The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027–2028, hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., United States, offers an opportunity for experienced professionals from the Global South to conduct research, strengthen their leadership skills and develop evidence-based policy solutions that advance gender equality in and through education.
The fellowship is designed for professionals with substantial experience in education, gender equality, international development, public policy, economics, research, community development or related fields who are committed to addressing barriers to equitable and inclusive education. Selected scholars will receive a stipend of US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods. The programme also covers specified expenses associated with the research design retreat, visa process, accommodation during the four-month residency, round-trip travel and a limited health insurance plan.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program combines professional research, leadership development, policy engagement and long-term impact planning. Fellows will investigate challenges affecting gender equality in education, produce evidence-based research, develop policy recommendations and work towards implementing initiatives in their home countries after completing their residency at Brookings.
The programme is particularly relevant to experienced education professionals, researchers, academics, civil society leaders, development practitioners and government professionals who want to influence education policy and strengthen systems that support girls’ education, gender equality and inclusive learning across the Global South.
The fellowship begins with a research design retreat in April 2027, followed by pre-residency activities beginning around June 15, 2027. Scholars will then undertake a four-month, full-time residency at the Brookings Institution from August to December 2027. Following the residency, the programme will continue to support scholars through alumni engagement and impact activities during 2028 and 2029.
Application deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
About the Echidna Global Scholars Program
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is an initiative of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. Its central objective is to accelerate systemic change for gender equality in and through education by strengthening leadership, building supportive ecosystems and developing evidence-based approaches that can create lasting impact at local, regional and global levels.
The programme recognises that education systems can reproduce inequalities when they fail to address the social, economic, institutional and cultural barriers that prevent girls and other marginalised learners from accessing quality education and benefiting from learning opportunities.
Addressing these barriers requires more than individual interventions. It also requires researchers, policymakers, education practitioners, community leaders and civil society organisations to understand the causes of inequality and develop practical solutions that respond to local conditions.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program therefore supports professionals who understand their own communities and can investigate the challenges affecting education in their countries. Through research, leadership development and policy engagement, fellows are equipped to contribute to improvements in education systems and advance gender equality.
The programme also seeks to strengthen the connections between research and practice. Fellows do not simply produce academic research for publication; they work to translate their findings into policy recommendations and impact strategies that can inform decision-making and support change in their home countries.
About the Center for Universal Education at Brookings
The Center for Universal Education (CUE) is based at the Brookings Institution, a public policy research organisation in Washington, D.C.
CUE works to transform education systems so that they are adaptable and responsive to the needs of young people. Its objective is to help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, develops the skills needed to thrive.
For more than two decades, the centre has worked with educators, policymakers, communities, young people and other stakeholders around the world to advance research and develop practical tools for improving education.
Its work includes creating opportunities for sustained dialogue, transformative learning and coordinated action in support of inclusive, equitable, high-quality and contextually relevant education.
Within this broader mission, the Echidna Global Scholars Program focuses on strengthening the evidence base for policies and practices that advance gender equality in and through education, particularly in countries across the Global South.
The programme recognises that education challenges differ across countries and communities. Consequently, effective solutions must be informed by the realities of the people affected by those challenges.
Echidna scholars are selected in part because of their professional experience and understanding of their communities. They are expected to use that knowledge to identify barriers to gender equality, conduct meaningful research and engage local decision-makers in developing solutions that can contribute to long-term systemic change.
What Does Gender Equality in and Through Education Mean?
Gender equality in and through education involves both ensuring that people have equitable opportunities to participate in education and using education as a means of advancing equality in society.
Gender-related barriers can affect school access, attendance, retention, learning outcomes, educational leadership, participation in decision-making and transitions into further education or employment.
Such barriers may be influenced by household circumstances, social expectations, institutional practices, economic inequalities, public policy and the availability of educational resources.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program seeks to support research and policy approaches that address these challenges.
Through their individual research projects, scholars will investigate relevant problems, examine evidence and develop recommendations that can inform policy and practice.
Depending on their research focus, scholars may explore questions relating to girls’ access to education, gender-responsive education policies, equitable learning opportunities, institutional barriers, community participation or other challenges connected to gender equality and education.
These are illustrative areas of relevance rather than a prescribed list of individual research topics. Applicants should develop research proposals that respond to a clearly identified problem and demonstrate how their work could contribute to the programme’s objectives.
