The International Science Council (ISC) Civic Science Fellowship: A Fully Funded 18-Month Path to Reshaping How Science Reaches Policymakers ·Month Path to Reshaping How Science Reaches Policymakers

Passionate about why good science so often fails to land with decision-makers? The International Science Council (ISC) is funding an 18-month fellowship to fix that with a monthly stipend attached.

The International Science Council (ISC) has opened applications for its Civic Science Fellow position, focused on science communication at the intersection of science, policy, and multilateral decision-making. Hosted virtually by the ISC, this fellowship is fully funded and comes with a real mandate: help international organizations communicate scientific evidence more effectively.

Quick Overview

• Host Organization: International Science Council (ISC)
• Position: Civic Science Fellow
• Duration: 18 months
• Location: Remote, with possible regular visits to ISC headquarters in Paris and UN locations
• Start Date: September 2026
• Funding: Fully funded through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows program, with a monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000
• Application Deadline: 16 August 2026

What Is This Fellowship About?

Scientific evidence plays an increasingly critical role in tackling global challenges but it’s often difficult to communicate effectively in multilateral settings, where political, institutional, and cultural factors shape how evidence is received and used.

The Fellow will work directly with the ISC Secretariat, its global membership, and international partners to analyze current science communication practices, develop practical guidance, and test new approaches for communicating evidence in complex policy environments.

What Will the Fellow Actually Do?

• Map existing science communication practices, channels, and audiences across selected international partners
• Research the information ecosystem shaping how scientific evidence is communicated and used in policy contexts
• Identify barriers and enablers for evidence uptake in decision-making
• Analyze how digital information environments — including misinformation and disinformation — affect engagement with science
• Draw on communication, behavioural, and social science to identify effective approaches for reaching diverse audiences
• Develop practical guidance and resources for scientific and multilateral organizations
• Support piloting and evaluation of communication approaches through ISC initiatives and partnerships
• Produce high-quality analytical reports and publications
• Support outreach and engagement with academic and practitioner networks

Who Should Apply?

ISC is looking for early- to mid-career researchers passionate about how people engage with, interpret, and act on scientific information. Relevant interests include public engagement with science, trust in science, misinformation, and behavioural change — across areas like climate change, public health, or biotechnology.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD (or expect to complete one before the fellowship start date) in a relevant discipline
• Be able to commit full-time for the full 18 months from September 2026, with a letter of support from their current employer if applicable
• Sign a tripartite agreement with the Rita Allen Foundation and the ISC
• Hold a valid passport and be able to travel internationally, including to countries like the United States
• Be eligible to obtain any necessary visas
• Be available every Tuesday, noon–2:00 pm ET, for 18 months, to join Learning Labs with the wider Civic Science Fellows cohort

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

• A strong track record of high-quality research and publications relevant to the fellowship
• Demonstrated expertise in science communication, especially around public policy or international governance
• Experience working with or advising governments, international organizations, or scientific bodies
• A proven ability to translate research into practical tools and recommendations
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong communication and facilitation skills
• The ability to work independently while engaging a wide range of international stakeholders

Relevant fields include behavioural science, cognitive science, psychology, science communication, political science, public policy, risk analysis, and decision science.

ALSO SEE: Memories.ai Opens Applications for 2026 Fall Research Fellowship in Visual AI with $1,000 Monthly Stipend

What Do Fellows Gain?

• Applied research experience with direct relevance to international science policy
• Access to ISC’s global network of scientific organizations and partners
• Engagement with leading experts in science communication and multilateral governance
• Membership in a global network of science communicators, experts, and journalists
• Practical experience at the intersection of research, policy, and practice

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

• It’s fully funded, with a real monthly stipend — not a volunteer or unpaid research position
• It offers direct access to one of the world’s most globally representative science organizations
• The Learning Labs structure connects Fellows to a wider cohort, not just an isolated placement

Call to Action

For researchers who want their work to actually shape how evidence reaches policymakers — not just sit in a journal — this ISC fellowship offers funding, global reach, and a genuine mandate for impact.

Application Deadline: 16 August 2026

VISIT HERE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.

JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW