Spotlight Scholars Program

The Spotlight Scholars program aims to highlight outstanding early-career scholars whose work showcases or advances interpretive approaches to the study of politics. It is open to early career scholars (including advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, typically those who earned their PhDs less than three years ago). Spotlight Scholars are ideally trained as political scientists or work in political science departments; however, scholars from adjacent fields will also be considered.

Starting in the summer of 2024, the Spotlight Scholars Program selects three Spotlight Scholars per academic-year. During their tenure, each Spotlight Scholar is paired with a more senior interpretivist scholar who will provide mentorship. Our aim is to pair early career scholars with senior scholars who share similar substantive or methodological interests and provide a platform to showcase excellent research from early career scholars. Spotlight Scholars participate in an online event organized in the Spring by IMM where they receive feedback from other members of the interpretive methods community.

The program offers not only a platform to present work and receive feedback from an engaged cohort, but also an opportunity to network with and get to know other scholars invested in interpretive methods. Spotlight Scholars are expected to attend IMM’s business meeting at APSA and engage with others’ work through IMM’s online events.

Applicants whose nominations were unsuccessful in previous years are encouraged to re-apply.

Nominations for Spotlight Scholars are currently open and close on July 1st, 2025. Nominate a young scholar for the Spotlight Scholars program by clicking here or on the button.