Summer Scholar Fellowship Program awarded stipends totaling up to $15,000 – Apply Now

Summer Scholar Fellowship Program: The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) are pleased to unveil the inaugural Summer Scholar Fellowship Program, aimed at Ph.D. candidates engaged in policy-relevant research that enhances the comprehension of security cooperation among scholars and policymakers. This fellowship seeks to generate research, analyses, and insights that will enrich the theoretical underpinnings of security cooperation. Preference will be given to research proposals that closely align with the objectives of both USIP and DSCU.

Applications from international candidates are encouraged. USIP-DSCU will support up to four Summer Scholars for a three-month, non-residential fellowship to be conducted during the summer of 2025. In collaboration with DSCU and the Young Institute, USIP will offer this fellowship to doctoral students pursuing evidence-based and policy-relevant research on issues pertaining to security cooperation. The Summer Scholar Fellowship Program represents a significant opportunity for Ph.D. candidates to enhance their understanding of security cooperation and its critical role in global peace and stability initiatives.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • The Summer Scholar Fellowship Program is designed to support doctoral candidates whose research in policy is pertinent to the objectives of USIP and DSCU.
  • This non-residential initiative will provide funding for up to four scholars to engage in a three-month fellowship during the summer of 2025.
  • Eligibility is extended to Ph.D. candidates who have finished all necessary coursework and comprehensive examinations.
  • Applications are welcome from non-U.S. citizens as well.
  • All submissions, including the application and progress reports, must be presented in English.

How much will Summer Scholars receive as stipend?

Summer Scholars will be awarded stipends totaling up to $15,000, which will be disbursed directly to the individual in three separate payments, subject to the timely submission of monthly progress reports. This stipend will be allocated in three installments, each contingent upon the fulfillment of reporting requirements.

Scholars will also have the opportunity to collaborate with prominent experts at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU). Additionally, participants will have the chance to make meaningful contributions to the theoretical underpinnings of security cooperation.

Principal Research Domains 

Candidates are invited to submit proposals that align with one of the subsequent focal points. The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) invite applications for the 2025 Summer Fellows program, targeting doctoral research that aligns with specific priority areas outlined in this call for applications. 

  1. Investigating the relationship between security cooperation and peace building, this research area focuses on the role of security measures, such as arms transfers and military training, in fostering a secure environment as a precursor to peace. 
  2. The initiative emphasizes the need for designing comprehensive security cooperation frameworks that enhance global partnerships and promote good governance, grounded in shared values and informed assessments of partner nations’ security challenges. 
  3. A critical examination of civil-military relations is encouraged, particularly regarding how civil society can contribute to the planning and execution of security cooperation initiatives in allied nations, potentially leading to improved outcomes. 
  4. The role of regional and international organizations in facilitating security cooperation is another focal point, exploring how such collaborations can enhance operational effectiveness and stability. 
  5. Addressing the root causes of instability is essential, with an emphasis on how security cooperation can identify and mitigate factors contributing to fragility, while ensuring that such efforts do not inadvertently exacerbate instability. 
  6. The program seeks to explore the foundations of effective integrative deterrence, particularly from a U.S. perspective, focusing on how to incorporate partner defense planning into a comprehensive U.S. defense strategy. 
  7. Research should consider the implications of current and future threats, emphasizing the importance of capacity building within the evolving strategic landscape. 
  8. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative approaches that address these complex issues, contributing to the broader discourse on security cooperation and its implications for global stability. 
  9. The fellowship aims to foster scholarly contributions that not only advance academic understanding but also inform practical policy solutions in the realm of security cooperation. 

 How to apply for this Summer Scholar Fellowship?

  • The application process requires the inclusion of specific items; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
  • All applications and associated documents must be submitted via the FLUXX portal.
  • Applicants are required to provide curriculum vitae (CV) that does not exceed three pages, emphasizing any relevant completed projects.
  • A letter of recommendation from the dissertation advisor is mandatory and must accompany the application.
  • All materials submitted must be in the English language.
  • The application for the Summer Scholar Fellowship involves a two-step procedure.
  • Registration for this competition on the FLUXX portal is essential for all applicants, even if they have previously registered for other USIP competitions.
  • A new and complete registration must be undertaken for this specific competition.
  • Following registration, applicants are expected to prepare and submit a comprehensive application.
  • The USIP does not offer updates regarding the status of submitted applications at any point in time.

Applicants are required to submit all necessary application materials via the online FLUXX portal, accessible at: https://usip.fluxx.io/

Summer Scholar Fellowship

Important Dates to know about the Scholarship
Registration opens on: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Registration closes on: Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 4pm EST
Application deadline: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 4pm EST
Recommendation letter deadline: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 4pm EST

What are the prerequisites for the USIP-DSCU Summer Scholar Fellowship?

Summer Scholars are required to conduct their fellowship activities at their respective universities or other suitable locations relevant to their research. They are anticipated to fully commit to their work and must fulfill the following obligations:

  • Provide a mid-point progress report, which must be endorsed by the dissertation advisor;
  • Submit copies of any publications, such as articles and books, that arise from the fellowship to [email protected];
  • Upon successful defense, submit the dissertation to [email protected].

The USIP-DSCU Summer Scholar Fellowship differs from other fellowship programs offered by USIP in several key aspects. Specifically designed for Ph.D. candidates, the USIP-DSCU Summer Scholar Fellowship supports those engaged in summer field research and dissertation writing focused on security cooperation. In contrast, the Peace Scholar Fellowship program provides non-residential fellowships to Ph.D. candidates at U.S. universities who are developing doctoral dissertations on subjects pertaining to conflict management, peacebuilding, and security studies. Additionally, the Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship is an eight-month residential opportunity aimed at senior experts from diverse fields.

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