Emerging researchers with disabilities from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) now have an outstanding opportunity to strengthen their research skills, expand their policy influence, and contribute to disability-inclusive development through the CIP Fellowship Programme 2026.

Applications are currently open for this highly impactful 12-month online fellowship, which aims to empower persons with disabilities who are passionate about research, social policy, disability rights, and inclusive development. Through mentorship, financial support, specialized training, and access to a global network, fellows will gain the tools necessary to become influential voices in disability policy and evidence-based advocacy.

The fellowship begins on October 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026, at midnight EDT.

What Is the CIP Fellowship Programme?

The CIP Fellowship Programme is a year-long online initiative designed to strengthen the research and policy skills of emerging researchers with disabilities living in low- and middle-income countries.

The programme focuses on building local research capacity while ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in generating evidence, influencing policies, and shaping disability-inclusive development initiatives.

Unlike fellowships designed for senior academics, this programme specifically targets individuals who already possess basic research experience and want to further develop their expertise, professional networks, and leadership potential.

The fellowship recognizes that persons with disabilities are uniquely positioned to conduct research that reflects lived experiences and local realities. By supporting emerging researchers, the programme contributes to more inclusive and representative disability research worldwide.

Fellowship Objectives

The CIP Fellowship Programme is built around three key objectives.

1. Strengthening Local Research Capacity

The programme seeks to empower researchers with disabilities to:

Design locally relevant research projects
Generate evidence rooted in lived experiences
Address disability-related challenges within their own countries
Produce research that informs policy and practice

By supporting local researchers, the fellowship ensures that disability policy discussions are informed by context-specific evidence rather than external assumptions.

2. Connecting Fellows to Global Policy Discussions

Selected fellows will become part of international conversations on:

Disability rights
Inclusive development
Social protection
Community support systems
Independent living
Inclusive policymaking

The fellowship aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and helps ensure that fellows can contribute to global disability policy discussions.

3. Mentoring Disability Advocates and Researchers

The programme provides structured mentorship to individuals working in disability advocacy, policy development, and social research.

Through expert guidance, fellows will:

Strengthen research skills
Expand professional networks
Improve policy engagement capabilities
Enhance their ability to influence disability-inclusive policies

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support.

Monthly Fellowship Stipend

Each fellow will receive:

USD $1,000 per month
Funding provided for 12 months

This represents a total stipend of:

USD $12,000 over the fellowship period

Additional Research and Professional Development Funding

Fellows may also access:

Up to USD $2,000 for research-related costs
Conference participation support
Funding for additional training opportunities
Sponsorship for professional development activities

Reasonable Accommodation Support

The programme is committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Reasonable accommodation costs necessary for participation will be fully covered, helping ensure equal access for all fellows.

Expert Training Curriculum

Participants gain access to:

A structured online training programme
Sessions led by leading international researchers
Capacity-building workshops
Research methodology training
Policy engagement guidance

Individual Mentorship

Each fellow is matched with a mentor who will:

Guide their research project
Provide professional advice
Support skill development
Offer feedback throughout the fellowship year

Global Networking Opportunities

Fellows also receive opportunities to:

Participate in CIP research projects
Collaborate with international researchers
Join a growing network of disability advocates
Engage with policy professionals worldwide

Research Areas of Interest

The fellowship is seeking applicants interested in disability-related research and policy issues.

Priority areas include:

Disability Data

Research on:

Disability statistics
Data collection methods
Disability measurement
Evidence-based policymaking

Social Protection

Projects focused on:

Income support
Disability benefits
Social welfare systems
Poverty reduction strategies

Care and Support

Research examining:

Care systems
Family support
Personal assistance services
Long-term support arrangements

Inclusive Budgeting

Studies exploring:

Public expenditure
Disability-inclusive budgeting
Resource allocation
Fiscal inclusion

Community Support Systems

Research on:

Local support structures
Community-based services
Inclusive development approaches
Social participation

Independent Living

Projects focused on:

Autonomy
Accessibility
Community inclusion
Rights-based support systems

New Disability Data Fellowship Track

In addition to the standard fellowship programme, CIP is recruiting participants for a specialized Disability Data Fellowship.

This innovative track focuses on strengthening skills related to:

Quantitative data collection
Disability-inclusive data systems
Data interpretation
Data-driven advocacy
Statistical analysis
Research communication

Fellows will receive practical experience and training on how disability data can be used to promote inclusion and influence policy decisions.

Participants will also develop the capacity to support governments, organizations, and institutions in collecting and utilizing disability-inclusive data.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is looking for individuals who meet the following criteria:

Required Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be a person with a disability
Be based in a low- and middle-income country or the Global South
Hold an undergraduate degree
Possess basic research skills
Be interested in social policy and disability equality
Be connected to the disability movement
Be motivated to strengthen research skills
Have sufficient English proficiency for participation

Language Requirements

Applicants should have:

Working written English skills
Ability to understand everyday English communication
Basic spoken English communication skills

Importantly, spoken English proficiency is not required for sign language users, as interpretation support will be provided.

No Age Restrictions

One of the most inclusive aspects of the programme is that there is:

No minimum age beyond educational requirements
No upper age limit

Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The fellowship is not intended for:

Senior researchers
Established academics
Researchers with extensive United Nations agency experience
Applicants whose work is unrelated to disability issues
Applicants from countries restricted under OFAC regulations

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials.

1. Research Proposal (Maximum Three Pages)

The proposal must focus on disability policy in the applicant’s own country and include:

Introduction
Research question
Methodology
Data and methods
Expected results
Timeline demonstrating completion within 12 months

Formatting requirements:

Arial font size 12
2.5 cm margins on all sides
Maximum three pages

2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants should provide a current CV outlining:

Educational background
Research experience
Professional achievements
Relevant disability advocacy work

3. Cover Letter

The cover letter should explain:

Motivation for applying
Research interests
Career goals
Commitment to disability inclusion

4. Two References

Applicants must provide two professional or academic references who can speak to their qualifications and potential.

Guidance on AI Use

The programme does not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence tools.

However, applicants are strongly advised not to rely on AI-generated:

Research questions
Research methodologies

Instead, CIP encourages applicants to present their original ideas clearly and concisely, preferably using bullet points where appropriate.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included before submission.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline

July 31, 2026 (Midnight EDT)

Late applications may not be considered, so interested candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The CIP Fellowship Programme 2026 represents a transformative opportunity for emerging researchers with disabilities across low- and middle-income countries. With financial support worth up to USD $14,000, expert mentorship, accessibility accommodations, specialized training, and access to a global network of disability advocates and researchers, the programme equips fellows with the skills and resources needed to influence policy and advance disability rights.

For aspiring researchers committed to creating inclusive societies and evidence-based disability policies, this fellowship offers a unique platform to develop expertise, strengthen leadership capacity, and contribute to meaningful change at local, national, and international levels.

For more global fellowship opportunities click here

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