The Open Society University Network (OSUN) Academy Fellowships are prestigious opportunities designed to foster academic collaboration and intellectual growth among scholars worldwide. Established by the Open Society Foundations, the fellowships aim to support researchers, educators, and practitioners who are committed to addressing critical global challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. These fellowships provide a platform for fellows to engage in research, teaching, and public outreach, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of open, inclusive societies.
Fellows selected for the OSUN Academy are typically involved in projects that align with the network’s mission to tackle pressing issues such as democracy, human rights, sustainability, and social justice. The program encourages a diverse cohort of scholars from different disciplines and regions, fostering cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary dialogue. Fellows benefit from the resources and networks of the OSUN partner institutions, which include leading universities and research centers around the world.
During their fellowship, participants have the opportunity to collaborate with other scholars, both within and outside their fields, to develop new ideas and methodologies. They are also encouraged to engage with students and the broader community through public lectures, workshops, and other outreach activities. This engagement not only enhances the fellows’ own work but also enriches the academic and public discourse on key societal issues.
The OSUN Academy Fellowships provide financial support, including stipends, research grants, and travel allowances, enabling fellows to focus on their scholarly activities without financial constraints. The fellowship period varies, offering flexibility to accommodate different project timelines and personal circumstances. By supporting innovative research and fostering a global academic network, the OSUN Academy Fellowships contribute to the development of solutions to some of the world’s most urgent problems, while promoting the values of open society, including academic freedom, inclusivity, and social justice.
The OSUN Academy Fellowships represent a significant investment in the intellectual capital required to address complex global challenges, empowering scholars to make meaningful contributions to their fields and to society at large.
The fellowship offers candidates at the early to mid-stage of their career the opportunity to spend four months at Chatham House working with a research programme and developing their leadership skills and thematic knowledge.
Academy Fellows are professionals from a wide range of backgrounds including government, research, academia, civil society, journalism, for example, who are at the early to mid-point of their career and who are passionate about identifying evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing international challenges. They are often experts in their individual fields who show exceptional promise as emerging leaders in their home countries, regions or even internationally.
Fellows are strongly encouraged to consider the overall Chatham House mission, values and goals, align their proposal with the work and focus of the research programme listed, and develop research proposals that seek to directly contribute to the topics listed:
Global Economy and Finance Programme
- Is the dollar’s dominance coming to an end? How can we measure changes in the distribution of global currency power?
- How can the global economic governance system be made more effective and legitimate?
Benefits Of The Open Society University Network Academy Fellowships
Academy Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,365 for London living costs, including accommodation, utilities, food, transport, and other basic expenses.
In addition, the Academy will cover reasonable costs related to:
- Relocation (Flights, train, etc. to/from the UK, three nights of accommodation, visas, extra cases/boxes, etc.)
- Payment of the UK’s Immigration Healthcare Surcharge which allows access to the UK National Health Service (Note: you may be required to pay for dental and optical treatments and medicines prescribed by a doctor)
- Research, outreach, and dissemination costs (fieldwork, travel, conferences, publication, roundtables, events, etc.)
Additionally, Fellows attend the Academy Leadership Programme through which they access:
Requirements For The Open Society University Network Academy Fellowships
- Workshops, seminars, and events
- Media training
- Career coaching
- Writing support
- Networking opportunities, including with Chatham House staff, the Academy’s faculty and alumni
- Chatham House membership upon completion of the fellowship
The successful candidate will:
- Be affiliated with an Open Society University Network (OSUN) institution;
- Have experience conducting independent research and hold an undergraduate or postgraduate level qualification or have equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area;
- Have the relevant background experience, including experience in the field of the proposed research, as demonstrated through a CV;
- Have proven leadership experience or potential;
- Show commitment to the Chatham House mission, goals and values and to identifying evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing international challenges;
- Be able to communicate how the fellowship will enable them to create positive impact, in line with the Chatham House mission and overarching purpose of Academy Fellowships as outlined above;
- Show motivation to undertake the fellowship, meet all fellowship deliverables, and take full advantage of the networks, events and opportunities offered at Chatham House; and
- Demonstrate proficiency in spoken English.
Selection Process
Contract: 4 months.
Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum 2 days in the office per week, plus expected attendance at leadership programme sessions.
Closing Date: Friday 19 July 2024. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.
Application Deadline: July 19, 2024.
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