Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027

The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is an international research and leadership development programme hosted by the Brookings Institution's Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, D.C., United States.

Supported by Echidna Giving, the Fellowship aims to strengthen gender equality in and through education by supporting experienced professionals who understand the educational challenges facing communities across the Global South.

Selected scholars undertake individual research projects designed to improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.

The Fellowship combines applied research, leadership development, policy engagement and professional networking. Scholars work with Brookings experts to produce evidence-based policy recommendations and develop strategies for improving education systems in their home countries.

Programme Structure

Research Design Retreat — April 2027

The programme begins with a one-week, in-person research retreat. Scholars work with the Brookings team to refine their research proposals, identify policy challenges, develop research methods and prepare data-collection plans.

Pre-Residency — June to July 2027

Scholars undertake research and data collection in their home countries while participating in virtual workshops, advisory sessions and collaborative meetings.

This phase requires approximately 15–20 hours of participation each week.

Washington, D.C., Residency — August to December 2027

Selected fellows spend approximately four months working full-time at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

During this period, scholars analyse their research findings, participate in leadership development activities and collaborate with researchers, policy specialists and international education professionals.

They also prepare an action-oriented policy brief and related research commentaries for publication and dissemination through Brookings.

The residency requires a full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week.

Post-Residency — 2028 to 2029

After returning to their home countries, scholars continue engaging with the Brookings team through alumni activities, policy discussions and opportunities to translate research findings into practical initiatives.

The post-residency phase includes participation in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium and continued support for developing local impact projects.

Scholars also join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network, connecting them with researchers, policymakers, educators and community leaders working on gender-transformative education worldwide.

According to the official Brookings Institution recruitment announcement, applicants must:

• Hold a Master's degree or higher qualification.
• Have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Have substantial professional experience in, and strong ties to, the Global South.
• Demonstrate a clear intention to return to the Global South after completing the residency.
• Have a background in education, gender studies, women's studies, international development, public policy, economics or a related social sciences or humanities discipline.
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equality through education.
• Have a strong understanding of education, gender and development challenges.
• Possess strong research, analytical and writing skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Be capable of working collaboratively and responding constructively to feedback.
• Be available for the pre-residency research activities.
• Be able to participate full-time during the four-month Washington residency.

The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship provides a comprehensive funding package.

• Total stipend of US$26,500 to support living expenses during the pre-residency and residency periods.
• Round-trip travel expenses covered by the Brookings Institution.
• Single-occupancy accommodation during the four-month residency in Washington, D.C.
• Visa-process expenses covered, together with application-related support.
• Limited health insurance during the relevant fellowship period.
• Costs associated with the April research design retreat covered.
• Research training and professional guidance from the Center for Universal Education.
• Individual and group leadership development activities.
• Opportunities to publish policy briefs and research commentaries through Brookings.
• Professional networking with researchers, policymakers and education specialists.
• Membership in the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network.
• Continued engagement and advice related to post-residency impact initiatives.

The official 2027 recruitment notice requires two initial application attachments.

• Updated CV or résumé: Include educational qualifications, professional experience, publications, fellowships, awards, research funding and other relevant achievements.
• Completed Echidna Global Scholars Programme Application: The official application document includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal focused on gender equality in and through education.

Brookings evaluates applicants on factors including:

• Relevant academic qualifications.
• At least 10 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality in and through education.
• Substantial experience and connections within the Global South.
• Research quality, feasibility and policy relevance.
• Understanding of education and gender-related challenges.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Leadership potential and collaborative abilities.
• Motivation to translate research findings into practical change.
• Professional suitability for the full-time Washington residency.
• Performance during screening and panel interviews.

• Conduct policy-relevant education research at an internationally recognised research institution.
• Strengthen leadership and evidence-based policymaking skills.
• Collaborate with specialists in education, gender and international development.
• Develop a research project addressing challenges in the Global South.
• Gain experience publishing and communicating research findings.
• Expand professional networks in Washington, D.C., and internationally.
• Receive professional guidance for translating research into practical impact.
• Join an international alumni community committed to gender-transformative education.