CIP Fellowship Programme 2026: $14,000 Funding Opportunity for Emerging Researchers with Disabilities from LMICs

Emerging researchers with disabilities from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) now have an outstanding opportunity to strengthen their research skills, expand their policy influence, and contribute to disability-inclusive development through the CIP Fellowship Programme 2026.

Applications are currently open for this highly impactful 12-month online fellowship, which aims to empower persons with disabilities who are passionate about research, social policy, disability rights, and inclusive development. Through mentorship, financial support, specialized training, and access to a global network, fellows will gain the tools necessary to become influential voices in disability policy and evidence-based advocacy.

The fellowship begins on October 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026, at midnight EDT.

What Is the CIP Fellowship Programme?

The CIP Fellowship Programme is a year-long online initiative designed to strengthen the research and policy skills of emerging researchers with disabilities living in low- and middle-income countries.

The programme focuses on building local research capacity while ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in generating evidence, influencing policies, and shaping disability-inclusive development initiatives.

Unlike fellowships designed for senior academics, this programme specifically targets individuals who already possess basic research experience and want to further develop their expertise, professional networks, and leadership potential.

The fellowship recognizes that persons with disabilities are uniquely positioned to conduct research that reflects lived experiences and local realities. By supporting emerging researchers, the programme contributes to more inclusive and representative disability research worldwide.

Fellowship Objectives

The CIP Fellowship Programme is built around three key objectives.

1. Strengthening Local Research Capacity

The programme seeks to empower researchers with disabilities to:

• Design locally relevant research projects
• Generate evidence rooted in lived experiences
• Address disability-related challenges within their own countries
• Produce research that informs policy and practice

By supporting local researchers, the fellowship ensures that disability policy discussions are informed by context-specific evidence rather than external assumptions.

2. Connecting Fellows to Global Policy Discussions

Selected fellows will become part of international conversations on:

• Disability rights
• Inclusive development
• Social protection
• Community support systems
• Independent living
• Inclusive policymaking

The fellowship aligns with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and helps ensure that fellows can contribute to global disability policy discussions.

3. Mentoring Disability Advocates and Researchers

The programme provides structured mentorship to individuals working in disability advocacy, policy development, and social research.

Through expert guidance, fellows will:

• Strengthen research skills
• Expand professional networks
• Improve policy engagement capabilities
• Enhance their ability to influence disability-inclusive policies

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of financial and professional support.

Monthly Fellowship Stipend

Each fellow will receive:

• USD $1,000 per month
• Funding provided for 12 months

This represents a total stipend of:

• USD $12,000 over the fellowship period

Additional Research and Professional Development Funding

Fellows may also access:

• Up to USD $2,000 for research-related costs
• Conference participation support
• Funding for additional training opportunities
• Sponsorship for professional development activities

Reasonable Accommodation Support

The programme is committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Reasonable accommodation costs necessary for participation will be fully covered, helping ensure equal access for all fellows.

Expert Training Curriculum

Participants gain access to:

• A structured online training programme
• Sessions led by leading international researchers
• Capacity-building workshops
• Research methodology training
• Policy engagement guidance

Individual Mentorship

Each fellow is matched with a mentor who will:

• Guide their research project
• Provide professional advice
• Support skill development
• Offer feedback throughout the fellowship year

Global Networking Opportunities

Fellows also receive opportunities to:

• Participate in CIP research projects
• Collaborate with international researchers
• Join a growing network of disability advocates
• Engage with policy professionals worldwide

Research Areas of Interest

The fellowship is seeking applicants interested in disability-related research and policy issues.

Priority areas include:

Disability Data

Research on:

• Disability statistics
• Data collection methods
• Disability measurement
• Evidence-based policymaking

Social Protection

Projects focused on:

• Income support
• Disability benefits
• Social welfare systems
• Poverty reduction strategies

Care and Support

Research examining:

• Care systems
• Family support
• Personal assistance services
• Long-term support arrangements

Inclusive Budgeting

Studies exploring:

• Public expenditure
• Disability-inclusive budgeting
• Resource allocation
• Fiscal inclusion

Community Support Systems

Research on:

• Local support structures
• Community-based services
• Inclusive development approaches
• Social participation

Independent Living

Projects focused on:

• Autonomy
• Accessibility
• Community inclusion
• Rights-based support systems

New Disability Data Fellowship Track

In addition to the standard fellowship programme, CIP is recruiting participants for a specialized Disability Data Fellowship.

This innovative track focuses on strengthening skills related to:

• Quantitative data collection
• Disability-inclusive data systems
• Data interpretation
• Data-driven advocacy
• Statistical analysis
• Research communication

Fellows will receive practical experience and training on how disability data can be used to promote inclusion and influence policy decisions.

Participants will also develop the capacity to support governments, organizations, and institutions in collecting and utilizing disability-inclusive data.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is looking for individuals who meet the following criteria:

Required Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a person with a disability
• Be based in a low- and middle-income country or the Global South
• Hold an undergraduate degree
• Possess basic research skills
• Be interested in social policy and disability equality
• Be connected to the disability movement
• Be motivated to strengthen research skills
• Have sufficient English proficiency for participation

Language Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Working written English skills
• Ability to understand everyday English communication
• Basic spoken English communication skills

Importantly, spoken English proficiency is not required for sign language users, as interpretation support will be provided.

No Age Restrictions

One of the most inclusive aspects of the programme is that there is:

• No minimum age beyond educational requirements
• No upper age limit

Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The fellowship is not intended for:

• Senior researchers
• Established academics
• Researchers with extensive United Nations agency experience
• Applicants whose work is unrelated to disability issues
• Applicants from countries restricted under OFAC regulations

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials.

1. Research Proposal (Maximum Three Pages)

The proposal must focus on disability policy in the applicant’s own country and include:

• Introduction
• Research question
• Methodology
• Data and methods
• Expected results
• Timeline demonstrating completion within 12 months

Formatting requirements:

• Arial font size 12
• 2.5 cm margins on all sides
• Maximum three pages

2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants should provide a current CV outlining:

• Educational background
• Research experience
• Professional achievements
• Relevant disability advocacy work

3. Cover Letter

The cover letter should explain:

• Motivation for applying
• Research interests
• Career goals
• Commitment to disability inclusion

4. Two References

Applicants must provide two professional or academic references who can speak to their qualifications and potential.

Guidance on AI Use

The programme does not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence tools.

However, applicants are strongly advised not to rely on AI-generated:

• Research questions
• Research methodologies

Instead, CIP encourages applicants to present their original ideas clearly and concisely, preferably using bullet points where appropriate.

How to Apply

Click here for more and to apply

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included before submission.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline

July 31, 2026 (Midnight EDT)

Late applications may not be considered, so interested candidates are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The CIP Fellowship Programme 2026 represents a transformative opportunity for emerging researchers with disabilities across low- and middle-income countries. With financial support worth up to USD $14,000, expert mentorship, accessibility accommodations, specialized training, and access to a global network of disability advocates and researchers, the programme equips fellows with the skills and resources needed to influence policy and advance disability rights.

For aspiring researchers committed to creating inclusive societies and evidence-based disability policies, this fellowship offers a unique platform to develop expertise, strengthen leadership capacity, and contribute to meaningful change at local, national, and international levels.

For more global fellowship opportunities click here