Objectives of the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship
The fellowship has several interconnected objectives.
1. Strengthening research capacity
Scholars will conduct professional, in-depth research into an issue affecting gender equality in and through education.
The research process will involve identifying a policy problem, designing a study, collecting and analysing data, interpreting findings and developing evidence-based recommendations.
2. Developing leadership skills
The programme includes an individualised leadership development component intended to strengthen scholars’ ability to influence policy and practice.
Participants will engage in leadership development activities, workshops, reflection and advisory sessions throughout the programme.
3. Improving evidence-based policymaking
The fellowship aims to help scholars translate research findings into useful policy recommendations.
Scholars will work with the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team to develop a policy brief and strategic commentaries that can inform discussions among relevant stakeholders.
4. Expanding professional networks
The residency provides opportunities for scholars to interact with Brookings researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other members of the education and development community.
These connections can support collaboration, knowledge exchange and wider dissemination of research findings.
5. Supporting long-term impact in home countries
The programme extends beyond the residency period. Scholars will develop post-residency impact projects and receive support as they seek to apply their research findings in their home countries.
The overall objective is to connect professional development and research with practical action that contributes to systemic change.
Four Phases of the Echidna Global Scholars Program
The fellowship consists of four main phases: the kickoff and research design retreat, pre-residency, residency and post-residency.
Phase 1: Kickoff and Research Design Retreat — April 2027
The programme begins with an in-person research design retreat scheduled for April 2027.
The retreat will establish the foundation for the research training, leadership development and strategic impact components of the fellowship.
Scholars will meet with the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team to refine their research proposals and prepare for the research process.
Activities will include:
- Identifying a clearly defined policy problem.
- Refining the research question and proposal.
- Designing a research study.
- Planning data collection.
- Establishing the foundations for research training.
- Preparing for leadership development activities.
- Considering how the research can contribute to policy and practical impact.
The retreat is expected to require approximately one week of participation.
This phase is important because scholars must establish a realistic research plan before undertaking data collection in their home countries.
Phase 2: Pre-Residency — June to July 2027
The pre-residency phase is expected to begin around June 15, 2027, and will take place primarily in scholars’ home countries.
During this period, fellows will work remotely with support from the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team.
The main focus will be data collection, initial analysis, research preparation and the development of an impact strategy.
Participants will take part in:
- In-country data collection.
- Initial research analysis.
- Virtual workshops.
- Group working meetings.
- Individual advisory sessions.
- Leadership development activities.
- Research discussions.
- Impact planning.
- Identification and engagement of local stakeholders.
Scholars are expected to commit approximately 15–20 hours per week during this phase.
An important requirement is that scholars complete their data collection and initial analysis at home before beginning the residency in Washington, D.C.
This arrangement allows the residency to focus more intensively on analysing the evidence, developing policy recommendations and communicating findings.
Applicants should therefore ensure that they can dedicate sufficient time to research activities while remaining in their home countries during the pre-residency period.
Phase 3: Residency at Brookings — August to December 2027
The residency is the central, full-time phase of the fellowship and will take place at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.
During the four-month residency, scholars will focus on strengthening their research, developing their policy communication skills, expanding their professional networks and refining their strategies for impact.
The programme expects fellows to make a full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.
Key activities include:
Research analysis and writing
Scholars will analyse the data collected during the pre-residency phase and work towards completing their research projects.
Policy brief development
With support from the CUE team, scholars will translate their findings into an action-oriented policy brief.
The brief is intended to communicate the research findings and recommendations in a format that can be useful to policymakers and other relevant audiences.
Strategic commentaries
Scholars will also develop strategic commentaries that communicate the significance of their research and its implications for policy and practice.
The policy brief and commentaries will be published and disseminated through Brookings’ multimedia platforms.
Leadership development
The residency includes an individualised leadership development programme designed to help scholars strengthen the skills and practices needed to influence policy and achieve impact.
Professional networking
Scholars will engage with Brookings researchers and participate in relevant organisational meetings, seminars, presentations, discussions and public or private events.
Research communication
The programme will help scholars improve their ability to analyse, communicate and use research effectively in policy settings.
Strategic collaboration
Fellows will have opportunities to build connections with relevant actors across the education, gender equality and global development communities.
