UUSC Participatory Action Research Fellowships FAQs

What are the UUSC Participatory Action Research Fellowships?

The UUSC Participatory Action Research Fellowships are two year-long grants. The fellowships seek applicants who are committed to community-led research practices that advance systemic change and the protection of human rights. Fellows are expected to conduct participatory research projects in collaboration with UUSC’s partners and the research team. Successful applicants will be chosen based on their previous research experience, their understanding of and commitment to participatory methods, and the alignment of their experience with UUSC and their partners’ human rights priorities.

What is the theme for the 2023 Fellowships?

There is no single theme for 2023. We are recruiting for two fellows whose experiences align with at least one of the following areas of research that will support UUSC’s grassroots partners’ needs:

• International Justice & Accountability, especially for Burma or Ukraine
• Climate-Forced Displacement
• Political & Economic Sovereignty in Haiti
• Human Rights Defense in Central America

Who can apply for the Fellowships?

The fellowships are open to graduate students, practitioners, and professionals at any phase of their career.

We encourage applicants from a broad range of research backgrounds to apply, including, but not limited to law, social sciences, public health, humanities, journalism, human rights documentation, social justice, and interdisciplinary fields.

What are the assessment criteria for the Fellowships?

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

• Alignment of applicant’s skills and experience with the UUSC partner needs;  
• Applicant’s vision for the role of participatory action research methodologies in the advancement of human rights and justice today; 
• Demonstrated experience conducting impactful participatory action research with community-based organizations; and 
• Potential of applicant’s background to contribute to the work of UUSC’s partners (learn more about our partners here).

What is the selection process?

The applications will be reviewed by UUSC and a small group of applicants will be selected for an interview. From the interviewed applicants, UUSC will select two fellows. 

What are the key dates and timeline of the Fellowships’ selection process?

Applications open: May 1, 2023 

Applications close: May 31, 2023 

Interviews: June 2023

Fellows Selected: June 30, 2023

What do the fellows receive?

Each fellow receives a stipend of $25,000.

What is required of fellows during the Fellowships?

Fellows will work remotely. Each fellow will work approximately 10 hours per week for 10-12 months on collaborative research with UUSC’s partners. Fellows will meet UUSC staff and partners to identify research opportunities and needs, collaborate on and/or manage a PAR project with UUSC and at least one of its partners. Fellows will also meet as a cohort and with UUSC’s Research team and will have the opportunity to experience the work of a human rights organization through collaboration across UUSC’s teams.