Imagine getting paid USD $5,000 every month to do meaningful research — from literally anywhere in the world. That’s exactly what the ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026 offers. It’s an 18-month, fully remote fellowship hosted by the International Science Council (ISC) and supported by the Rita Allen Foundation.
This fellowship is built for early-career researchers who already hold a PhD and want to work right at the intersection of science, policy, and public communication. If your background is in science communication, public policy, or behavioral science, and you’re ready to step into a serious research role, this one was made with you in mind. And here’s the best part: there’s no IELTS requirement and no application fee.
Key Details: ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026
- Fellowship Name: ISC Civic Science Fellowship 2026
- Host Organization: International Science Council
- Supported by: Rita Allen Foundation
- Duration: 18 months starting September 2026
- Location: Fully remote with occasional travel to Paris, UN events, or the United States
- Monthly Stipend: Approximately USD $5,000 per month
- Application Deadline: August 16, 2026
- Application Fee: None
Who’s Behind This Fellowship
International Science Council (ISC)
The International Science Council is a global nonprofit that brings together scientific bodies from around the world under one roof. It works directly with the United Nations and other international governance bodies to make sure scientific evidence actually shapes global policy decisions. Headquartered in Paris, ISC has a presence across nearly every major scientific field, with deep ties to policymakers, researchers, and intergovernmental organizations worldwide.
Rita Allen Foundation
The Rita Allen Foundation is a US-based philanthropic organization built around the idea of “civic science” — the belief that science and democracy work better together. The foundation funds efforts that help evidence and public knowledge reach the people who actually need it. Supporting this fellowship is part of its broader push to build the next generation of science-policy researchers.
Financial Benefits
- Monthly stipend of approximately USD $5,000 paid every month for 18 months
- Total potential earnings of USD $90,000 across the full fellowship period
- Travel expenses covered for mandatory in-person events in Paris, UN gatherings, or US locations
- Full access to ISC’s global network of scientific organizations and policymakers
- Research infrastructure and organizational support from ISC throughout the program
- Cohort-based learning: weekly two-hour collaborative sessions with other fellows every Tuesday
- Career development through direct exposure to international governance and science diplomacy
Core Responsibilities
Information Ecosystem Analysis
- Study how evidence and scientific findings travel through digital media, policy channels, and public discourse
- Research the role of misinformation in weakening public trust in science
- Identify what makes scientific information more or less likely to influence real policy decisions
Science-Policy Mapping
- Review how major international and multilateral organizations currently communicate science to decision-makers
- Identify gaps where science communication is weak, inconsistent, or failing to reach the right people
- Document best practices from organizations doing this well
Applied Social Science Research
- Use insights from behavioral science, cognitive psychology, and social research to understand how people process scientific evidence
- Translate academic findings into practical recommendations for governance bodies
- Develop evidence-based strategies that actually change how decisions get made
Toolkit and Resource Creation
- Build practical guidelines, frameworks, and communication resources for international scientific organizations
- Produce materials that governance bodies can actually use, not just academic papers
- Contribute to the growing field of civic science with publishable, real-world outputs
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a PhD, or be on track to complete one before September 2026, in social sciences, behavioral sciences, science communication, public policy, or a closely related field.
- Have a strong published research background in science communication, the science-policy interface, or public engagement with science.
- Be fully fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- Hold a valid passport and be eligible for international travel visas — travel to Paris and other locations is a required part of the fellowship.
Required Documents
Make sure you have the following ready before you start your application:
- Updated CV or resume in academic format, highlighting your PhD, publications, and relevant experience.
- Cover letter or personal statement explaining your research background, why this fellowship interests you, and the specific contribution you plan to make.
- Writing samples — published papers, policy briefs, or science communication pieces that showcase the quality of your work.
- List of publications — peer-reviewed articles, reports, or other formal research outputs.
- References — names and contact details for two or three academic referees who can speak directly to your research quality.
- Passport details — confirmation that your travel document is valid and that you’re eligible for the required visas.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official ISC website.
Go to council. science and find the Civic Science Fellowship page. Read all details carefully before starting your application.
Step 2: Check your eligibility.
Confirm that your PhD is complete or will be completed before September 2026. Make sure your publications show real experience in science communication or science-policy work.
Step 3: However, prepare your writing samples.
Pick your strongest published work. Choose pieces that directly connect to science communication or policy. Do not submit generic samples.
Step 4: Write a specific cover letter.
Explain exactly what you want to contribute. Mention specific research questions. Show you understand ISC’s mission and how your background fits it.
Step 5: Submit before August 16, 2026.
Aim to submit by the end of July. Earlier submissions get more careful review. Do not wait until the last day.
Step 6: Prepare for an interview.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a formal interview. Be ready to discuss your research, your thinking about science communication, and your approach to the role.