Applications are now open for the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026, a prestigious funded research programme designed for experienced researchers from ASEAN member states. The fellowship provides an opportunity to spend five months collaborating with one of Cambodia’s leading policy research institutions while contributing to evidence-based policymaking across Southeast Asia.

Hosted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI), the programme focuses on strengthening regional research partnerships, enhancing quantitative research skills, and promoting collaborative policy research. Fellows will work closely with CDRI researchers, mentor junior academics, co-author publications, and participate in seminars and technical workshops.

Researchers seeking an international fellowship in economics, public policy, data science, statistics, or development studies are encouraged to apply before the application deadline.

Fellowship Overview

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is designed for experienced professionals involved in research, public policy, and higher education. Suitable applicants include:

• Mid-career researchers
• Senior researchers
• Postdoctoral researchers
• University faculty members
• Public policy researchers
• Think tank professionals
• Experienced Master’s degree holders with significant research experience

Available Research Areas

Applicants should have expertise in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Development Economics
• Economic Modelling
• Economic Forecasting
• Industrial Policy
• International Trade Policy
• Labour Economics
• Public Finance
• Macroeconomic Policy
• Data Science for Public Policy
• Climate Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Digital Economy
• Innovation Policy
• Econometrics
• Artificial Intelligence in Research
• Statistics
• Quantitative Research Methods

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive comprehensive institutional support throughout the programme, including:

• Funded fellowship stipend
• Dedicated office space at CDRI
• Full access to research facilities
• Library resources
• Computing infrastructure
• Research datasets and analytical tools
• Collaboration with leading policy researchers
• Professional networking across ASEAN
• Experience contributing to regional policy research
• Opportunities for long-term institutional partnerships

Fellowship Responsibilities

During the fellowship, participants will actively contribute to CDRI’s research activities.

Research Activities

• Collaborate on policy-oriented research projects
• Co-author academic papers and policy briefs
• Conduct independent and collaborative research
• Participate in research seminars

Capacity Building

• Mentor junior researchers
• Deliver training on quantitative research methods
• Provide guidance in econometrics and statistical analysis
• Conduct technical workshops

Institutional Collaboration

• Strengthen partnerships between CDRI and the fellow’s home institution
• Share research expertise and best practices
• Submit a reflection report at the end of the fellowship

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN member state other than Cambodia.

Eligible countries include:

• Brunei
• Indonesia
• Laos
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Timor-Leste (where applicable under programme guidelines)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an ASEAN member country, excluding Cambodia.
• Hold a PhD in economics, public policy, development studies, statistics, data science, or a related discipline.
• Applicants with a Master’s degree and at least five years of relevant research experience may also be considered.
• Be affiliated with a recognised university, think tank, or research institute within an ASEAN country.
• Demonstrate a strong record of policy-focused research and academic publications.
• Have expertise in econometrics, quantitative research methods, or statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Experience with AI-assisted research tools is considered an advantage.
• Have previous mentoring or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
• Possess excellent written and spoken English.
• Be interested in developing long-term regional research collaborations.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit all documents in English as separate PDF files.

Required Documents

• Research and collaboration statement (maximum two pages)
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications
• Letter of motivation (maximum one page)
• One recommendation letter from the applicant’s current institution

How to Apply

Complete your application by following these steps:

1. Prepare all required documents.
2. Save each document as an individual PDF.
3. Attach all PDFs to a single email.
4. Submit the application before 15 August 2026.
5. Send the application to kanika.sao@cdri.org.kh.
6. Wait for further communication if shortlisted.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Publication record
• Policy-relevant expertise
• Mentoring experience
• Quality of the proposed collaborative research
• Potential to establish long-term institutional partnerships

Why Consider the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship?

The CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship provides a valuable platform for experienced researchers to contribute to evidence-based policymaking across Southeast Asia. Beyond financial support, the programme offers meaningful opportunities to collaborate with regional experts, mentor emerging researchers, and develop research that can influence public policy.

For academics and policy professionals looking to expand their regional impact while building long-term institutional partnerships, this fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to work within one of Cambodia’s most respected research organisations.