About the Program
Applications are now open for the May 2026 Cohort
The IPSC Emerging Scholars of the Indo-Pacific Program is a structured writing and research initiative for emerging scholars and early-career professionals seeking to develop disciplined, policy-relevant analysis on Indo-Pacific affairs.
Over 12 weeks, participants work in a virtual, collaborative environment with structured editorial guidance, producing analytical commentaries and research outputs aligned with professional policy and think-tank standards.
Program Participation Fee: US$160 (payable only if selected).
This fee is a strategic investment in professional policy writing, editorial supervision, and assessment against IPSC publication standards. It is not an application or processing fee.
Focus Areas & Research Streams
- Geopolitical Research and Indo-Pacific Policy Analysis
- Security, Strategy, and Regional Order
- Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Policy
- Technology, Governance, and Digital Geopolitics
- Political Economy, Trade, and Development
- Editorial Research Support and Data Analysis
What Emerging Scholars Will Gain
- Structured training in analytical and policy commentary writing
- Editorial guidance from IPSC Fellows and senior researchers
- Experience producing work under professional publication standards
- Consideration for publication (subject to IPSC editorial discretion)
- Certificate of Completion and, where appropriate, a letter of reference
Career Outcomes
The Emerging Scholars Program is designed to support pathways into policy research, think-tank analysis, government, international organisations, and postgraduate study.
Participants graduate with demonstrable experience in disciplined policy writing, engagement with complex geopolitical trade-offs, and work produced to professional, not student, standards.
Who Should Apply?
This program is suited to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals who can write clearly, think analytically, and are serious about developing policy-relevant research and commentary skills.
Apply
The IPSC Emerging Scholars Program is offered 2–3 times per year. All participation is remote. Scholars commit approximately 6–8 hours per week over 12 weeks.
Fee: US$160 program participation fee (payable only if selected).
FAQ
The Emerging Scholars Program is a structured writing and research initiative focused on developing disciplined, policy-relevant analysis on Indo-Pacific issues. It is not an internship or volunteer placement.
The program is open to students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals with a demonstrated interest in policy, geopolitics, or international affairs. Selection is competitive and merit-based.
Applications are submitted online during advertised intake periods. The Emerging Scholars Program operates on a cohort basis and is offered 2–3 times per year.
The program runs for 12 weeks. Participants should expect to commit approximately 6–8 hours per week to research, writing, and editorial engagement.
Yes. A US$160 program participation fee applies to applicants who are selected for the cohort. The fee is payable only after selection and supports editorial supervision, structured training, and program delivery.
Participants work on analytical commentaries, research notes, and related outputs aligned with IPSC’s policy and publication standards. Output expectations are defined by IPSC and vary by cohort and research stream.
No. Publication is not automatic and is subject to IPSC’s editorial standards and discretion. All work is reviewed for analytical quality, clarity, and policy relevance.
The program is part-time and unpaid. It is designed as a professional development and research training experience rather than an employment arrangement.
Participants who meet program requirements receive a Certificate of Completion and may, at IPSC’s discretion, receive a letter of reference.