CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026: Enhance Regional Research Collaboration

Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026: Strengthen Regional Research Collaboration

Applications are open for the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026. This fellowship invites mid- to senior-level researchers from ASEAN countries to join CDRI, Cambodia’s leading independent development policy research institute. The program aims to enhance regional research collaboration and build expertise in advanced quantitative research methods through mentorship and knowledge exchange.

Application Closing Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Cambodia
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Fellowship stipend provided
Minimum Qualification: PhD or Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant research experience
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship

The CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship is designed to strengthen regional research collaboration and foster expertise in advanced quantitative research methods. It provides embedded mentorship, opportunities for collaborative research, and institutional knowledge exchange. The program seeks to elevate the technical research capabilities of junior researchers through advanced mentorship in quantitative research, econometric modeling, and AI-informed analytical methods.

This initiative also aims to promote collaborative policy research that addresses shared development challenges across ASEAN. It fosters long-term partnerships between CDRI and leading research institutes and universities in the region. Ultimately, the fellowship works to build an active regional network of scholars dedicated to evidence-based policymaking and knowledge exchange.

The fellowship is focused on applied research related to Cambodia and broader ASEAN development priorities. It offers a chance to deepen policy research collaboration and expand professional networks with CDRI researchers and regional partners. Successful scholars will contribute to applied research and gain valuable experience in a leading policy research institute.

About Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI)

The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) is Cambodia’s leading independent policy research institute. It focuses on research that supports the country’s development and contributes to policy formulation. CDRI works on a range of development issues relevant to Cambodia and the wider ASEAN region.

The institute plays a key role in providing evidence-based analysis to inform policy decisions. It engages with government, civil society, and international partners to promote sustainable development. CDRI is committed to strengthening research capacity and fostering knowledge exchange within Cambodia and across the ASEAN region.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

This fellowship program focuses on strengthening research capabilities and fostering collaboration. While specific research fields are not listed as separate opportunities, the program welcomes applications from researchers with expertise in:

• Economics
• Public Policy
• Development Studies
• Data Science
• Statistics
• Econometric Modelling
• AI-assisted research techniques

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will receive several benefits designed to support their research and professional development. CDRI will provide a fellowship stipend to cover living expenses during the program. Scholars will also be given office space and full access to CDRI’s research facilities.

This includes access to the institute’s library, computing resources, and data infrastructure. The fellowship offers an opportunity to deepen regional policy research collaboration and contribute to applied research on Cambodia and ASEAN development priorities. It also provides a platform to expand professional networks with CDRI researchers and regional partners.

Programme Duration and Location

The fellowship will take place at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) in Cambodia. The specific duration of the fellowship program is not specified in the provided information. Applicants should be prepared to commit to the program for its intended length upon acceptance.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold citizenship in an ASEAN Member State (excluding Cambodia).
• Hold a PhD in economics, public policy, development studies, data science, statistics, or a closely related discipline.
• Exceptional candidates with a Master’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of substantial relevant research experience will also be considered.
• Be currently affiliated with a university, think tank, or research institute within an ASEAN Member State.
• Demonstrate an established record of policy-relevant publications and applied research.
• Possess strong expertise in advanced quantitative methods, econometric modelling, statistical programming (e.g., Stata, R, Python), or AI-assisted research techniques.
• Have experience supervising or mentoring early-career researchers or graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating GEDSI principles in research.
• Experience working on policy research in Cambodia or the Mekong sub-region is advantageous.
• A demonstrated interest in fostering long-term institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange across ASEAN.
• Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English.

Competencies Required

Successful candidates should possess a range of skills and personal qualities to thrive in this fellowship. These include:

• Strong expertise in advanced quantitative methods and statistical programming.
• Experience in econometric modeling or AI-assisted research techniques.
• Proven ability to conduct policy-relevant research and publish findings.
• Experience in supervising or mentoring junior researchers.
• Commitment to integrating Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• A proactive approach to research and collaboration.
• Interest in fostering institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for mid- to senior-level researchers from ASEAN countries who are looking to deepen their expertise in quantitative research methods and contribute to policy-relevant research. It is suited for individuals affiliated with universities, think tanks, or research institutes who have a strong publication record and a desire to collaborate on development challenges facing the region.

The program is particularly beneficial for those interested in gaining practical experience in Cambodia or the Mekong sub-region and who wish to build lasting professional networks. Applicants should be passionate about evidence-based policymaking and eager to mentor junior researchers.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in English, preferably in PDF format, attached to a single email:

• Research and Collaboration Statement: Maximum two pages, describing your core research expertise, methodological strengths, proposed contributions to mentoring and capacity strengthening at CDRI, specific collaborative research ideas relevant to Cambodia and/or ASEAN development priorities, and expected knowledge products.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including publications, relevant research outputs, and professional experience.
• Letter of Motivation: Maximum one page, explaining your interest in the fellowship, what you hope to gain, and how your expertise aligns with CDRI’s research agenda.
• Letter of Recommendation: One letter from the applicant’s current institution.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in English and include the four required documents (Research and Collaboration Statement, CV, Letter of Motivation, and Letter of Recommendation) attached to a single email.

Interested applicants should submit their applications to [email protected]. The deadline for submission is August 15, 2026. Please ensure all documents are correctly prepared and attached before sending.

For further information or questions, you can contact Ms Sao Kanika or Dr Ang Raksmey at [email protected]. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion. Late applications will not be considered. Applicants must ensure they meet all the minimum requirements and have submitted all the necessary documents. It is advisable to check the application requirements carefully before submitting.

Closing Date

The closing date for the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is August 15, 2026.

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