Program Outline

A formal framework will be established to guide the evaluation of the fellowship program. Fellows are expected to fulfill all commitments and obligations outlined by ASAP. Non-compliance with these requirements will result in disqualification from receiving the Certificate of Completion, and the individual will not be authorized to use the title “ASAP Fellow” during and after the program. 

1. Fellowship Benefits

As an ASAP Fellow, each participant will gain access to the comprehensive ASAP fellowship ecosystem, designed to support professional development, research advancement, and global engagement. The key benefits include:

1.1. Mentorship Program

Fellows will be matched with one to three mentors from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who align with their respective research interests or project focus areas.

1.2. Publication Opportunities  

Fellows will have the opportunity to publish their work through established ASAP platforms, including Journal ASAP and the ASAP Newsletter, as well as to promote their research through ASAP’s official social media channels.

1.3. Conferences

Fellows will be invited to participate in the annual ASAP and Yale Global Justice Program (YGJP) Conference, providing valuable opportunities to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with the broader academic and practitioner communities.

1.4. Global Network 

Participation in the fellowship grants access to the ASAP global network, enabling fellows to connect with professionals, scholars, and practitioners committed to advancing global justice.

1.5. Training and Capacity Building  

Fellows will engage in one-on-one mentoring sessions, thematic meetings, seminars, and workshops (subject to availability).

2. Fellow Expectations and Responsibilities

ASAP Fellows are expected to demonstrate active engagement, professionalism, and accountability throughout the duration of the fellowship. The following responsibilities outline the minimum expectations for successful completion of the program:

2.1. Participation and Engagement

Fellows must attend at least 80% of the monthly general meetings/seminars and are expected to actively participate by engaging in discussions, posing questions to guest speakers, and contributing to group dialogues.

2.2. Mentorship Communication 

Any challenges in communication or mentorship engagement must be reported to the Fellowship Contact person (Mihai) or Global Coordinator (Min) in advance to ensure timely support.

2.3. Publications and Contributions  

Each fellow is expected to publish a minimum of one piece in Journal ASAP, preferably based on the project or research proposal submitted during their fellowship application. In addition, fellows must contribute at least two short pieces to the ASAP Newsletter during their cohort cycle. These contributions may include ,but are not limited to, calls for collaboration, reflections on research, or project updates.

2.4. Progress Reports and Surveys

Fellows must submit two progress reports: one at the mid-point (six months) and another at the conclusion of the fellowship. Each report should include updates on the fellow’s ongoing work, activities conducted with mentor/s, and milestones achieved. The final submission must also include an exit survey designed to gather feedback on the fellowship experience and areas for program improvement.

2.5. Fellowship Lab Participation

Each fellow will organize at least one Fellowship Lab session during the program. The Fellowship Lab provides a platform for fellows to present their ongoing work, receive constructive feedback, and foster peer-to-peer learning within the ASAP community.

3. Essay Prize Participants and Fellowship Pathway

Recipients of the Amartya Sens Essay Prize and the Nelson Mandela Essay Prize are invited to further their engagement with the ASAP community through the fellowship program. Upon being notified of their selection as prize winners, participants will be presented with three options regarding their continued involvement with ASAP:

3.1. Option A : Fellowship Pathway

Winning participants who wish to continue their collaboration with ASAP as fellows are required to submit a one-page concept note and a five minutes video  outlining their proposed project or research idea. Acceptance into the fellowship program will be contingent upon the review and approval of this concept note in accordance with ASAP’s fellowship selection criteria.

3.2. Option B : Passive Membership 

Prize recipients may choose to accept the award and become Passive ASAP Members. Passive Members do not participate in fellowship or active membership (see 4.1) activities but remain connected to the network, receiving regular updates, newsletters, and announcements regarding ASAP’s ongoing initiatives and opportunities.

3.3. Option C : Prize-Only Recognition 

Prize recipients may elect to accept only the award and publication opportunity, concluding their engagement with ASAP upon receipt of the prize. No further obligations or affiliations with the organization will be required under this option.

4. Post-Fellowship Pathways

Upon successful completion of the fellowship year, ASAP Fellows will be offered three options for continuing their association with the ASAP community. These pathways are designed to recognize varying levels of engagement and ongoing commitment.

4.1. Option A : Active ASAP Membership  

Fellows who wish to maintain an active role within the ASAP community may transition into Active ASAP Membership. This status includes continued participation in select programs, mentoring opportunities, and community initiatives. Active membership is subject to an annual renewal process and carries a set of commitments and benefits that will be communicated at the time of renewal.

4.2. Option B : Passive ASAP Membership  

Fellows may choose to become Passive ASAP Members, maintaining their connection with the organization in an informational capacity. Passive Members receive updates, newsletters, and announcements from the ASAP community but are not required to participate in programs or events.

4.3. Option C : Completion and Discontinuation  

Fellows may elect to conclude their engagement with ASAP upon completion of the fellowship program. In this case, the fellow’s responsibilities and entitlements will end with the issuance of the Certificate of Completion. However, fellows will remain in the ASAP database (unless explicitly requesting removal), continuing to receive ASAP newsletters and other communications sent to the global ASAP community.