Scientific evidence is essential for solving many of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and public health to technological innovation and sustainable development. However, producing quality scientific research is only part of the solution. Equally important is ensuring that scientific evidence is communicated effectively so that policymakers, governments, international organizations, and society can understand, trust, and act upon it. To strengthen this critical connection between science and policy, the International Science Council (ISC) has opened applications for its prestigious ISC Civic Science Fellow 2026. This fully funded, 18-month Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for outstanding early- to mid-career researchers who are passionate about science communication, public engagement, and evidence-informed policymaking. Hosted virtually by the International Science Council, the Fellowship enables researchers to work directly with one of the world’s leading science organizations while contributing to innovative research that improves the communication of scientific evidence in international policy processes.

The Fellowship is funded through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows Program, offering participants a monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000, international networking opportunities, and the chance to influence how scientific evidence informs global decision-making.

About the International Science Council Civic Science Fellowship

The ISC Civic Science Fellowship is designed for researchers who want to bridge the gap between science and policymaking by improving how scientific evidence is communicated across complex international environments.

Today’s policy decisions are increasingly influenced by scientific research. Yet communicating scientific evidence effectively within multilateral institutions remains challenging due to political, institutional, social, and cultural factors that affect how information is interpreted and utilized.

This Fellowship addresses these challenges by enabling researchers to investigate communication strategies, develop practical tools, and strengthen the role of science in international governance.

Throughout the Fellowship, participants will work closely with:

• The International Science Council Secretariat
• Global scientific organizations
• International partners
• Communication professionals
• Policymakers
• Scientists
• International organizations
• Academic researchers

The goal is to identify and implement more effective ways of communicating scientific evidence to support better policymaking around the world.

Fellowship Overview

Why This Fellowship Matters

Scientific research alone does not automatically influence public policy.

Many global decisions are shaped by:

• Political priorities
• Institutional processes
• Public trust
• Communication quality
• Cultural differences
• Information ecosystems
• Digital media environments
• Public perception
• Misinformation and disinformation

As a result, scientific evidence often struggles to reach decision-makers in ways that are understandable, trusted, and actionable. The ISC Civic Science Fellowship seeks to address these challenges by helping researchers understand how science can be communicated more effectively within international governance systems. Participants will contribute to real-world research while developing practical guidance that can improve science communication worldwide.

Fellowship Responsibilities

During the 18-month Fellowship, participants will contribute to a wide range of research and engagement activities.

These include:

1. Mapping Existing Science Communication Practices

The Fellow will:

• Examine current communication approaches used by international organizations.
• Study communication channels.
• Analyze audience engagement strategies.
• Identify effective communication models across different organizations.

2. Conducting Research on Scientific Information Ecosystems

Participants will investigate:

• How scientific evidence is communicated.
• How audiences interpret scientific information.
• Factors influencing evidence uptake.
• The role of institutional and political environments.

3. Identifying Barriers to Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Research activities include examining:

• Obstacles preventing scientific evidence from influencing policy.
• Institutional challenges.
• Communication gaps.
• Trust issues.
• Cultural considerations.

4. Studying Digital Information Environments

The Fellow will analyze how evolving digital platforms influence science communication, including:

• Misinformation
• Disinformation
• Digital media
• Online engagement
• Public information behavior

5. Applying Behavioural and Social Science

Participants will use evidence from:

• Behavioural science
• Psychology
• Communication studies
• Social sciences

to identify more effective approaches for communicating scientific evidence to diverse audiences.

6. Developing Practical Communication Resources

The Fellow will help create:

• Communication toolkits
• Practical guidance
• Best practice documents
• Evidence communication frameworks
• Resources for scientific organizations

7. Testing New Communication Approaches

Working alongside ISC initiatives, the Fellow will:

• Pilot communication strategies.
• Evaluate their effectiveness.
• Recommend improvements.

8. Producing Publications

Expected outputs include:

• Research reports
• Policy briefs
• Analytical papers
• Guidance documents
• Publications for international audiences

9. Supporting International Networks

The Fellow will contribute to:

• Academic engagement
• Stakeholder outreach
• International collaborations
• Professional networking

Who Should Apply?

The Fellowship is particularly suited for researchers interested in:

• Science communication
• Public engagement with science
• Trust in science
• Behavioural science
• Evidence-informed policymaking
• Public policy
• International governance
• Civic science
• Decision-making research
• Information ecosystems

Applicants passionate about understanding how people engage with scientific evidence and how scientific knowledge shapes society are especially encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD or expect to complete one before September 2026.
• Be available full-time throughout the 18-month Fellowship.
• Obtain employer support if currently employed.
• Sign the required agreements with the ISC and the Rita Allen Foundation.
• Possess a valid passport.
• Be eligible for international travel and visas.
• Participate in weekly Tuesday Learning Labs from noon to 2:00 pm ET.
• Be available to begin the Fellowship in September 2026.

Desired Skills and Experience

Strong applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent research experience.
• High-quality academic publications.
• Expertise in science communication.
• Experience working with governments or international organizations.
• Ability to translate research into policy guidance.
• Outstanding written and spoken English.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently in international environments.

Additional desirable experience includes:

• International collaborations.
• Interdisciplinary research.
• Capacity-building initiatives.
• Work within multilateral organizations.

Relevant Academic Fields

Researchers from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:

• Behavioural Science
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology
• Science Communication
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Risk Analysis
• Decision Science
• Individual and Collective Action Research

Fellowship Benefits

Successful Fellows will receive numerous professional and financial benefits, including:

Financial Support

• Fully funded Fellowship.
• Monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000.
• Funding through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows Program.

Career Development

Participants will:

• Conduct high-impact applied research.
• Work with globally recognized scientific organizations.
• Gain experience in international science policy.
• Strengthen leadership skills.
• Enhance science communication expertise.

International Exposure

Fellows will have opportunities to:

• Collaborate with experts worldwide.
• Participate in international meetings.
• Attend workshops and conferences.
• Visit the ISC headquarters in Paris.
• Engage with United Nations-related activities.

Professional Networking

Participants will become part of an international network of:

• Scientists
• Science communicators
• Policy experts
• Journalists
• Researchers
• International organizations

Long-Term Impact

The Fellowship enables participants to contribute to global resources that improve science communication and evidence-informed policymaking for scientific organizations around the world.

Why You Should Apply

This Fellowship offers much more than financial support.

It provides an opportunity to:

• Influence international science policy.
• Work alongside globally recognized experts.
• Build an international professional network.
• Improve public understanding of science.
• Help combat misinformation and disinformation.
• Develop practical tools that support evidence-based policymaking.
• Gain valuable experience working across science, communication, and governance.

For researchers passionate about making science more accessible and impactful, this Fellowship represents an exceptional career opportunity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the official online application form provided by the International Science Council HERE

Also, read more using same link. Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before the application deadline and carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.

Conclusion

The ISC Civic Science Fellow 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for early- to mid-career researchers seeking to shape the future of science communication and international policymaking. Through fully funded support, a generous monthly stipend, international collaboration, and direct engagement with leading scientific and policy organizations, Fellows will gain invaluable experience while contributing to the advancement of evidence-informed decision-making worldwide. If you have a passion for science communication, interdisciplinary research, and global policy engagement, this Fellowship offers a unique platform to develop your expertise, expand your international network, and make a lasting impact on how scientific evidence is communicated and used across the world. With applications closing on 16 August 2026, interested candidates should begin preparing their applications as early as possible

For more GLOBAL FELLOWSHIPS click HERE