The residency is therefore not simply a period of academic research. It combines research completion, professional development, policy communication and networking in a structured programme.
Phase 4: Post-Residency — 2028–2029
The fellowship continues after scholars complete their residency at Brookings.
During the post-residency period, scholars will be supported as they seek to translate their research into action in their home countries.
The programme includes participation in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium.
Over the two years following the residency, the CUE team will provide support through:
- Impact planning.
- Strategic advice.
- Leadership development.
- Support for implementing research-informed impact projects.
- Opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.
- Continued engagement with the programme’s professional network.
The objective is to help scholars use the knowledge, skills and connections developed during the fellowship to contribute to change in their own contexts.
Scholars may also be invited to apply for seed funding to implement an impact project based on their research findings. Such funding is not guaranteed and should not be treated as an automatic fellowship benefit.
Key Responsibilities of Selected Scholars
Selected scholars will be expected to participate actively in the research, leadership and policy engagement components of the fellowship.
Their responsibilities include the following.
Conducting in-depth research
Scholars must develop and complete a research project that strengthens the evidence base on gender equality in and through education.
The project should address a clearly defined policy problem and produce findings that can inform practical recommendations.
Writing an evidence-based policy paper
Participants will be expected to produce an evidence-based policy paper and present their research and recommendations at events organised by Brookings.
This requires strong research, analytical, writing and communication skills.
Participating in leadership development
Scholars must participate in individual and group activities designed to strengthen leadership capacity.
These activities include workshops, discussions, reflections and other opportunities for learning and professional development.
Developing a post-residency impact project
Participants will prepare a proposal for a project intended to expand the impact of their research after they return to their home countries.
The proposal should explain how the findings could inform practical activities or contribute to improvements in policy and practice.
Engaging with the Brookings community
Scholars are expected to interact professionally with Brookings researchers and other members of the organisation.
They should participate actively in meetings, seminars, presentations, informal discussions and relevant public or private events.
Building connections with the wider policy community
Participants will engage with relevant stakeholders in their home countries, Washington, D.C., and the international education and development community.
This may involve meetings, conferences and networking opportunities connected to education, gender equality, policy and global development.
Financial Benefits of the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive financial and logistical support during the pre-residency and residency periods.
1. US$26,500 stipend
Each selected scholar will receive a stipend totalling US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods.
The stipend is subject to applicable United States tax withholding and reporting requirements.
Applicants should note that the stipend is intended to support living costs and should not automatically be interpreted as a salary or employment payment.
2. Visa process support
The Center for Universal Education will cover costs associated with the visa process.
Scholars must obtain the required J-1 visa before participating in the residency in Washington, D.C.
Although Brookings will provide support during the visa process, it cannot guarantee visa issuance, approval of immigration status or admission into the United States.
3. Accommodation during residency
The programme will cover the cost of single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency period in Washington, D.C.
This support is intended to help scholars participate in the in-person programme.
4. Round-trip travel expenses
Brookings will cover round-trip travel expenses associated with participation in the fellowship, as specified in the programme information.
5. Limited health insurance
The fellowship includes a limited health insurance plan.
Applicants should review any additional insurance information provided by the programme and should not assume that the plan covers every medical expense or situation.
6. Research design retreat expenses
The programme will cover costs associated with the kickoff and research design retreat.
7. Professional development and networking
Although not a cash benefit, the fellowship provides structured research support, leadership development, professional engagement and opportunities to build connections within the global education and policy community.
These opportunities form an important part of the programme’s overall value.
Important: The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a short-term fellowship, not an employee position at Brookings. The stated stipend and covered expenses should be distinguished from the benefits and compensation associated with regular employment.
Eligibility Requirements for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027–2028
The programme seeks experienced professionals with substantial ties to the Global South, a demonstrated commitment to gender equality in and through education and a clear intention to return to the Global South after the residency.
Applicants must meet the educational, professional and language requirements described below.
1. Relevant academic background
Applicants should have an academic background in one or more of the following fields:
- Education.
- Gender studies.
- Women’s studies.
- International development.
- Global development.
- Public policy.
- Economics.
- Related social sciences.
- Related humanities disciplines.
The programme is interdisciplinary, but applicants should be able to demonstrate how their academic and professional backgrounds relate to the programme’s focus on gender equality and education.
2. Master’s degree
A Master’s degree is required.
