SNF Agora’s 2025–26 Visiting Fellows

The SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University stands as a dynamic hub dedicated to advancing democratic innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and civic engagement. Central to its mission is the annual Visiting Fellows Program, which convenes scholars, civic leaders, policymakers, artists, and technologists from diverse fields. By fostering deep dialogue and project development, this program not only enriches academic inquiry but also strengthens real-world democratic practice. The 2025-26 cycle of this program exemplifies the institute’s ongoing commitment to nurturing groundbreaking work aimed at enhancing democracy and the public good.

At its core, the Visiting Fellows Program offers a distinctive opportunity for fellows to immerse themselves in an intellectually vibrant environment. Spanning the full academic year, fellows engage in interdisciplinary dialogue while located in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., cities with rich civic landscapes that amplify the program’s real-world impact. Some fellows remain on campus for the entire duration, facilitating continuous collaboration with faculty, students, and researchers. This sustained presence promotes deeper integration into the institute’s community, fostering innovation through prolonged interaction and idea exchange. Others participate during focused visits aligned with specific projects, accommodating various working styles while maintaining an active role in the program’s activities. This flexible structure supports a dynamic and inclusive exchange of ideas, helping fellows refine and expand their approaches to contemporary democratic challenges.

Beyond the logistics of residency, the composition and goals of the 2025-26 cohort highlight the program’s progressive vision. The selection process, which welcomed applications from committed professionals earlier this year, prioritized diversity across sectors and ideological viewpoints. This mosaic of perspectives enriches the institute’s discourse, enabling a multifaceted exploration of democratic renewal. With stipend support of up to $25,000, fellows are empowered to pursue innovative, high-impact projects that intersect crucial themes such as technology, communication, policy-making, and the arts. The program’s interdisciplinary reach is evident in scholars like Amy B. Becker, a Professor of Communication and Media, whose involvement illustrates the blend of expertise driving the institute’s work into new and vital directions. The inclusion of projects harnessing artificial intelligence for public benefit underscores the program’s engagement with cutting-edge technological and societal issues, reflecting the complex realities of governance in the 21st century.

Participation in the program extends well beyond individual research pursuits. Fellows contribute actively to the institute’s rich array of workshops, seminars, and public programs, weaving their insights into the fabric of a collaborative academic and civic community. This continual exchange nurtures an environment attuned to democratic innovation and public engagement, where scholarly work is connected directly to practical challenges facing Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and broader society. By bridging academic inquiry with community involvement, the fellows embody the institute’s dual commitment to theory and practice, translating intellectual rigor into societal impact. This synergy magnifies the potential of their projects, producing outcomes that resonate within both academic circles and the civic sphere.

The benefits of the Visiting Fellows Program extend well beyond the fellowship year itself. For the scholars and practitioners involved, the program offers a platform to hone their ideas through sustained feedback from a wide-ranging intellectual network and hands-on community interaction. This iterative process strengthens the quality and relevance of their work, enhancing its capacity to effect meaningful change. The SNF Agora Institute, in turn, gains by continually infusing its mission with fresh perspectives and expanding its partnerships across disciplines and communities. This renewal ensures the institute remains a vital and responsive center for research and activism on democratic renewal, able to meet emerging challenges with innovative strategies. The ongoing cycle of fellows reinforces a culture of inclusivity and creativity, maintaining momentum in addressing evolving public issues.

Ultimately, the 2025-26 Visiting Fellows Program at the SNF Agora Institute embodies a significant investment in the future of democracy and civic life. By assembling a diverse and accomplished cohort, the institute not only advances interdisciplinary collaboration but also cultivates deep community connections and public programming that animate the academic environment. Through sustained engagement, fellows contribute vibrantly to the intellectual and societal landscape surrounding Johns Hopkins University, reinforcing the institute’s role as a leading force for democratic innovation and social impact. This program exemplifies how rigorous scholarship combined with civic commitment can forge pathways toward more resilient and inclusive democratic futures.

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