STARS Fellowship Program: Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces
The Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STARS) Fellowship Program is a 15-month, policy-focused research opportunity for early-career researchers. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Early-career researchers in the final year of a Ph.D. or who completed their doctorate in 2020 or later
- Familiar with datasets they plan to use (new data collection not funded)
- Preferably affiliated with or intending to work in low- or lower-middle-income countries
- Female applicants encouraged, given priority consideration
- Exclusion: Individuals from comprehensively sanctioned countries
Benefits:
- Mentorship from senior researchers at Cornell University
- Professional development training and workshops
- Three-week residency at Cornell University
- Enhanced skills in research ethics, coding, and scientific communication
- Networking opportunities with global researchers
Application Requirements:
- Research proposal (max 2,500 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of support from Ph.D. supervisor or equivalent
- Data access documentation
- Deadline: January 16, 2026
Program Focus:
- Causal determinants of agricultural productivity and income growth
- Asset accumulation and rural household resilience
- Rural employment and labor market dynamics
- Risk management in agriculture and rural contexts