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly identifies their qualifications and relevant academic background.
The supplied announcement does not state a minimum GPA or require a particular Master’s degree title beyond the relevant academic and professional profile described in the eligibility criteria.
3. Minimum of 10 years of professional experience
Applicants must have at least 10 years of professional experience in one or more relevant settings, including:
- Research or academia.
- Non-governmental organisations.
- Community organisations.
- Civil society organisations.
- Government.
Candidates with experience in both academic or government settings and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply.
This requirement indicates that the programme is intended for established professionals rather than applicants who are only beginning their careers.
Applicants should demonstrate the relevance of their professional experience to education, gender equality, development, research or related policy areas.
4. Demonstrated commitment to gender equality in education
Applicants must demonstrate a passion for and commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education.
A general interest in education may not be sufficient on its own. Candidates should be prepared to explain how their professional work, research, leadership or community engagement relates to gender equality and educational improvement.
5. Substantial experience and ties to the Global South
The programme specifically seeks professionals with substantial experience in and ties to the Global South.
Applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the contexts in which they work and how their proposed research could contribute to addressing education and gender-related challenges.
6. Intention to return to the Global South
Candidates must have a clear intention to return to the Global South after completing their residency at Brookings.
This requirement is connected to the programme’s emphasis on supporting scholars who can apply their research, leadership development and professional networks to create impact in their home countries.
Applicants should therefore be able to explain how the fellowship will strengthen their ability to contribute to education policy, gender equality or related development priorities in their own contexts.
7. Strong analytical and writing skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills.
These are necessary for conducting in-depth research, interpreting evidence, producing a policy paper, developing recommendations and communicating findings to relevant audiences.
8. Collaboration and openness to feedback
Applicants should be willing and able to work collaboratively, care for and engage constructively with others, and give and receive feedback.
The programme involves working with researchers, advisers, fellow scholars, policymakers and other stakeholders. Participants should therefore be prepared to contribute to collective learning while remaining open to new perspectives.
9. English-language proficiency
All Echidna Global Scholars must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Applicants who require visa sponsorship may have their English proficiency verified through an objective assessment, as required by the United States Department of State.
10. Availability for the full programme
Selected scholars must be able to participate fully in the pre-residency activities and the entire residency period.
This includes:
- Approximately 15–20 hours per week during pre-residency.
- Completion of pre-arrival data collection and initial analysis.
- Full-time, on-site participation at Brookings during the residency.
- Participation in leadership development activities.
- Completion of research analysis and writing within the specified timeframe.
The programme states that the fellowship timeframe will not be changed. Applicants should therefore consider their professional, personal and travel commitments before applying.
Geographic Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The Echidna Global Scholars Program focuses on professionals from the Global South who have substantial experience and ties to their home-country contexts.
The programme’s existing alumni network includes scholars working across Africa, Asia and the Americas, demonstrating its international reach.
However, the supplied announcement does not provide a definitive list of eligible countries or establish that every country in these regions automatically qualifies.
Prospective applicants should assess their eligibility against the programme’s Global South requirements and confirm any country-specific questions with Brookings.
Are applicants from Africa eligible?
Professionals from African countries may be eligible if they meet the programme’s academic, professional, geographic and other requirements.
The programme’s focus on the Global South and its existing alumni network across Africa make it relevant to experienced professionals working on education and gender equality issues in African contexts.
Are applicants from Asia eligible?
Professionals from Asian countries may also be eligible if they meet the stated requirements and demonstrate the relevant professional experience and ties to the Global South.
Are applicants from the Americas eligible?
The programme’s alumni network includes scholars working in the Americas. However, the announcement does not provide a country-by-country eligibility list. Applicants from countries in the Americas should verify whether their country and professional context meet the programme’s eligibility criteria.
Is there a race or ethnicity restriction?
The supplied announcement does not specify a racial or ethnic eligibility restriction.
Its stated focus is on professional experience and ties to the Global South, commitment to gender equality in and through education, academic qualifications and the intention to return to the Global South following the residency.
Applicants should not assume that a particular racial or ethnic identity is either required or sufficient for eligibility.
Research Proposal Expectations
The research proposal is an essential part of the application.
The programme seeks scholars who can identify a relevant policy problem, design a research study and explain how the findings may contribute to gender equality in and through education.
