CIP Fellowship Program 2026 – Call for Applications

The Centre for Inclusive Policy (CIP) invites applications for its 2026 Fellowship Program, a fully online, 12-month initiative designed to support emerging researchers with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program will commence on October 1, 2026.

The fellowship is tailored for early-career researchers who possess foundational research experience and are seeking to strengthen their skills in social policy and disability-inclusive research. There is no age limit for applicants.

Program Objectives

The CIP Fellowship Program aims to strengthen local research capacity by empowering fellows to design and implement research projects rooted in their local contexts. It also seeks to connect fellows to global policy discourse, ensuring their contributions align with international frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Additionally, the program provides mentorship and capacity-building opportunities to equip fellows with the tools needed to advance disability rights and inclusive policies in their respective countries.

Program Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
• A monthly stipend of USD 1,000 for 12 months
• Up to USD 2,000 for research costs, conferences, or further training
• Coverage for reasonable accommodation costs to support participation
• Access to an online training curriculum led by leading researchers
• Dedicated mentorship to guide individual research projects
• Opportunities to engage in CIP research initiatives and join a global network

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:
• Be persons with disabilities
• Be based in LMICs or the Global South
• Have an undergraduate degree
• Possess basic research skills
• Demonstrate interest in social policy, disability equality, and research
• Be involved in the disability movement
• Have sufficient English proficiency for communication (interpretation provided for sign language users)

The program is not intended for senior or highly experienced researchers, individuals with extensive experience in UN agencies, or applicants working on topics unrelated to disability. Applicants from countries restricted by OFAC (North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Russia) are not eligible.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants are encouraged to develop research proposals in areas such as:
• Disability data
• Social protection
• Care and support systems
• Inclusive budgeting
• Community support systems
• Independent living

A specialized Disability Data Fellowship track is also available, focusing on quantitative data collection, analysis, and advocacy for disability-inclusive data systems.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents:
• A research proposal (maximum 3 pages) including introduction, research question, methodology, data and methods, expected results, and a 12-month timeline
• Updated CV
• Cover letter
• Two references

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (midnight EDT)

Application Link

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.