USAID Launches Fellowship Program to Expand Avenues for Scientists and Technical Experts to Contribute to Urgent International Development Priorities
Today, USAID launched the Science for Development Fellowship program. This new fellowship program is designed to attract leading American PhD-level experts in science and technology to strengthen the effectiveness of USAID programs, while providing them with career development opportunities.
During their tenure at USAID, Fellows will have the unique opportunity to train as practitioners in international development and directly contribute to development objectives in areas like global health, food security, humanitarian assistance, economic growth, and more. At the same time, USAID will benefit from the cutting edge science and research expertise Fellows will bring to the Agency.
Through the fellowship program, USAID will also establish the Science for Development Network for higher education institutions. These institutions may apply to join the Science for Development Network for information-sharing purposes and to support training for Fellows. Additionally, SDF will establish the USAID Science for Development Institute, an annual training program in Washington, D.C. to build a new generation of researchers equipped with the scientific and research skills needed to work in international development. By fostering partnerships with higher education institutions, USAID will help bring their research to the field, directly benefiting people in the places where USAID works. This will also provide meaningful workforce development opportunities for graduates.
Since 1982, USAID has hosted over 650 scientific and technical fellows through a variety of fellowship programs. These fellowships are characterized by USAID’s commitment to using science, technology, and innovation to solve the greatest challenges of our time. Fellows bring diverse technical backgrounds to USAID, including life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, mathematics, engineering, public health, and medicine.
Applications for the new SDF fellowship program will open in January 2024. For more information on the agency’s approach to innovation, technology, and the application of cutting-edge research, please visit our webpage.