2026-2027 Fellows Program

The Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) is seeking applications for the 2026-2027 Fellows Program. The GDP Center is a policy-oriented research center working to advance financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability across the globe through rigorous interdisciplinary research, policy engagement and strategic communications. The Fellows Program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage and collaborate with GDP Center researchers, BU faculty members and Global South-based institutions to conduct policy research in line with one of the GDP Center’s research initiatives: the Global China Initiative or the Global Economic Governance Initiative. The Global China Fellows Program trains the next generation of thought leaders to advance policy-oriented, interdisciplinary academic research on China’s overseas economic activities and engagement. Fellows will be paired with a BU faculty member, GDP Center Senior Academic Researcher, or a Non-Resident (Senior) Fellow on one of the four workstreams: Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.); Forestry, Agriculture, and Indigenous Rights (FAIR); Energy and Climate; and China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA). The Global Economic Governance Fellows Program pairs fellows with a senior researcher in their field to conduct research in line with one of the following thematic programs: the role of development banks (multilateral, regional or national) in enhancing climate and development action, particularly in mobilizing resources and facilitating a just transition away from fossil fuels; the intersection of international trade and investment rules with the needs of the climate crisis, including green industrialization strategies; and financial stability and development, with a focus on reform of the global debt architecture to be fit-for-purpose, the global financial safety net and the International Monetary Fund. The majority of the fellowships will be awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year (September 2026 to May 2027). In addition to the fellowship award, fellows will receive a competitive stipend to support fieldwork and conference travel, and other approved professional development expenses. This fellowship program is in-person at the GDP Center’s office at Boston University. Required Qualifications: Enrolled in or graduated from a PhD program: Pre-doctoral applicants must have completed their qualification/comprehensive exams and defended their dissertation proposal and Post-doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2026. For GCI: Strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions. For GEGI: Strong research interest in one or more of the GEGI areas of focus: development finance institutions, trade and investment rules, and financial stability. Application instructions For Global China scholars: Interested applicants should send the following materials in one PDF to the Global China Initiative Team (gci@bu.edu ) with the subject line “ GCI Fellow Application 2026-2027”. For Global Economic Governance scholars: Interested applicants should send the following materials in one PDF to the Global Economic Governance Initiative Team (gegi@bu.edu ) with the subject line “ GEGI Fellow Application 2026-2027”. Required Application Materials: A 1-2 page cover letter describing applicant’s academic training, research interests and experience. A 1-2 page working paper proposal that outlines the research question(s), methodology, research plan and its significance. Contact information for two references. Applications must be received by December 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with screening interviews starting in October. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For International candidates: International candidates will need express approval from their sponsoring institution stating that the potential fellow is allowed to earn income from another institution. This is especially important for international students with J-1 visas. Note: If you do not currently have a valid US scholar visa, certain research positions at Boston University qualify for immigration sponsorship. Prospective scholars should first establish their potential affiliation with the GDP Center as a pre- or post-doctoral fellow and clarify the terms of their appointment. BU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will work with the prospective scholar and the GDP Center to evaluate which immigration classification is most appropriate. The ISSO will consider various factors such as the appointment/affiliation terms, the scholar’s educational achievements and US immigration history. #J-18808-Ljbffr