Are you an early- or mid-career researcher passionate about science communication, public policy, and international governance? The ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to work with the International Science Council (ISC) on strengthening the role of scientific evidence in global policymaking while receiving a generous monthly stipend.
ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026
The ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded international fellowship that provides selected fellows with a monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000 for 18 months. Hosted virtually by the International Science Council and funded through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows Program, the fellowship enables researchers to conduct applied research, collaborate with global experts, and contribute to improving science communication in multilateral decision-making.
ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Organization | International Science Council (ISC) |
| Programme Type | International Research Fellowship |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Funded By | Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows Program |
| Host Location | Remote (Virtual) with International Travel Opportunities |
| ISC Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Duration | 18 Months |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Monthly Stipend | Approximately USD 5,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Early- and Mid-Career Researchers Worldwide |
| Required Qualification | PhD (Completed or Expected Before September 2026) |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
About the ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026
The ISC Civic Science Fellowship is an 18-month research fellowship that brings together outstanding researchers to improve how scientific evidence is communicated within international policy environments.
As governments and international organizations increasingly rely on scientific evidence to address global challenges, effective science communication has become more important than ever. However, communicating scientific findings in multilateral settings can be challenging due to political, institutional, cultural, and social factors.
Hosted by the International Science Council (ISC), this fellowship allows participants to work at the intersection of science, policy, and communication. Fellows collaborate with scientists, policymakers, communication experts, and international organizations to identify better ways of translating research into practical policy guidance.
The programme is primarily virtual but includes opportunities for international travel to ISC headquarters in Paris and other global meetings and events.
Is the ISC Civic Science Fellowship Fully Funded?
Yes. The ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026 is fully funded. The fellowship is fully financed through the Rita Allen Civic Science Fellows Program, allowing selected fellows to focus entirely on their research and professional development.
Successful applicants will receive:
- A monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000 throughout the 18-month fellowship.
- Opportunities for international travel to conferences, workshops, and meetings.
- Access to global professional networks.
- Collaboration with international science and policy experts.
- Professional development through the Civic Science Fellows Learning Labs.
The fellowship offers substantial financial and professional support, making it one of the most attractive international opportunities for researchers working in science communication and public policy.
Fellowship Objectives
The ISC Civic Science Fellowship aims to:
- Improve science communication within international policy processes.
- Strengthen the use of scientific evidence in multilateral decision-making.
- Develop practical tools and guidance for science communication.
- Build stronger connections between researchers, policymakers, and international organizations.
- Support evidence-based policymaking across global institutions.
- Foster collaboration between science and society.
The programme contributes directly to strengthening the science–policy interface at the international level.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected fellows will contribute to a wide range of research and policy activities, including:
- Mapping existing science communication practices among international organizations.
- Researching how scientific evidence is communicated, interpreted, and applied in policymaking.
- Identifying barriers that limit the use of scientific evidence in decision-making.
- Examining the effects of misinformation and disinformation on science communication.
- Applying behavioral and social science principles to improve evidence communication.
- Developing practical communication tools and guidance for scientific organizations.
- Supporting pilot projects that test new communication strategies.
- Producing analytical reports, publications, and research outputs.
- Engaging with academic, scientific, and practitioner networks worldwide.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualification
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline; or
- Expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins in September 2026.
Commitment
Applicants must:
- Be available to participate full-time throughout the entire 18-month fellowship.
- Obtain a letter of support from their current employer, where applicable.
- Sign a tripartite collaboration agreement with the Rita Allen Foundation and the International Science Council.
Travel Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Be eligible to obtain visas for international travel when required.
- Be willing to travel occasionally to international meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Weekly Participation
Applicants must be available every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) to participate in Learning Labs organized by the Rita Allen Foundation throughout the fellowship.
Desired Skills and Experience
Strong applicants should demonstrate:
- An excellent record of research and academic publications.
- Expertise in science communication, particularly within policy or international governance.
- Experience working with governments, international organizations, scientific institutions, or policy stakeholders.
- Ability to convert research findings into practical recommendations and guidance.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across international teams.
Additional experience in interdisciplinary research, international collaborations, or capacity-building initiatives is considered highly desirable.
Eligible Research Fields
Researchers from various disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Behavioral Science
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
- Science Communication
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Decision Science
- Risk Analysis
- Science and Technology Studies
- Public Engagement with Science
- Trust in Science
- Misinformation and Disinformation Research
- Climate Change Communication
- Public Health Communication
- Biotechnology Policy
Applicants whose work explores the relationship between science, society, and decision-making are especially encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the ISC Civic Science Fellowship
The fellowship provides both financial and career development benefits, including:
- Fully funded fellowship with a monthly stipend of approximately USD 5,000.
- Opportunity to conduct high-impact applied research.
- Collaboration with the International Science Council’s global membership.
- Access to leading experts in science communication and science policy.
- International networking opportunities.
- Participation in the global Civic Science Fellows community.
- Experience working at the intersection of science, policy, and practice.
- Opportunities to influence international science communication strategies.
- Professional development through learning labs and collaborative workshops.
Participants also gain valuable exposure to multilateral governance and international policy processes, strengthening their future career prospects.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following before applying:
- Completed online application form.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- PhD certificate or proof of expected completion before September 2026.
- Letter of support from current employer (where applicable).
- Valid passport.
- Any additional documents requested during the application process.
Applicants should ensure all documents are complete before the application deadline.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Access the official International Science Council application page.
Step 2: Review the Fellowship Requirements
Read the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you meet all programme requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your CV, academic credentials, employer support letter (if applicable), passport, and any other required documents.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the online application form and upload all supporting documents before the deadline.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Step 6: Await Notification
Successful applicants will be contacted regarding the next stages of the selection process.
Why Apply for the ISC Civic Science Fellowship?
The ISC Civic Science Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for researchers to make a meaningful contribution to global science policy while advancing their own careers. Fellows work directly with one of the world’s leading scientific organizations, helping improve how evidence is communicated and used in international decision-making.
Beyond the generous USD 5,000 monthly stipend, participants gain unparalleled access to international experts, policymakers, scientific organizations, and professional networks. The fellowship provides a platform to conduct impactful research, influence global science communication practices, and develop practical solutions that strengthen evidence-informed policymaking worldwide.
Visit the official ISC Civic website to find out more about this fellowship.
MORE RELATED CONTENT:
Claude Corps Fellowship 2026 (USA)
Access Bank Entry Level Program 2026 For Nigerians
OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 for Nigerian Undergraduates
