About the opportunity
The CIP Fellowship Program is a 12-month online initiative starting on October 1, designed to support emerging researchers with disabilities from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in strengthening their research and social policy skills. The program focuses on empowering researchers to design projects rooted in local contexts, integrating them into global policy discourse on disability rights, and providing structured mentorship to advance disability rights in their home countries. It includes a specialized Disability Data Fellowship focusing on quantitative data collection and analysis.
Funding and benefits
- Monthly stipend of USD 1,000 for 12 months.
- Research costs or sponsorship for conferences/further training up to USD 2,000.
- Coverage of reasonable accommodation costs necessary to facilitate participation.
- Online training curriculum led by leading researchers.
- Mentorship to guide research.
- Opportunities to participate in CIP research projects and connect with a global network.
Who can apply?
- Person with a disability.
- From and currently based in the Global South or a low- or middle-income country (LMIC).
- Interested in social policy, research, and disability equality.
- Part of the disability movement.
- Possess basic research skills and an undergraduate degree.
- Proficient in spoken and written English (spoken proficiency not required for sign language users, as interpretation is available).
- At least 18 years old.
- Early in research career (not for senior or established researchers).
- Not from OFAC-excluded countries: North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Russia.
- Not a researcher with extensive experience in UN agencies.
Required documents
- Research Proposal (max 3 pages)
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Two References
When to apply
- Application deadline: July 31, 2026, at midnight EDT.
- Applications for the 2027 cycle will reopen in June 2027.
How to apply
- Submit a Research Proposal (maximum 3 pages, Arial 12, 2.5 cm margins) including an introduction, research question, methodology, data and methods, expected results, and a 12-month timeline.
- Submit an updated CV.
- Cover Letter.
- Two References.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Emerging researchers with disabilities from the Global South or LMICs.
- Individuals with an undergraduate degree and basic research skills who are active in the disability movement.
- Those interested in social policy and disability equality.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is strictly limited to residents of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and excludes residents of North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Russia.
- Applicants must be early in their research careers; established or senior researchers are not eligible.
- A detailed three-page research proposal is required for the application.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship fits readers looking to build a professional bridge between local disability research and international social policy. It provides a structured 12-month path to strengthen quantitative data skills and expand a global network of mentors and peers.
Our take
This is an ideal opportunity for early-career researchers with disabilities from the Global South who want to integrate their local research into global disability rights policy.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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