A strong proposal should clearly articulate:
- The policy problem: What specific issue affecting gender equality and education will the research investigate?
- The context: Why is the issue important in the country or community being studied?
- The research questions: What does the study seek to understand or establish?
- The methodology: How will the research questions be investigated?
- The evidence: What data will be collected, and how will it be analysed?
- The policy relevance: How might the findings inform decisions, programmes or institutional practices?
- The intended impact: How could the research contribute to longer-term change?
- Local engagement: Which local actors or stakeholders may be relevant to the research and its impact strategy?
These points are a practical guide to the programme’s stated research expectations, not a substitute for the official application document.
Applicants should use the actual research proposal instructions supplied by Brookings and ensure that their proposed work can be completed within the fellowship’s six-month pre-residency and residency research timeframe.
Post-Residency Impact and the Alumni Network
A distinctive feature of the Echidna Global Scholars Program is its commitment to continued engagement after the residency.
Following their time at Brookings, scholars will be supported in implementing activities in their local contexts that build on their research findings.
This may involve developing and implementing impact projects, engaging local decision-makers, disseminating research findings and working with relevant organisations or communities.
Scholars will also transition into the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN).
The network brings together educators, researchers, community leaders and policy influencers with diverse lived experiences and a shared commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education.
It provides opportunities for:
- Collaborative research.
- Shared learning.
- Regional and global convenings.
- Professional networking.
- Knowledge exchange.
- Collective action.
- Continued engagement with education and gender equality issues.
Since its inception in 2012, the Echidna Global Scholars Program has hosted fifteen cohorts of fellows and supports an alumni network of more than 50 scholars working in over 25 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas.
This network can help alumni sustain professional relationships, share knowledge and continue contributing to education policy and gender equality beyond the formal fellowship period.
Programme Timeline and Important Dates
Applicants should carefully review the following schedule.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Phone-screen interviews | December 7–18, 2026 |
| Programme and final panel | January–February 2027 |
| Selection and invitations | February 16, 2027 |
| Acceptance deadline | February 23, 2027 |
| Kickoff and research design retreat | April 2027, exact date to be determined |
| Pre-residency start | Around June 15, 2027 |
| Residency at Brookings | August–December 2027 |
| Post-residency impact support | 2028–2029 |
These dates are drawn from the supplied programme announcement. Applicants should consult the official listing for any subsequent changes.
Upcoming Information Session for Prospective Applicants
Brookings has announced an information session for prospective applicants to learn more about the Echidna Global Scholars Program.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Time: 8:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, as stated in the announcement.
Registration link: https://brookings.zoom.us/j/81876641658?pwd=yQG7RJqg85GkiaXLK8uaCoLw9zyOQe.1
Prospective applicants may use the session to become more familiar with the fellowship and seek clarification on the programme’s expectations.
Because the fellowship involves a substantial time commitment, an international residency, research requirements and a competitive selection process, reviewing the programme details before submitting an application is advisable.
How to Apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Program
Applications must be submitted through the Brookings Institution’s iCIMS application system.
The initial application must contain both required attachments.
Document 1: Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Applicants must submit a CV or resume that includes:
- Educational qualifications.
- Professional experience.
- A list of publications.
- Fellowships received.
- Honours and awards.
- Funded research.
- Foundation support received.
Applicants should ensure that their CV presents their experience clearly and highlights work relevant to education, gender equality, research, policy, development or community engagement.
The CV should accurately reflect the applicant’s professional background and achievements.
Document 2: Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application
Applicants must also complete the official Echidna Global Scholars Program Application.
The application includes:
- A written questionnaire.
- A research proposal.
The completed document must be uploaded in the Writing sample section of the online application system.
Applicants should access the application document through the hyperlink provided in the official Brookings listing.
The supplied text does not reproduce the direct URL for that document, so applicants should retrieve it from the official listing rather than relying on an unverified copy.
Required file naming format
Documents must be saved using the following format:
Last Name_First Name_document name
For example:
Doe_Jane_CVDoe_Jane_Echidna_Application
Applicants should follow the instructions in the official listing and ensure that the required documents are uploaded to the appropriate sections.
Are recommendation letters required?
No. According to the supplied announcement, letters of recommendation, separate writing samples and academic transcripts are not required for the initial application.
