Apply now for the Portulans Institute’s 2024-2025 Fellowship Program

June 3, 2024

Apply now

Application deadline: July 12, 2024 

Fellowship period: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025

About the Portulans Institute

Founded in 2019, the Portulans Institute (PI) is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC. Our mission is to develop cross-community knowledge and dialogue on digital transformation, technology, and innovation, and inform policy making by producing independent, rigorous metrics and data-based research. Through our work we collaborate with over 25 public and private sector organizations and universities across 15 countries.

About the program

The Portulans Institute’s Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for graduate students and young professionals to pursue independent research related to technology and innovation, participate in international policy dialogues, and form a lasting professional network. Fellows work independently to develop their own research initiative within any of Portulans Institute’s focus areas. This independent project can include efforts such as policy research, program development, case studies, training courses or workshops, and more. Fellows will have the opportunity to present and showcase their work through a community symposium at the conclusion of the program. On an opportunity basis, Fellows may also be able to assist with existing projects by joining a working group. 

We welcome applicants from all countries. Fellows may work remotely or in-person at our office in Washington, DC. 

Stipend: $1,000. Fellows are encouraged to apply for external funding to extend their research beyond the year-long fellowship. Fellows will have the freedom to manage their project and financial resources acquired.

As a Fellow, you will have…

  • Access to our network of policymakers, academics, and thought leaders that can be leveraged to inform dialogues and research projects.
  • Access to our content distribution channels to publish your own research aligned with the Institute’s focus areas. 
  • Opportunities to participate in ongoing research by joining a working group or project. 
  • One-on-one mentoring sessions and dialogues with experts in our network.
  • Opportunities to join Portulans Institute at events (dependent on location) or receive support in organizing your own event.

What we’re looking for in our Fellows:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in technology, innovation, data science, public policy, business, economics, management, or a related field.
  • At least three years of relevant work or research experience in technology, innovation, data science, public policy, business, economics, management, or a related field.
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and excellent writing skills.
  • Ability to convey technology and policy concepts to audiences who may not be familiar with them. 
  • Track record of success in taking initiative and leading projects.
  • Fluency in English. Working knowledge of a second language is considered a plus.
  • Ability to attend remote, monthly cohort meetings to share highlights and progress updates related to individual research outputs and joint activities. 
  • Committed to the Portulans Institute mission and focus areas.

Minimum expected outputs:


Two blog posts (800-1000 words) based on independent research or working group outputs 

AND
Develop paper or policy brief (min. 10-15 pages) 

OR

Organize event, dialogue, or workshop 

OR

Develop podcast or video series (min. 5 episodes)

Fellows are welcome to propose additional ideas for consideration in their application

Learn more about the work of our previous Fellows:

Please email [email protected] with any questions.