Application are now open CAAR Scholars invites applications from students, graduates, emerging researchers, and young professionals to join the CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme 2026.
The six-week programme is designed to provide emerging researchers with practical research experience, technical skills, mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and exposure to real-world research projects.
The programme will commence in October 2026.
Programme Details
Programme: CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme
Duration: Six weeks
Commencement: October 2026
Format: Online
About the Programme
The CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme is an intensive research and professional development programme designed to help young researchers move beyond the classroom and develop the practical skills required to conduct meaningful, ethical, and impactful research.
Participants will learn from experienced scholars and researchers while working collaboratively with other fellows. The programme will combine structured training, mentorship, practical research activities, and collaborative research.
A key focus of the programme is to help participants understand that research is not only about producing academic knowledge. It is also about understanding society, addressing real-world problems, informing policy, protecting the environment, and contributing to positive change.
The programme therefore includes a compulsory ethics and leadership component:
”How to Serve Humanity, Nature, and Your Country”
This component encourages fellows to reflect on the responsibility that comes with knowledge, research, and leadership.
ELIGIBILITY
The programme welcomes applications from individuals who are interested in developing their research capacity and contributing to research that addresses real-world challenges.
Applicants may include:
- Undergraduate students
- Recent university graduates
- Master’s students and graduates
- PhD students
- Early-career researchers
- Young professionals interested in research and evidence-based practice.
- Applicants from different academic disciplines and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What Fellows Will Gain
Selected fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Join paid research projects and contribute to selected CAAR Scholars research activities.
Conduct collaborative research with other Junior Research Fellows. - Receive mentorship from experienced scholars, researchers, and professionals.
Develop practical and technical research skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and academic writing. - Gain hands-on experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Develop skills in academic writing, research publication, and research dissemination.
- Gain practical field research experience where opportunities are available.
- Build a professional network of researchers, academics, and young professionals.
- Access future research and professional opportunities through the CAAR Scholars network.
- Receive a certificate of completion upon successfully completing the programme.
- Become part of the CAAR Scholars research community and remain connected to future initiatives.
What We Are Looking For
CAAR Scholars is interested in applicants who demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in research
- Intellectual curiosity
- Willingness to learn
- Commitment to ethical research
Interest in addressing real-world problems
Good communication and teamwork skills
Commitment to the six-week programme
An interest in contributing to society through research
Applicants should be prepared to participate actively in training sessions, collaborative research activities, assignments, and other programme activities.
Areas of Interest
The programme welcomes applicants with interests in
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- Environmental Research
- Environmental Justice
- Energy and Energy Transition
- Natural Resources and Governance
- Peace and Security
- Migration and Development
- Economics
- Geography
- Public Policy
- Sustainable Development
- Agriculture and Food Systems
- Public Health
- Gender and Social Development
- Governance and Development
- Other emerging areas of research.
Applicants are encouraged to identify their specific research interests during the application process.
Programme Structure
The six-week programme will combine:
Research Training
Practical sessions covering research design, literature review, data collection, data analysis, academic writing, research ethics, and research dissemination.
Mentorship
Fellows will have opportunities to interact with experienced scholars and researchers who will provide guidance on research development and professional growth.
Collaborative Research
Fellows will work in teams to develop and conduct a collaborative research project.
Practical Research Experience
Participants will have opportunities to apply the knowledge gained through practical research activities and, where applicable, fieldwork.
Guest Sessions
The programme will feature selected guest speakers from academia, research institutions, policy organisations, civil society, and other relevant sectors.
Ethics and Leadership
The programme will explore the responsibility of researchers and professionals through the session, “How to Serve Humanity, Nature, and Your Country.”
Application Deadline: 25th September, 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on applicants’ demonstrated interest in research, motivation, research potential, academic or professional background, commitment to the programme, and potential to contribute meaningfully to collaborative research.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further information or an interview where necessary.
Participation in the programme is subject to successful selection.
Why Join CAAR Scholars?
Research skills are increasingly important across academia, government, civil society, business, and development practice. The ability to ask meaningful questions, gather reliable evidence, analyse information, and communicate findings can create opportunities far beyond the university.
The CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme is designed to give emerging researchers the opportunity to develop these skills while becoming part of a community committed to research, learning, service, and impact.
If you are ready to develop your research skills, work with other emerging researchers, learn from experienced scholars, and contribute to meaningful research, we invite you to apply.
Join CAAR Scholars.
Learn. Research. Collaborate. Serve. Create Impact.
