The Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education is inviting applications for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship. The programme supports experienced leaders from the Global South who are committed to advancing gender equality in and through education.
Selected scholars undertake original research addressing barriers to educational access, participation and outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people. The fellowship combines research, leadership development, policy engagement and strategic collaboration to strengthen the influence of locally led education initiatives.
Participants will develop evidence-based policy recommendations, build professional networks and identify practical strategies for translating research into meaningful change in their home countries.
Key Areas of Focus
- Gender equality and transformative approaches to education.
- Improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls and young women.
- Education policy research and evidence-based decision-making.
- Leadership development and policy advocacy.
- Strengthening local, regional and global education ecosystems.
- Translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Have a demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education.
- Have substantial professional experience and established ties to a country in the Global South, with a clear intention to return after the fellowship.
- Hold a master’s degree or higher in education, gender or women’s studies, international development, public policy, economics, or a related social sciences or humanities discipline.
- Have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in research, academia, government, NGOs, community organisations or civil society.
- Demonstrate strong analytical, research, writing and collaboration skills.
- Be proficient in English.
Candidates with experience across academic or government institutions and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Benefits and Structure
The fellowship provides a stipend of USD 26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods, subject to applicable US tax requirements.
Additional support includes round-trip travel, single-occupancy accommodation during the four-month Washington, D.C., residency, visa-process support, a limited health insurance plan and participation in a research design retreat.
The programme comprises remote preparation and data collection in the scholar’s home country, followed by a full-time residency at Brookings from August to December 2027. Scholars will complete their research, develop policy outputs and participate in leadership development activities.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application through the official Brookings recruitment portal. Required documents include:
- A CV or résumé detailing education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, awards and research funding.
- The completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application, including a written questionnaire and a research proposal of approximately 3–5 pages.
Applicants should follow the specified document-naming instructions when uploading materials. Letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and separate writing samples are not required at the initial application stage.
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Apply here: https://careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3918/echidna-global-scholar/job
More information: https://www.brookings.edu/about-the-echidna-global-scholars-program-and-the-application-process/