Collaborating to Advance Research, Capacity Building, and Knowledge Co-Creation
In a global landscape defined by complex, interlinked challenges—climate change, public health crises, socioeconomic inequality, food and water insecurity—there is an urgent need for collaborative, interdisciplinary, and applied research. Recognizing this need, the Strategia Research and Training Institute aims to build bridges between academic inquiry and grassroots development.
One of the most effective ways to foster such a bridge is by hosting the Visiting Research Fellows (VRFs)—scholars, practitioners, and professionals who bring fresh perspectives and global experiences to localized problems. Through these fellowships, the Strategia Research and Training Institute provides a unique space for rigorous inquiry, mentorship, and societal impact.
Why Visiting Research Fellows Are Essential?
1. Bridging Theory and Practice
While academic institutions often generate insightful research, translating that knowledge into actionable change at the grassroots level remains a challenge. Visiting Fellows can fill this gap by applying theory to practical challenges through community-based research and field experimentation.
2. Building Local Research Capacity
India’s growing demand for research-informed decision-making outpaces the number of trained researchers, especially in underserved areas. Visiting Fellows serve as mentors and collaborators, strengthening the institute’s human resource ecosystem and supporting local scholars, interns, and field researchers.
3. Fostering Innovation and Interdisciplinary Exchange
Visiting Fellows come from diverse disciplines—economics, environmental sciences, health policy, education, gender studies, data science, and more. Their diverse backgrounds encourage innovation and contribute to institute’s goal of developing cross-sectoral, scalable research models.
4. Accelerating Policy and Program Design
Research at the Strategia Research and Training Institute is not just for publication—it aims to influence public policy and drive real-world interventions. Visiting Fellows play a vital role in shaping working papers, policy briefs, and evidence-based recommendations that are used by governments, NGOs, and civil society.
Who Can Become a Visiting Research Fellow?
The Strategia Research and Training Institute’s Visiting Fellowship program is open to a diverse group of individuals, including:
Academicians and Faculty (on sabbatical or research leave)
Postdoctoral Researchers and Doctoral Candidates
Development Professionals and Think Tank Associates
Technology Innovators and CSR Strategists
International Scholars and Diaspora Experts
Independent Consultants and Subject Matter Experts
Priority Research Areas
We welcome applications across a range of themes, especially those aligned with the Strategia Research and Training Institute’s strategic priorities:
Climate Change and Resilience
Public Health and Nutrition
Education and Digital Literacy
Agriculture and Food Systems
Indigenous Communities and Culture
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Governance, Law, and Policy
Migration, Conflict, and Border Studies
Sustainable Livelihoods
Water Resource Management and Glacial Studies
AI, Technology, and Data for Development
Inclusive Business and Management Sciences
We welcome applications across a range of themes, especially those aligned with the Strategia Research and Training Institute’s strategic priorities:
Note: Inclusive Business and Management Sciences includes Sustainable Marketing, Human Resource Innovation, MSME Development, Supply Chain Resilience, Rural Finance, and Logistics Systems.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The Strategia Research and Training Institute offers flexible engagement models to accommodate various schedules:
| Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Fellowship | 1–3 months | Field research, lectures, workshops |
| Medium-Term Fellowship | 4–6 months | Co-designing projects, capacity building |
| Long-Term Fellowship | 6–12 months | Joint publications, mentorship, program design |
Engagements can be on-site, remote, or hybrid, depending on the project needs and fellow availability.
Honorary vs. Paid Fellowships
The Strategia Research and Training Institute provides two types of appointments:
Honorary Fellowships
- No financial compensation
- Access to institutional infrastructure
- Opportunity to mentor, publish, and collaborate
- Suitable for academics on leave, independent experts, and retired professionals
Paid Fellowships
- Funded/Sponsored Project-based or grant-funded remuneration
- May include travel allowances and field support
- Competitive selection process based on merit and alignment
- Ideal for early-career researchers or professionals needing financial support
What Visiting Fellows Contribute?
Visiting Research Fellows at the Strategia Research and Training Institute are expected to engage in meaningful academic, policy, and field-oriented work, such as:
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Designing and leading research projects
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Publishing research papers, policy briefs, or case studies
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Mentoring junior researchers, interns, and fellows
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Conducting capacity-building workshops and seminars
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Developing training curricula and toolkits
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Participating in stakeholder consultations and conferences
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Engaging in community-based research and social innovation pilots
The goal is to create a two-way exchange: The Strategia Research and Training Institute benefits from the Fellow’s expertise, while the Fellow gains field exposure, collaborative networks, and research support.
Benefits for Visiting Fellows
Joining the Strategia Research and Training Institute as a Visiting Fellow offers the following benefits:
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Institutional Affiliation
Gain official affiliation for fieldwork and publications
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Access to Resources
Data sets, field teams, libraries, and research tools
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Publication Opportunities
Co-author papers with institute staff or publish under our working paper series
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Field Exposure
Explore unique regions like Ladakh, Northeast India, tribal belts, and abroad
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Networking
Connect with policymakers, practitioners, civil society, and fellow researchers
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Capacity Enhancement
Expand your methodological and contextual understanding of development issues in India and the Global South
Application Process
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a short application via email. The process includes:
1. Proposal Submission
Your proposal should include:
- Title and objective of the research
- Alignment with institute’s focus areas
- Proposed methodology
- Duration and preferred start date
- Honorary or paid mode preference
2. Internal Review and Discussion
The Fellowship Committee reviews submissions and invites shortlisted candidates for an online meeting to explore potential collaboration.
3. Formal Onboarding
Selected fellows receive an offer letter, onboarding package, and access credentials to the Strategia Research and Training Institute’s platforms and internal communication networks.
Call to Scholars, Professionals, and Practitioners
We believe that the future of socially impactful research lies in collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and community engagement. Whether you are a professor on sabbatical, a field practitioner with stories to tell, a doctoral scholar in search of field immersion, or an international researcher seeking South-South collaboration—we invite you to bring your research to life at the Strategia Research and Training Institute.
Contact Us
We’re here to help and answer any questions you may have. Fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit Our Office
306, Third Floor, Block – 1 Ubber Realty, Kharar (Rupnagar) – 140301 Punjab
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strat.institute@gmail.com