South Asian Futures Fellowship Programme (SAFFP) 2023

Last date for Applying 12th June 2023

The Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR) is a New Delhi based think-tank that combines rigorous academic research with policy advocacy and strategic consultancy. CSDR’s multidisciplinary network of research professionals and senior policy practitioners fuses incisive research with experiential knowledge.

This collaboration underpins its programmatic activities — empowering CSDR to conduct timely and independent analysis, produce policy relevant knowledge, and curate multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms — for governments, businesses, research endowments and other associated institutions.

WITH SUPPORT FROM FES

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a not-for-profit German foundation. It is committed to the advancement of both socio- political and economic development in the spirit of social democracy. Through workshops, seminars, exchange programmes, as well as academic papers it offers nuanced socio-economic analyses and fosters debates on a national, regional, and global level.

South Asian Futures Fellowship Programme (SAFFP) is hosted by the Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR), New Delhi with the support of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), India.

The Fellowship is designed to support and promote 15 Early Career Researchers (ECRs), between the ages 25-35, from South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) to explore topics at the intersection of non-traditional security (NTS) and geopolitics in the
South Asian region.

This 12-month fellowship will support research on topics at the intersection of non traditional security (NTS) issues & geopolitics in South Asia. It offers professional development through interactions with experts, online training, assisted publishing opportunities and more.

WHO CAN APPLY?

WHY APPLY FOR THIS FELLOWSHIP?

Early Career Researchers (ECRs), between the age of 25-35 years, and residents of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh.
ECRs enrolled in courses of higher learning in any field of study.
ECRs working at research institutions, think tanks, and other such institutions.
ECRs interested in improving their analytical skills on South Asian geopolitics and its impact on regional cooperation.

Every year the fellowship will offer 15 fellows:

Professional development through online training and workshops with senior experts.
Year-long engagement to amplify your expertise and visibility in the field.
4 Fellows will get a fully-paid month-long residency in a South Asian think tank, outside their country.
Opportunities to publish your research on a dedicated website, with editorial support.

HOW TO APPLY ?

Complete this Google Form – https://forms.gle/4Ejn5ogdPeaZbGaX8
In the form, provide detailed personal information and answer all questions, and
Submit a resume highlighting your latest publications.
Upload a copy of your passport/national identification card.
Upload one letter of recommendation to support your candidacy.

WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTION ?

Demonstrable, substantive experience researching South Asia and Non traditional security.
A track record of publications in journals, books, or newspapers/magazines.
A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
The fellowship will have its own dedicated website, to be launched in the first week of July. Selected fellows will have a page on this website dedicated to their professional profiles, area of expertise, publications etc.
Fellows will get an opportunity to publish short analytical pieces on the website.
Get their work promoted through their association with the fellowship.
Opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in South Asia.
Opportunity to elevate your research, writing and analysis skills through 3 online workshops/masterclasses by senior experienced experts.
Fully-paid month-long residency in a South Asian think tank, outside your country.

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTED TO DO ONCE SELECTED?

Publish a minimum of two, 1500-word each, short analytical pieces on a topic relevant to the fellowship objective, with editorial support.
These pieces will be published on the fellowship website.
Attend at least 3 online workshops on various aspects of professional development – writing, analysis, data visualization, etc, with senior experts.
If selected, attend a 1-month long residency based in a reputed think tank in a South Asian country, and produce a 4000-word research article based on the research carried out during this residency. All costs related to this residency will be covered by the hosts of this fellowship.

Fellowship begins: July 2023

Fellowship ends: June 2024

Enquiries

Write to us: office@csdronline.org,
treesa@csdronline.org

FAQS

Can I apply if I am currently based outside of South Asia?

This fellowship is only open to individuals from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka based in any of these countries.

Can I apply if I do not possess a passport?

You may apply, but in order to be considered for a residency, you willneed to apply for and acquire a passport if selected.

Is there a fee associated with the fellowship application process?

There is no application fee.

What is the professional time commitment required for this fellowship?

If your application is successful you will be required to commit time to complete the following:

i. Two 1500 word short pieces on a selected topic, to be published on the fellowship website

ii. Attend 3 online workshops/lectures. These will be organized on a weekend and could include multiple sessions, split over 2-3 weekends.

iii. If shortlisted for a regional residency, you will have to spend 1 month at a think tank in a South Asian country (different from yours), working with an expert and conducting research on a specific topic. At the end of this residency, you are required to submit a 4000 word research paper, to be published on the fellowship website.

Can I pursue this fellowship along with my full time role?

Yes. As long as you can manage the deliverables of this fellowship and participate in its activities you should be able to pursue it along with your full time role. The fellowship is designed to be minimally invasive in your current procession or education. It is designed to elevate your current research interests and professional growth without requiring you to take leave of absence from your current engagements (except for the residency).

FAQS

Fellowship

How will I get editorial assistance from CSDR during the fellowship?

All your writing outputs will receive comments from experts within CSDR. CSDR will also take charge of line editing your work to improve readability and public outreach.

Will I get a certificate or a letter of recommendation upon completion of the fellowship?

Yes, you will get a certificate after the completion of the fellowship. In addition, a dedicated website, to be launched in July 2023, will have a page dedicated to your profile and professional achievements.

Where will my articles be published?

The fellowship will have its own website which will be launched in July 2023. It will host profiles and the work of all the fellows for each year.

Do I have to be physically present for the fellowship online interactions and training sessions?

You can join the online events of the fellowship from anywhere in the world. You would be expected to have your cameras on and participate in the online events.

Residency

Will CSDR assist me with the visa process for the residency program of the fellowship?

Yes, CSDR will provide all the necessary help for your Visa if you are selected for the residency program. Only 4 fellows will get this opportunity.

Can I apply if I am unable to participate in the 1-month long residency due to work commitments?

Yes you can still apply. In case you are selected but are unable to take up the residency, it will be offered to the next fellow in line.

FAQS

Can I decide the location for my residency ?

No. The final decision of your residency will be decided by the hosts – CSDR and FES. However, your preferences will be sought and considered. The hosts will make all attempts to arrive at a good fit between your research interests and the capabilities of our regional
think tank partners.

When is the residency set to take place?

The residency is currently planned for November 2023, but this may change. However, the residency will take place before June 2024.

Is it permissible to independently pursue my own research topics during the fellowship, or are the research themes predetermined?

This fellowship is geared to explore the intersection of non-traditional security (NTS) and geopolitics in the South Asian region. As long as your topic of interest can fit into this objective it will fall in the purview of this fellowship. The hosts will guide you through selection of topics for various written outputs as well as your residency research topics.

Will CSDR assist me in finding accommodation for my residency?

All logistical arrangements and expenses for your residency will be taken care of by the host institutions. You will be provided accommodation, per diem, allocated a supervisor at a regional think tank, flight tickets and visa assistance.

Read more : Here

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