J-PAL Scholars and Fellows
J-PAL is invested in creating more opportunities to diversify and expand our worldwide research network. The J-PAL Scholars and Fellows programs enable researchers from low- and middle-income countries to drive the research agenda in their regions through the use of randomized evaluations.
About J-PAL Scholars
J-PAL Scholars Programs provide funding, mentorship, and training opportunities to researchers from low- and middle-income countries. We currently have Scholars Programs in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East & North Africa.
Africa:
- Digital Identification and Finance Initiative (DigiFI) [RFP Open]
- Learning for All Initiative (LAI)
- Digital Agricultural Innovations and Services Initiative (DAISI)
- Jobs and Opportunities Initiative (JOI)
South Asia:
Worldwide:
About J-PAL Fellows
J-PAL Fellows programs provide mentorship, training, and matchmaking opportunities to work with J-PAL Affiliates on ongoing projects. There are fellowship opportunities in our South Asia and MENA offices currently.
- Research for Impact (RFI) - for PhD students at universities in India
- MENA Scholars Fellowship - for PhD students and professors from the MENA region
Where Scholars and Fellows are Based
Common Program Components
J-PAL Scholars and Fellowship programs vary in terms of offerings and eligibility (click on the individual program pages linked above for details). Some of the elements the J-PAL Scholars and Fellows programs feature are:
Funding: J-PAL Scholars participating in programs run by J-PAL initiatives (DAISI, DigiFI, HPI, LAI, JOI) receive funding for research projects in the above thematic areas. J-PAL MENA Fellows receive stipends to support their time participating in fellowship program activities, including working on a randomized evaluation in the MENA region.
Mentorship: All J-PAL Scholars and Fellows are matched with a J-PAL affiliate or invited researcher mentors or a J-PAL project. Mentors advise on all aspects of the research process, including research design, project implementation, and data analysis.
Technical training and continuing education: Throughout the year, J-PAL staff run webinars and workshops related to designing and implementing randomized evaluations. J-PAL Scholars and Fellows are also invited to take courses in J-PAL and MIT’s MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP).
Staff support: In addition to the mentorship provided by J-PAL affiliated researchers, experienced J-PAL staff offer support on research design and project implementation to all J-PAL Scholars and Fellows.
J-PAL Scholars Spotlights
Contact us
Please visit the regional pages linked above for more information on our scholars programs, including eligibility, application processes, and open RFPs. For general inquiries, including information on how to support J-PAL scholars, please contact us at [email protected].