The Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia engages practitioners, scholars, and students from a wide range of disciplines and sectors to deepen understanding of and strengthen support for democratic institutions and principles.
Practitioner Fellows
Each year, the Karsh Institute collaborates with active professionals from various sectors and backgrounds who are working to advance good governance and meaningful engagement in civic life.
Practitioner Fellows
Meet the practitioner fellows from the Karsh Institute.
Research Fellows
The Karsh Institute collaborates with scholars at various stages of their career to examine and research democracy’s greatest challenges—and the solutions to address them.
Research Fellows
Meet the research fellows at the Karsh Institute.
Student Fellows
Launched in 2024, the Karsh Institute’s Civic Cornerstone Fellowship (formerly called the Student Dialogue Fellowship) brings together dozens of UVA undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds and with a diverse range of views and experiences.
The fellowship program is supported by schools, centers, and units across Grounds, including:
College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Contemplative Sciences Center
Darden School of Business
Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
School of Data Science
School of Education and Human Development
Student Affairs
Civic Cornerstone Fellowship
In a hyper-partisan political climate, it can be hard to be engaged, especially with people who hold opposing viewpoints. The Civic Cornerstone Fellowship was designed to address this challenge, bringing together in its inaugural year nearly 300 UVA undergraduate and graduate students from all backgrounds and with a diverse range of views for a monthly series of conversations.
Learn more about the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship and see the full list of 2024–25 fellows.