding would support the research

• The research activities that would be undertaken with fellowship support

Applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates alignment with AIBM’s mission and the fellowship’s research priorities.

Selection Criteria

AIBM is particularly interested in researchers whose work can contribute to policy discussions and interventions designed to improve outcomes for boys and men.

Applications are expected to demonstrate:

• Rigorous research design

• Strong empirical foundations

• Clear and important research questions

• Relevance to boys and men

• Potential contribution to the broader research field

• Potential usefulness for policy or practical interventions

• Alignment with AIBM’s current areas of interest

Proposals addressing the highlighted research areas may be particularly relevant to the current fellowship cycle, while AIBM also welcomes strong ideas addressing other issues within its broader mission.

How to Apply

1. Review the AIBM Graduate Research Fellowship information and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that you are currently enrolled in a PhD programme at an accredited university in the United States.
3. Develop a clear research proposal addressing an issue affecting boys and men.
4. Explain your research question, methodology, expected contribution and relevance to the field.
5. Identify how the fellowship funding would support your research activities.
6. Ensure that your proposed work demonstrates rigorous and empirical research.
7. Review your application carefully for completeness and alignment with the fellowship objectives.
8. Interested candidates shall submit the following to admin@aibm.org with the subject line“Student Fellow Application” by December 15, 2026.