However, candidates selected for interviews may be asked to submit additional materials and provide references.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between the documents required at the initial submission stage and any additional information requested later in the selection process.
Selection Process
The selection process includes phone-screen interviews and a programme and final panel stage.
Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
The announcement states that candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide additional materials and references.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Applicants should therefore ensure that both required attachments are complete and submitted through the official iCIMS system before the stated deadline.
Candidates who require visa sponsorship should also be prepared for the English-language verification process required under the applicable United States Department of State requirements.
Visa Requirements for the Washington, D.C. Residency
Selected scholars must obtain a J-1 visa before participating in the residency at Brookings.
The Center for Universal Education will support scholars during the visa process and cover costs associated with the process, as specified in the fellowship announcement.
However, Brookings cannot guarantee visa issuance, approval of immigration status or admission into the United States.
The organisation also cannot control visa interview appointment availability, government travel restrictions or changes in legislation that may affect entry into the United States.
Applicants should therefore understand that visa approval is a separate process and that participation in the residency depends on obtaining the required authorisation.
Important Commitment and Programme Conditions
Before applying, prospective scholars should carefully consider the following conditions.
Full-time residency: The August–December 2027 residency requires an exclusive, full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.
Pre-residency workload: The pre-residency phase requires approximately 15–20 hours per week, including data collection and initial analysis.
Fixed programme dates: Brookings states that the fellowship timeframe will not be changed.
Research completion: Data collection and initial analysis must be completed in the scholar’s home country before the residency begins. Further analysis and writing must be completed during the residency.
Return to the Global South: Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to the Global South after their residency.
Visa approval: Scholars must obtain a J-1 visa, and Brookings cannot guarantee its issuance.
Stipend and expenses: The US$26,500 stipend is subject to United States tax withholding and reporting. Other support is limited to the specified covered expenses and arrangements.
Possible seed funding: Scholars may be invited to apply for seed funding for a post-residency impact project, but this is not guaranteed.
These conditions are important when deciding whether the fellowship is compatible with an applicant’s professional responsibilities and personal circumstances.
Why Experienced Education and Development Professionals Should Consider Applying
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is designed for professionals who want to connect research, leadership and policy engagement with practical improvements in education.
For an experienced educator, researcher, civil society leader or development practitioner, the fellowship offers an opportunity to investigate a significant education policy problem while receiving structured support to develop and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
Its combination of a research design retreat, remote pre-residency, an in-person research residency and post-residency impact support provides a framework for carrying a research project from its initial design through analysis and policy communication to potential implementation.
The fellowship may be especially relevant to professionals who:
- Have at least ten years of relevant experience.
- Hold a Master’s degree.
- Have a strong record of work in education, gender equality, research, development or related fields.
- Understand the context of the Global South in which they work.
- Can develop a research proposal addressing a relevant policy problem.
- Want to strengthen their leadership and policy communication skills.
- Have a clear plan to apply their research findings in their home country.
- Can commit to the full programme schedule.
The programme is intended for experienced professionals, so applicants should focus on demonstrating the relevance, depth and impact of their experience rather than presenting themselves as beginners in the field.
Visit HERE to read the full details of the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027–2028.
Conclusion
The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027–2028 at the Brookings Institution offers experienced professionals from the Global South an opportunity to strengthen their research, leadership and policy engagement skills while advancing gender equality in and through education.
Through the Center for Universal Education, the fellowship combines a research design retreat, pre-residency data collection, a four-month residency in Washington, D.C., and post-residency support for translating research into action. Selected scholars receive a US$26,500 stipend, along with specified support for accommodation, round-trip travel, visa-related costs, the research design retreat and limited health insurance.
The programme requires a Master’s degree, a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience, English proficiency, substantial ties to the Global South and a demonstrated commitment to gender equality in education. Scholars must also be prepared to complete their research within the designated timeframe, participate full-time during the residency and return to the Global South after completing the residency.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to established education professionals, academics, researchers, government professionals, civil society leaders and development practitioners who want to turn research into practical policy recommendations and sustainable change.
Interested applicants should prepare a detailed CV and the completed programme application, including the written questionnaire and research proposal, and submit both through the official Brookings iCIMS application system.
The application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the official vacancy listing, attend the information session scheduled for October 21, 2026, and ensure that they can meet the fellowship’s academic, professional, research, residency and visa requirements before applying.
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