Training · Technical skills

Research Fellowships on Empowering Academic Freedom

An annual cohort of 6 early-career researchers and advocates for ten to twelve months of structured inquiry, expert mentorship, and peer exchange

Research Fellowships on Empowering Academic Freedom

Research Fellowships on Empowering Academic Freedom in Southeast Asia brings together an annual cohort of 6 early-career researchers and advocates for ten to twelve months of structured inquiry, expert mentorship, and peer exchange — producing original research and policy proposals that matter to the region.

Theme 1: Neoliberal Higher Education and Its Impacts on Academic Freedom

Neoliberal policies governing higher education contribute to the erosion of academic integrity and independence. Grounded in case studies, research under this theme will investigate how such neoliberal higher education affects academic freedom in practice. The findings will inform policy advocacy aimed at securing higher education institutions as space for critical knowledge development and enquiries.

Theme 2: Developing Regional Indicators for Academic Freedom

The research under this theme will engage stakeholders to design regional context-sensitive indicators and propose mechanisms for academic freedom monitoring in the region. The outcomes will be the basis of SEACAF’s future work to establish a robust academic freedom monitoring and documentation system in Southeast Asia.

Theme 3: Opened for Research Team Only - Participatory Action Research for Training Modules on Academic Freedom

This research theme focuses on collaborative engagement with academic communities and student groups to co-develop training modules on academic freedom. Using participatory action research methods, the fellow will develop training modules and educational materials and test the modules through participatory workshops.

Eligible Uses of Fellowship Funds (all themes):

Researcher’s monthly allowance: Compensation or stipend for the researcher(s) during the project period.
Research expenses: Costs directly related to conducting the research.
Fieldwork and travel: Transportation, accommodation, and other fieldwork-related expenses.
Research assistants: Payments for assistants supporting the research activities.
Data collection: Expenses associated with gathering research data, such as surveys, interviews, transcription, or data acquisition.

Deadline of Application: 20 July 2026