Benjamin Franklin was America's original "inventor-diplomat." Just as Franklin's lightning rod revolutionized our understanding of electricity and safety, today's emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and biotechnology are reshaping our world. The Franklin Fellowship at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University is designed to nurture the next generation of inventor-diplomats who can bridge these worlds, much as Franklin did in his time.
We believe that the complex challenges of our era—from regulating autonomous systems to addressing global resiliency—demand leaders who can navigate both the intricacies of emerging technologies and the nuances of global policy.
A policy-inclined fellow might spend the summer interning at a cutting-edge tech startup, developing new solutions for pressing global issues and getting practical exposure to how innovation drives our world. A technology-inclined fellow might work in a congressional office, committee office, or department office, drafting policy briefs on the implications of these very technologies.
Current students at the McCourt School of Public Policy are eligible to apply each year for this new type of fellowship, encouraging activity outside the classroom.
Engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of technology and policy, mirroring Franklin's own scientific inquiries that informed his diplomatic work.
Collaborate with industry leaders and government officials, gaining hands-on experience in both the tech sector and policy world.
Develop projects that address real-world challenges, such as creating ethical frameworks for AI or designing sustainable energy solutions.
Cultivate the skills to build bridges between innovators and policymakers, much as Franklin did between the American colonies and European powers.
Our fellowship brings together promising students from diverse backgrounds—future policymakers, innovators, and thought leaders—and immerses them in a unique interdisciplinary experience.
Shape policies that harness the power of technology for the greater good, much like Franklin's advocacy for the free sharing of his stove design for public benefit.
Found companies that prioritize global impact, inspired by Franklin's creation of civic institutions like the Library Company of Philadelphia.
Forge international collaborations that drive progress, following in the footsteps of Franklin's work with the French Academy of Sciences.
Join us at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University in carrying forward Benjamin Franklin's legacy. Together, we'll empower a new generation to spark innovation, foster understanding, and shape a better future for all. The Franklin Fellowship is more than just a program—it's a launchpad for the inventor-diplomats who will guide our world through the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond.