The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) has opened applications for its Non-Resident Research Fellowship, a four-month remote research opportunity designed for doctoral researchers, PhD holders and eligible MPhil or research master’s graduates who want to develop academic research into practical policy-oriented analysis.

The fellowship provides early-career researchers with an opportunity to work with one of IPDS’s research centres, develop a research project connected to their academic interests and the centre’s research agenda, and publish their work under the title Non-Resident Research Fellow.

Unlike programmes that require fellows to relocate to a host institution, the IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship is conducted entirely online. Researchers can participate from their own country and time zone while contributing to IPDS research, publications, seminars and policy discussions.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for researchers whose academic work focuses on international relations, political science, peace and conflict, strategic studies, area studies, economics, international law, public policy, history, gender studies, media, communication, diplomacy studies and related disciplines.

The programme is also intended for researchers who already have a record of published writing and are ready to take their academic work to a broader policy audience.

IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship at a Glance

The fellowship offers a structured four-month research experience with the following key features:

• Format: Non-resident and fully remote
• Duration: Four months
• Location: Researchers can participate from anywhere in the world
• Eligibility: MPhil or research master’s graduates, PhD candidates and doctorate holders
• Academic requirement: A completed MPhil, MS or research master’s degree with 18 years of education or equivalent, current PhD enrolment, or completed doctorate
• Publication requirement: At least two published pieces
• Expected commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
• Main outputs: One policy paper and two commentaries
• Basis: Honorary and unpaid
• Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis

The fellowship is designed to connect academic research with the people and institutions involved in policymaking, diplomacy and international affairs.

What Is the IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship?

The IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship is a four-month programme for researchers whose academic work is ready to engage with a policy audience.

The programme brings early-career scholars into the work of IPDS research centres. Fellows develop research that connects their academic or doctoral work with the research priorities of their selected centre.

Each fellow is appointed to a centre and proposes a research line that fits both:

1. The research agenda of the selected IPDS centre; and
2. The fellow’s own doctoral, postdoctoral or research work.

Selected fellows publish through IPDS under the title Non-Resident Research Fellow, while their work is reviewed and edited by the IPDS Research Desk.

The programme is intentionally selective. IPDS states that it prefers a smaller number of fellows who can produce well-argued and well-sourced research rather than a large cohort without the capacity to deliver strong publications.

Who Is the Fellowship Designed For?

The fellowship is intended for researchers who have reached a stage where their academic research can be translated into meaningful policy analysis.

This means the programme is not aimed at beginners who are only starting their academic journey. Applicants are expected to have advanced academic qualifications and an existing publication record.

Eligible candidates must meet specific academic, disciplinary, publication and time-commitment requirements.

Academic Qualifications Required

Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic requirements:

• Have completed an MPhil, MS or research master’s degree representing 18 years of education or the international equivalent.
• Be currently enrolled in a PhD or doctoral programme.
• Have completed a doctorate.

Applicants who are still completing an MPhil are not yet eligible.

Similarly, applicants whose highest qualification is a taught master’s degree equivalent to 16 years of education or a bachelor’s degree are not currently eligible for the fellowship.

Eligible Academic Disciplines

The fellowship is open to researchers working in fields relevant to IPDS research.

These include:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Strategic, Security or Defence Studies
• Area or Regional Studies
• Economics and International Political Economy
• International Law
• Public Policy and Governance
• History
• Gender Studies
• Media, Communication and Diplomacy Studies
• Other related fields where the applicant can demonstrate relevance to IPDS research

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research has a clear connection to the work of the centre they wish to join.

Publication Experience Required

A significant requirement of the fellowship is an existing record of published writing.

Applicants must have at least two published pieces.

The programme recognises several forms of published work, including:

• Journal articles
• Book chapters
• Policy briefs
• Working papers
• Opinion pieces published through recognised outlets

However, personal blog posts and unpublished coursework do not count as qualifying publications.

Co-authored publications are accepted as part of the publication record, but the writing sample submitted with the application must be single-authored.

English Language Requirement

Applicants are expected to have written English at a publishable standard.

This is important because fellows will be expected to produce policy papers and commentaries that undergo editorial review and are intended for a policy-oriented readership.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable presenting arguments clearly, supporting claims with evidence and producing polished written research.

Time Commitment

Fellows should be prepared to dedicate approximately 8–10 hours per week to the fellowship over the four-month period.

The programme is designed to accommodate researchers who are completing studies or working elsewhere, but applicants must still be able to give the fellowship consistent and serious attention.

Research schedules and deadlines are agreed at the beginning of the fellowship and can take the fellow’s academic calendar into account, including thesis submission and examination periods.

What Does IPDS Look for in Applicants?

Beyond the formal eligibility requirements, IPDS identifies several qualities it looks for when assessing candidates.

Policy-Relevant Research Questions

Applicants should propose research questions that matter to policymakers and practitioners, rather than questions that only contribute to academic literature.

The strongest proposals should demonstrate how research findings can be translated into practical policy analysis.

Clear and Evidence-Based Writing

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to write clearly and develop a persuasive argument supported by credible evidence.

The fellowship is designed around policy publications, so applicants need to demonstrate that they can communicate complex issues effectively.

Familiarity With Primary Sources

IPDS values researchers who are comfortable using primary sources.

These may include:

• Official documents
• Data
• Interviews
• Original-language sources
• Other forms of firsthand evidence

Fair Treatment of Competing Views

Because IPDS describes itself as nonpartisan, fellows are expected to treat competing positions fairly.

Research should therefore demonstrate intellectual balance while still presenting a clear argument supported by evidence.

Reliability and Commitment

Applicants should be able to deliver the work they propose according to the agreed schedule.

Reliability is particularly important because fellows are expected to produce several outputs during the four-month appointment.

IPDS Research Centres and Available Research Themes

Applicants select a preferred research centre and may also identify a second-choice centre.

The proposed research should connect with the selected centre’s agenda.

The available centres and indicative research areas include the following.

Centre for BRI and China Studies

This centre focuses on subjects including:

• The Belt and Road Initiative
• China-Pakistan relations
• CPEC
• China’s role in global governance
• Development finance

Centre for SCO Studies

Research areas include:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation institutions
• Regional security cooperation
• Connectivity
• Multilateral governance in Eurasia

Centre for Central Asia and Eurasian Studies

The centre covers:

• Central Asia
• The Caucasus
• Russia
• Energy
• Trade corridors
• Pakistan’s relations across Eurasia

Centre for European Studies

Research areas include:

• European Union foreign policy
• EU trade policy
• GSP+
• European security
• Pakistan-Europe engagement

Centre for American Studies

The centre focuses on:

• US foreign policy
• US security policy
• Great-power competition
• Pakistan-US relations

Centre for Africa Studies

Research can address:

• African Union affairs
• Regional economic communities
• Pakistan’s engagement with African states

Centre for ASEAN Studies

Research areas include:

• ASEAN regionalism
• The Indo-Pacific
• Pakistan’s partnerships across Southeast Asia

Centre for Women, Peace and Leadership

This centre focuses on:

• Women, Peace and Security
• Women in diplomacy
• Gender-inclusive peacebuilding

IPDS Leadership Center

Research may focus on:

• Diplomatic practice
• Public diplomacy
• Cultural diplomacy
• Leadership in international affairs

Peace, Security and Global Governance

This is a cross-centre research area covering topics such as:

• Conflict resolution
• Afghanistan
• Regional stability
• Multilateralism
• The United Nations system

The listed themes are indicative rather than exhaustive, meaning applicants should focus on developing a strong proposal that clearly connects with their selected centre’s research agenda.

What Will Fellows Do During the Four-Month Fellowship?

Each fellow develops a research plan with their selected centre.

The fellowship includes several expected outputs and activities.

1. Produce a Policy Paper

Each fellow is expected to produce one substantial policy paper of approximately 3,000–5,000 words.

The paper will be developed from the fellow’s proposal in consultation with the relevant centre.

It will then be published in the IPDS research series.

This provides fellows with a formal institutional publication that can demonstrate their ability to transform academic research into policy-oriented analysis.

2. Write Two Commentaries

Fellows are also expected to produce two commentaries, with one completed during each half of the fellowship.

Each commentary should be approximately 800–1,500 words.

These pieces should address current developments within the fellow’s area of expertise and be written for a broad policy audience.

3. Contribute to Centre Research

Fellows may also contribute to the ongoing research activities of their selected centre.

Examples include:

• Bilateral relations trackers
• Research briefings
• Literature reviews
• Other centre research activities agreed upon with the centre lead

4. Participate in an Online Seminar or Roundtable

Fellows are required to participate in at least one online IPDS seminar or roundtable.

During this engagement, the fellow will present their work in progress and have an opportunity to discuss their research with other participants.

5. Attend Regular Check-Ins

Fellows will have a short monthly conversation with their centre lead.

They will also provide written updates at:

• The midpoint of the fellowship
• The conclusion of the fellowship

The programme uses these interactions to keep the research on track and ensure that fellows are progressing toward their agreed outputs.

Benefits of the IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship

Although the fellowship is honorary and unpaid, it offers several professional and academic benefits.

Published and Citable Research

Fellows will have the opportunity to publish:

• One policy paper
• Two commentaries

These publications can strengthen a researcher’s academic and professional profile.

They may be particularly useful when applying for:

• Doctoral opportunities
• Postdoctoral positions
• Research positions
• Policy positions
• Academic opportunities

Opportunity to Connect Research With a Degree

The fellowship can complement an applicant’s existing academic research.

Researchers can develop a proposal based on their thesis and use the fellowship to explore the policy implications of their academic work.

The programme specifically encourages proposals that take a question from an applicant’s doctoral or MPhil research and examine what that research means for policy.

Fellows retain copyright in their work.

Professional Editorial Review

Every piece produced through the fellowship is reviewed and edited by the IPDS Research Desk.

Fellows receive specific written feedback relating to:

• Argument
• Evidence
• Clarity
• Overall presentation

This editorial process can help researchers improve both their academic writing and their ability to communicate research to policy audiences.

Institutional Affiliation

Successful applicants are appointed as Non-Resident Research Fellows of their selected IPDS centre.

They also receive a profile on the IPDS website for the duration of the fellowship.

This institutional affiliation can provide additional recognition for researchers building their professional and academic profiles.

Certificate and Formal Letter

Upon completion, fellows receive:

• A Certificate of Fellowship
• A letter from IPDS outlining their role and published outputs

These documents can be submitted to a university, academic supervisor or future employer as evidence of the fellowship and completed work.

Networking and Speaking Opportunities

Fellows can participate in IPDS online seminars and may be considered for invitations to IPDS dialogues and forums.

These activities can provide opportunities to interact with:

• Diplomats
• Government officials
• Researchers
• Academics
• Policy practitioners
• Other international affairs professionals

Opportunity for Further Academic Publication

Fellows are encouraged to develop their policy paper into an academic article for the Journal of Peace and Diplomacy, IPDS’s double-blind peer-reviewed journal.

Any such article would remain subject to the journal’s normal peer-review process.

This provides a potential pathway from fellowship research to a peer-reviewed academic publication.

International Research Environment

The fellowship brings together researchers from universities across different countries and disciplines.

Because the programme is fully remote, fellows can participate without relocating to Pakistan.

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How the IPDS Fellowship Selection Process Works

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed in batches.

IPDS aims to contact shortlisted applicants within approximately six weeks of receiving a complete application.

The selection process consists of several stages.

Stage 1: Application

Applicants submit:

• Application form
• Research proposal
• Statement of purpose
• CV
• Writing sample
• Proof of degree or enrolment
• Academic referee details

Incomplete applications cannot be submitted.

Stage 2: Review

The IPDS Research Desk and the relevant research centre review eligible applications.

They assess factors including:

• Quality of the writing sample
• Strength of the research proposal
• Relevance of the proposed research
• Fit with the selected centre

Stage 3: Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 30-minute online interview with the relevant centre lead.

At this stage, IPDS also contacts the applicant’s academic referee.

Stage 4: Offer

Successful applicants receive a formal appointment letter.

The letter sets out:

• The agreed research plan
• Expected outputs
• Fellowship schedule

Stage 5: Onboarding

Selected fellows participate in an introductory call with their centre and the IPDS Research Desk.

The onboarding process covers:

• Editorial standards
• Publication calendar
• The fellow’s first commentary
• Expectations for the fellowship

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the application.

The application takes approximately 45 minutes if all required documents are ready.

Applicants should prepare:

1. CV
2. Single-authored writing sample of at least 1,500 words
3. Proof of degree or enrolment
4. Research proposal of 500–800 words
5. Statement of purpose of 300–500 words
6. Details of one academic referee

The writing sample is particularly important because applicants are expected to demonstrate their ability to produce clear, evidence-based and publishable research.

Can Your Research Proposal Be Based on Your Thesis?

Yes.

IPDS explicitly encourages applicants to develop proposals based on their existing doctoral or MPhil research.

For example, a researcher may take a question from their thesis and explore:

• Its implications for public policy
• Its relevance to international relations
• Its significance for diplomacy
• Its implications for peace and security
• How policymakers or practitioners could use the findings

This can make the fellowship particularly valuable for researchers who want to transform an academic thesis into accessible policy research.

Can Researchers Apply From Outside Pakistan?

Yes.

The fellowship is fully remote and open to researchers in any country.

Fellows do not need to relocate to Pakistan. Work, meetings and seminars take place online, allowing researchers to participate from their own country and time zone.

Is the IPDS Fellowship Paid?

No.

The fellowship is explicitly described as honorary and unpaid.

It does not provide:

• Stipend
• Salary
• Travel support
• Visa support
• Other fellowship expenses

The fellowship also does not create an employment relationship between the fellow and IPDS.

The primary benefits are therefore professional and academic, including publication, editorial feedback, institutional affiliation, recognition and networking opportunities.

Fellowship Terms and Conditions

Applicants should understand the programme’s terms before applying.

Four-Month Appointment

The standard fellowship lasts four months.

It may be extended through mutual agreement, while the appointment can also be ended early if agreed outputs are not delivered.

Fully Remote

Fellows work from their own countries and time zones.

Seminars are conducted online.

Copyright

Fellows retain copyright over their work.

They grant IPDS a non-exclusive right to publish and disseminate the work.

Research and Editorial Standards

All published work must comply with IPDS research and editorial standards.

Views expressed in published work remain those of the author.

Use of the Fellow Title

The title Non-Resident Research Fellow may only be used in connection with work completed under the fellowship and only during the fellowship appointment.

Conflict of Interest

Fellows must disclose affiliations or funding that could reasonably be considered a conflict of interest with their IPDS work.

Does the Fellowship Provide Academic Credit?

No.

IPDS does not award academic credit for participation in the fellowship.

However, universities may recognise research affiliations and publications independently.

The fellowship also provides a completion letter documenting the fellow’s role and outputs, which researchers can use when communicating their professional or research experience to universities, supervisors or potential employers.

Applicants who are concerned about how the fellowship fits into their academic programme are encouraged to discuss it with their academic supervisor.

What If You Are Still Completing an MPhil?

Researchers who are still completing their MPhil are not yet eligible for the fellowship.

However, IPDS encourages such researchers to build their publication record through its Write for IPDS initiative.

Building a record of published work through recognised outlets can help strengthen an applicant’s profile for a future fellowship application.

What Counts as a Published Piece?

For the purpose of the fellowship, qualifying publications include:

• Journal articles
• Book chapters
• Policy briefs
• Working papers
• Opinion pieces in recognised outlets

The following do not count as qualifying published pieces:

• Personal blog posts
• Unpublished coursework

Co-authored publications can count toward the publication record, although the application writing sample must be single-authored.

For more information on  IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship 2026, CLICK HERE.

Can You Apply to More Than One Research Centre?

Applicants may identify:

• One preferred research centre
• One second-choice centre

However, applicants should submit only one application.

If IPDS determines that a proposal is better suited to another centre, the organisation can advise the applicant accordingly.

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline stated in the supplied information.

Instead, applications for the IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed in batches.

IPDS aims to contact shortlisted candidates within approximately six weeks after receiving a complete application.

Because applications are rolling, interested researchers should not wait for a conventional annual deadline before preparing their documents.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This fellowship may be particularly relevant to researchers who:

• Are enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Have completed a PhD or doctorate.
• Have completed an MPhil, MS or research master’s degree equivalent to 18 years of education.
• Have at least two qualifying publications.
• Want to convert academic research into policy-oriented writing.
• Work in international relations, diplomacy, peace and security, political science or related disciplines.
• Want institutional research affiliation without relocating.
• Can commit approximately 8–10 hours per week.
• Are interested in publishing research through an established research institute.
• Want experience engaging with diplomats, policymakers and practitioners.
• Are looking to strengthen their academic or policy research profile.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by paying close attention to the programme’s stated expectations.

Choose a Centre That Fits Your Research

Before writing the proposal, study the research themes of the preferred centre.

Your proposal should demonstrate a genuine connection between your research question and the centre’s agenda.

Focus on Policy Relevance

Do not present your proposal solely as an academic research exercise.

Explain why the research matters to:

• Policymakers
• Diplomats
• Government institutions
• International organisations
• Civil society
• Practitioners

Prepare a Strong Writing Sample

The writing sample must be at least 1,500 words and single-authored.

Select a piece that demonstrates:

• Strong argumentation
• Evidence-based analysis
• Clear structure
• Strong written English
• Knowledge of relevant literature or primary sources
• Ability to engage competing perspectives

Connect Your Proposal to Existing Research

If you already have a thesis or doctoral research project, consider how one part of it can be transformed into a policy-oriented research question.

This approach can make the fellowship more manageable while demonstrating continuity in your research interests.

Demonstrate Your Publication Record

Ensure that the publications you list meet the programme’s definition of published work.

Two qualifying publications are required, so applicants should check that their publications are from recognised outlets.

Be Realistic About Your Time

The programme requires approximately 8–10 hours every week for four months.

Applicants should consider their academic, professional and personal schedules before applying.

Conclusion

The IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship offers an important opportunity for advanced researchers who want to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and practical policy analysis.

The four-month, fully remote fellowship allows eligible researchers to work with an IPDS research centre from anywhere in the world while developing research connected to international affairs, diplomacy, peace and security, regional studies, public policy and related fields.

Although the fellowship is honorary and unpaid, it provides substantial professional and academic value through institutional affiliation, published research, editorial feedback, a certificate, a formal completion letter, networking opportunities and potential pathways toward further academic publication.

The programme is particularly suitable for MPhil or research master’s graduates, PhD candidates and doctorate holders who already have at least two qualifying publications and can commit approximately 8–10 hours per week.

Researchers can choose from a wide range of research centres covering China and the Belt and Road Initiative, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Central Asia and Eurasia, Europe, the United States, Africa, ASEAN, women and peace, leadership, and broader peace, security and global governance.

Because applications are accepted on a rolling basis, eligible researchers can prepare their application materials and submit them without waiting for a fixed annual deadline.

For researchers seeking to turn academic expertise into policy-relevant publications and engage with an international research and diplomatic community, the IPDS Non-Resident Research Fellowship provides a fully remote pathway to build that experience.

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