ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 at CDRI: Fully Funded Research Fellowship for ASEAN Scholars in Cambodia

The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) has opened applications for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026, an exciting opportunity for experienced researchers from ASEAN Member States to contribute to regional policy research, mentor early-career researchers, and strengthen academic collaboration across Southeast Asia.

Developed under CDRI’s ASEAN Scholar Exchange and Regional Institutional Linkages Initiative, this prestigious fellowship supports outstanding mid- to senior-level scholars who specialize in quantitative research, econometric modelling, data science, public policy, and development economics. Fellows will spend five months collaborating with CDRI researchers through a combination of in-person residency in Cambodia and remote engagement, producing policy-relevant research while fostering long-term institutional partnerships across ASEAN.

For researchers interested in evidence-based policymaking and regional development, this fellowship offers an excellent platform to expand professional networks, share expertise, and contribute to sustainable development priorities across Southeast Asia.

About the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI)

The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) is Cambodia’s leading independent development policy research institute. For many years, CDRI has produced high-quality research that informs national and regional policy decisions while strengthening research capacity through collaboration with governments, universities, development partners, and international organizations.

The institute conducts multidisciplinary research covering agriculture, economics, education, governance, trade, natural resources, climate change, innovation, and public policy.

Through the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship, CDRI seeks to strengthen regional academic cooperation and advance research excellence across ASEAN.

About the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship

The ASEAN Scholar Fellowship is designed to promote knowledge exchange between CDRI and leading universities and research institutions throughout Southeast Asia.

The fellowship has four primary objectives:

Strengthen CDRI’s research capacity through advanced technical mentorship.
Promote collaborative policy research addressing shared ASEAN development challenges.
Build long-term institutional partnerships between CDRI and regional research institutions.
Develop an active regional network of scholars committed to evidence-based policymaking.

The programme combines research collaboration, mentoring, technical training, and institutional partnership development.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship runs for five months, consisting of:

In-Person Residency

Three months
Late August to Late October 2026
Hosted at CDRI in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Remote Collaboration

Two months
November to December 2026

This hybrid format enables continued collaboration after the in-country residency concludes.

Fellowship Responsibilities

During the fellowship, selected scholars will work closely with CDRI researchers on applied policy research and capacity-building activities.

Key responsibilities include:

Mentoring junior researchers in research design and methodology.
Providing guidance on quantitative analysis and econometric modelling.
Supporting data management and AI-informed analytical methods.
Collaborating on policy research projects aligned with CDRI priorities.
Co-authoring research outputs such as:
- Working papers
- Policy briefs
- Methodological notes
- Other agreed knowledge products
Delivering at least:
- One research seminar
- One technical workshop
Advising CDRI on strengthening research methodologies and analytical practices.
Supporting long-term collaboration between CDRI and the fellow’s home institution.
Preparing an end-of-fellowship reflection highlighting lessons learned and future collaboration opportunities.

Areas of Expertise

Applications are welcomed from researchers specializing in one or more of the following fields:

Economic Modelling and Forecasting
Development Economics
Industrial and Trade Policy
Labour Economics
Public Finance
Macroeconomic Policy
Data Science for Public Policy
Climate and Environmental Economics
Digital Economy
Innovation Policy

Researchers with strong quantitative methodological expertise applicable across multiple policy domains are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

Citizenship

Applicants must:

Be citizens of an ASEAN Member State excluding Cambodia.

This requirement supports regional knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

A PhD,

Be an established postdoctoral researcher.

Exceptional candidates holding a Master’s degree with at least five years of substantial research experience may also be considered.

Relevant academic disciplines include:

Economics
Public Policy
Development Studies
Data Science
Statistics
Related fields

Institutional Affiliation

Applicants must currently be affiliated with:

A university
A think tank
A research institute

located within an ASEAN Member State.

Research Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

A strong record of policy-relevant publications.
Experience conducting applied research.
Expertise in advanced quantitative methods.
Experience using econometric techniques.
Proficiency in statistical software such as:
- Stata
- R
- Python
Experience applying AI-assisted research or machine learning methods.

Mentorship Experience

Applicants should have experience supervising or mentoring:

Early-career researchers
Graduate students
Junior research staff

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate:

Commitment to integrating Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.
Experience working on policy research in Cambodia or the Mekong region.
Interest in building long-term institutional partnerships.
Excellent written and spoken English.

Fellowship Support

Selected ASEAN Scholar Fellows will receive:

Fellowship stipend
Office space at CDRI
Access to research facilities
Library resources
Computing resources
Data infrastructure
Opportunities for regional collaboration
Professional networking with CDRI researchers and regional partners

The fellowship is designed to strengthen both individual research capacity and institutional collaboration across ASEAN.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit four separate documents in English (preferably PDF format) attached to a single email.

1. Research and Collaboration Statement (Maximum Two Pages)

The statement should describe:

Research expertise
Methodological strengths
Planned mentoring contributions
Collaborative research ideas relevant to Cambodia or ASEAN
Expected knowledge products

2. Curriculum Vitae

Include:

Publications
Research outputs
Professional experience

3. Letter of Motivation (Maximum One Page)

Explain:

Interest in the fellowship
Expected professional benefits
Alignment with CDRI’s research agenda

4. Letter of Recommendation

One recommendation from the applicant’s current institution.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Technical expertise
Policy-relevant research record
Mentoring experience
Quality of proposed collaborative research
Potential to establish long-term institutional partnerships
Overall contribution to CDRI’s regional research objectives

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Commitment to Diversity

CDRI strongly encourages applications from:

Women researchers
Scholars from underrepresented communities
Individuals from marginalized groups across ASEAN Member States

The institute is committed to strengthening diversity and inclusive regional research collaboration.

Why Apply?

The ASEAN Scholar Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for experienced researchers to contribute to regional development while strengthening research capacity across Southeast Asia. Fellows will collaborate on impactful policy research, mentor emerging researchers, and build lasting institutional partnerships that extend well beyond the fellowship period.

For scholars passionate about quantitative policy research, evidence-based decision-making, and regional collaboration, this fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to ASEAN’s development agenda.

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