The Civil Society Research Fellowship Program
Program Overview
We annually award at least two competitive research fellowships ($1500) to qualifying candidates who are considering pursuing an academic career in the field of civil society to contribute to the research projects of the Center.
The Civil Society Fellowship Program is seeking individuals who are eager to contribute to impactful societal change and it is designed to attract exceptional early-career scholars to become Center fellows for 6 months.
The aim of the program is to:
- expand the pool of scholars working on the research projects that benefit civil society,
- increase the visibility of civil society:
a. within academia (to amplify the interest of scholars toward research topics relevant to the Center and the Sector)
b. among undergraduate and graduate students (to boost the image of the sector, and to establish the civil society sector as an attractive career path
c. the general public (to boost the image and the trust in the sector).
Fellowship Aims
1. Research to inform civil society practice
Research fellows will engage in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research projects, data collection and data analysis within a predefined area of study. In this process they will be mentored and supported by our experts.
2. Knowledge Sharing
Research developed at the Center is meant to provide actionable insights for civil society organizations. Fellows are required to participate in online or face-to-face knowledge sharing sessions designed to facilitate the dissemination of research findings to a wide audience for the entire duration of the fellowship.
Selection Committee
A committee of academics, institutional funders, and prominent civil society leaders will judge written applications against publicly available criteria.
Senior Consultant
Director @Center for the Study of Democracy
University Professor @Babeș-Bolyai University
Selection Procedure & Criteria
| Criteria | Description | Source | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Abilities & Achievements | max 40 | ||
| Academic Qualifications | Degrees obtained, honors. | CV | 0-15 |
| Research Experience | Previous research projects, publications, and contributions to the field. | CV | 0-15 |
| Academic Awards | Scholarships, fellowships, and awards received for academic excellence | CV | 0-5 |
| Methodological Skills | Proficiency in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research (relevant coursework/training) | CV | 0-5 |
| Commitment to Civil Society | max 30 | ||
| Passion for Civil Society | Demonstrated interest and commitment to civil society through previous work, volunteer experiences, or advocacy | CV/Letter of intent | 0-20 |
| Potential for Impact | Ability to contribute to advancing the understanding and visibility of civil society | Letter of intent | 0-10 |
| Communication & Dissemination Skills | max 20 | ||
| Presentation Skills | Experience in presenting research findings at conferences, seminars, or public forums. | CV/Letter of intent | 0-10 |
| Knowledge Sharing | Ability to effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences. | CV/Letter of intent | 0-10 |
| Intellectual Discourse & Critical Thinking | max 10 | ||
| Engagement in Intellectual Discourse | Participation in debates, discussions, and events that stimulate critical thinking and intellectual growth. | CV | 0-10 |
| Total | 100 |
Applications - to be opened soon!
We invite academics and practitioners pursuing graduate degrees with a passion for research and a commitment to civil society to apply by sending their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and letter of intent to [email protected]r. Please do not send applications outside the application period (to be announced soon for 2025!).