Visiting Research Fellowship — IPSC
Now Accepting Applications IPSC Programs

Visiting Research
Fellowship

A structured non-residential fellowship for academics, post-doctoral scholars, independent researchers, and doctoral candidates conducting original research aligned with IPSC's strategic priorities across the Indo‑Pacific.

Fellowship Duration
12 Weeks
Extension Available
Up to 12 Months
Fellowship Fee
US$1,700 / term
Research Centers
8 Specialisations
Program Access
MPSI or Geopolitical Risk
💻
Format
Non-Residential
🗓️
Term Length
12 Weeks (extendable)
💵
Fee Per Term
US$1,700
🌏
Focus Region
Indo-Pacific
🎓
Open To
Academics, PhDs & Researchers
📚
Program Access
MPSI or Geopolitical Risk Program

About the Program

Research that shapes
Indo-Pacific strategy

The IPSC Visiting Research Fellowship provides a structured, supported environment for serious scholarly work on the strategic, security, and geopolitical dynamics of the Indo‑Pacific. The fellowship is held entirely remotely — fellows are not required to relocate or attend in person.

Fellows are affiliated with one of IPSC's eight research centers and attend the core seminar series of either the Master of Pacific and Strategic Intelligence (MPSI) or the Geopolitical Risk Program, gaining access to IPSC's networks, publication platforms, and analytical communities.

Fellowships run for a standard term of 12 weeks, with extensions available up to 12 months for fellows whose research programs warrant continued affiliation.

Fellowship Principles
  • Analytical IndependenceFellows conduct independent research free from institutional or sponsor interference.
  • Policy RelevanceResearch is expected to engage real strategic questions, not purely theoretical debates.
  • Regional GroundingAll research must be relevant to the Indo-Pacific strategic environment.
  • Publication PathwayFellows are expected to produce at least one substantive output during their term.
  • Program IntegrationFellows attend the core seminar series of either the MPSI or the Geopolitical Risk Program.

Eligibility

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to a wide range of research professionals. Applicants must be working on topics directly relevant to an IPSC research center.

Professional Academics

University faculty and lecturers seeking dedicated time for Indo-Pacific focused research outside of institutional teaching commitments.

Post-Doctoral Scholars

Researchers who have recently completed a doctorate and are developing an independent research program in strategic or security studies.

Independent Researchers

Non-academic researchers, former practitioners, and policy professionals with a substantive research agenda and demonstrable expertise.

PhD / DPhil Candidates

Doctoral students at an advanced stage of their dissertation whose research topic aligns with IPSC's center priorities.


Affiliation

Research Center placement

Fellows are affiliated with one of IPSC's eight research centers. Applications must specify the center whose work best aligns with the proposed research.

01Strategic Intelligence Unit
02China Strategic Insights Center
03Cross-Strait Dynamics Center
04Bharat Research Center
05Japan Research Center
06Defense, Deterrence & Military Innovation Research Center
07Cyber, Emerging Technology & Security Center
08Korea Center

Fellowship Benefits

What Fellows receive

The fellowship provides structured support, institutional affiliation, and access to IPSC's research ecosystem and academic programs.

01

Formal IPSC Affiliation

Fellows are listed as Visiting Research Fellows on the IPSC website and may use the affiliation in academic and professional contexts.

02

Program Seminar Access

Fellows attend the core seminar series of either the Master of Pacific and Strategic Intelligence (MPSI) or the Geopolitical Risk Program, deepening analytical frameworks alongside structured cohort learning.

03

Publication Support

Access to IPSC's publication channels including research briefs, policy papers, and commentary — subject to editorial review.

04

Research Network Access

Integration into IPSC's researcher network, including access to internal seminars, working groups, and cross-center collaboration.

05

Mentorship & Guidance

Engagement with IPSC senior researchers and fellows for structured feedback on research design, drafts, and analytical frameworks.

06

IPSC Digital Library

Access to IPSC's internal research resources, reference materials, and curated document collections relevant to the Indo-Pacific.

07

Extension Pathway

Fellows may apply to extend their term up to 12 months, subject to research progress and center capacity.


Fees

Fellowship fees

The fellowship fee covers institutional affiliation, program seminar access, publication infrastructure, and research support services.

Term Duration Fee (USD) Notes
Standard Term 12 Weeks US$1,700 Base fellowship term
Extended Term Up to 12 Months US$1,700 / term By application; subject to approval
Annual (4 Terms) ~48 Weeks US$6,800 Indicative; terms billed individually

The fellowship does not include a stipend or travel funding. Fellows are responsible for their own funding arrangements. IPSC does not provide visa sponsorship.


Applications

How to apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There is no fixed deadline — fellows may apply to begin at any point in the calendar year.

01
Review Research Center priorities
Identify which IPSC research center best aligns with your proposed research. Review each center's scope and current work before applying.
02
Select your program track
Indicate in your application whether you wish to attend the core seminar series of the MPSI or the Geopolitical Risk Program.
03
Prepare your application materials
Assemble a research proposal (800–1,200 words), a current CV, a writing sample, and a brief statement on your proposed start date and term length.
04
Submit via the application form
Complete the online application form. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All materials must be submitted in English.
05
Assessment & decision
Applications are reviewed by the relevant research center director. Decisions are normally communicated within 3–4 weeks of submission.
06
Confirm & pay fellowship fee
Successful applicants will receive a fellowship offer letter. Confirmation requires payment of the fellowship fee for the initial term.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Does the fellowship require relocation or attendance in person?
No. The fellowship is entirely non-residential. Fellows are not required to relocate or attend IPSC in person at any point during their term.
What is the difference between the MPSI and Geopolitical Risk Program tracks?
The MPSI is IPSC's flagship strategic intelligence program, covering intelligence analysis, strategic assessment, and Indo-Pacific security. The Geopolitical Risk Program focuses on applied risk analysis, political risk methodology, and geopolitical forecasting. Fellows select the track that best complements their research.
Can I hold the fellowship alongside my current academic position?
Yes. The fellowship is designed to be compatible with existing academic or professional roles. Fellows are expected to dedicate meaningful time to their IPSC research project and attend the relevant program seminars during the term.
Does IPSC provide a stipend or research funding?
No. The fellowship does not include a stipend. Fellows are responsible for their own funding. The fellowship fee covers institutional affiliation, program seminar access, and support services.
What output is expected at the end of the fellowship?
Fellows are expected to produce at least one substantive research output — such as a policy brief, working paper, or journal article — during their term. IPSC provides editorial support for outputs published through its platforms.
Can I apply to more than one research center?
No. Applications must specify a single primary research center. If your research spans multiple centers, identify the closest thematic fit and note the interdisciplinary dimension in your proposal.
Is there a language requirement?
All applications and research outputs must be submitted in English. There is no formal language test requirement, but written English proficiency is essential.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Begin your application today or contact IPSC's fellowship team with any questions.