2025 ASAP Fellowship cohort
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Fellowship Program

ASAP Fellowship Program

Be An ASAP Fellow

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.

ASAP Fellowship Program poster

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Mentorship from leading academics and practitioners.

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Conference engagement through ASAP and Yale Global Justice Program (YGJP).

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Global networking with scholars, professionals, and social impact leaders.

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Seminars, thematic meetings, and fellowship workshops.

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Publication opportunities in Journal ASAP and the ASAP Newsletter.

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Structured professional development throughout the fellowship cycle.

ASAP Fellowship roadmap

Program Outline

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
  • 2. Fellow Expectations and Responsibilities
  • 3. Essay Prize Participants and Fellowship Pathway
  • 4. Post-Fellowship Pathways

Benefits

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.

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).

Responsibilities

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:

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.

Pathways

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.

After the Fellowship

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.

2025 Fellowship Program Archive

2025 ASAP Fellowship Cohort

Change-Makers in Global Justice

The ASAP Fellowship Program is thrilled to announce its second cohort for 2025, offering a unique opportunity for emerging scholars and activists to collaborate with leading experts in the fight against global poverty and the strengthening of democracy. This program equips fellows with the knowledge, skills, and network to effect tangible positive change worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Emerging scholars or activists committed to social justice and effective democracy.
  • Master's degree or equivalent required (exceptions considered for outstanding projects from low-income countries).
  • English proficiency essential.

Application Criteria

  • Submit your CV and a two-page concept paper outlining your research or project idea to mihai@academicsstand.org.
  • Deadline: February 21, 2025.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a 2-minute video pitch.
  • Final selection will be made by the ASAP Board.

Program Details

  • One-year duration with occasional online engagement.
  • No stipend provided; physical presence not required.
  • Active participation is expected in mentorship meetings, research collaborations, and ASAP events.

Archive Note

The February 21, 2025 application deadline has passed. This section is preserved as a record of the 2025 cohort call and selection framework.

Raymond Baker Endorsement

“Congratulations to ASAP on reaching out to budding and mature scholars and building a community. Exceptionally well done. Hope future fellowship programs go as well and indeed build on this initial success.”

Raymond Baker

2025 ASAP Fellowship cohort

Testimonials

Testimonials from 2024 ASAP Fellows

Mentorship from Professors Pogge and Aggarwal has been invaluable, guiding my research on floods and poverty.

Dr. Anna Nath Ganguly portrait

Dr. Anna Nath Ganguly

The ASAP Fellowship has been instrumental in strengthening the philosophical underpinnings of my work on global injustice.

Ahmet Gonullu portrait

Ahmet Gönüllü

Under the guidance of Dr. Pogge and Dr. Chandhoke, I've examined issues from human trafficking to financial crime. This experience has equipped me with the tools to drive meaningful change.

Soumyadeep Chowdhury portrait

Soumyadeep Chowdhury

Connecting with fellow researchers passionate about global poverty has ignited my work on human trafficking. The program's mentorship and events have expanded my knowledge and inspired me to make a greater impact.

Dr. Matthew Davis portrait

Dr. Matthew Davis

It was a great learning experience. The seminars were all very informative, engaging and well managed.

Shagufta Shabbar portrait

Shagufta Shabbar

Thank you so much for the ASAP fellowship experience. It was a year with many insights in events and meetings. I hope we can continue to work together on other fronts and shared goals.

Gabriel Outeiro portrait

Gabriel Outeiro

Cohort Directory

2025 Fellowship Cohort Directory

Swapnil Kesarwani portrait

Swapnil Kesarwani

Post Graduate Program in Public Policy (ongoing)

The Takshahila Institution-Policy School

India

Title of Proposal

Assessing Local Government Institutions for Socio-Economic Impact in India

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Thant Thura Zan

PhD candidate

Global Ecological Economics, Kyoto University, Japan

Myanmar

Title of Proposal

Climate Finance Policies for Just Energy Transitions in Southeast Asia

Carol Cravero portrait

Carol Cravero

Attorney-at-Law and International Consultant for the OECD MAPS-based Assessment of Chad's Public Procurement System.

Italian Bar

Italy

Title of Proposal

Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Rights in Sustainable Public Procurement Law: From Theories to Case Studies

Kaushiki Ishwar portrait

Kaushiki Ishwar

B.A. Programme (History & Philosophy), candidate

Miranda House (University of Delhi)

India

Title of Proposal

"Investigating the Economic Vulnerabilities of Queer Women in India"

Alexander Waller portrait

Alexander Waller

Visiting professor / Fellow of the UK Royal Society of Biology

American University of Sovereign Nations

UK? Thailand?
Prabhat Kumar portrait

Prabhat Kumar

PhD candidate

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India

India

Title of Proposal

The Tyranny of Caste-Based Discrimination in Tourism: Analysing Dalit-owned Homestays in India

RH

Rakhmat Hidayat

Lecturer

Department of Sociology at Jakarta State University, Indonesia

Indonesia

Title of Proposal

Addressing Poverty in Indigenous Communities: Empowering the Sunda Wiwitan People in West Java

MO

Mohammed Omer

PhD candidate

Helmut Schmidt University UniBwH / Laboratory of Production Engineering; External PhD scholar at Cambridge University's Judge Business School,

Oman

Title of Proposal

Empowering Migrant Microentrepreneurs Through Technology Justice: A Pathway to Poverty Alleviation

Somnath Pati portrait

Somnath Pati

M.A. in Modern History

Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University

India

Title of Proposal

Caste Hierarchies in India's Political Consultancies: The 'Invisible' Dynamics of Recruitment, Leadership, and Representation

Aanchal Seth portrait

Aanchal Seth

PhD candidate

Panjab University

India

Title of Proposal

Guardians of the Green: Exploring relationship between Forest Governance, Tribal Rights and Sustainability in Himachal Pradesh

AP

Adam Ploszka

Assistant Professor

Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Warsaw

Poland

Title of Proposal

Social Rights in the Central and Eastern European Constitutionalism

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Ritika

PhD candidate

Department of English, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India

India

Title of Proposal

While You're Here Collective: Documenting Sexual Violence Digitally

Randy A. Tudy portrait

Randy A. Tudy

Associate Professor II

University of Southeastern Philippines, Philippines

The Philippines

Title of Proposal

Unraveling the Enormous Power of Artificial Intelligence: Its Potential for Poverty Alleviation

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Skylab Sahu

Assistant Professor

Department of Political Science / University of Delhi

India

Title of Proposal

Crossing Borders, Seeking Livelihoods: The Socio-Economic Development and Integration of Bangladeshi Migrants in India

GA

Ghulam Abbas Alamdar

PhD candidate

Yazd University - Iran

Afghanistan

Title of Proposal

Underdevelopment of Afghanistan within the Framework of Paul Collier's Development Theory

TC

Tanita Cotarcea

National Protection Officer / Research Assistant

UNHCR / University of Malta

Romania

Title of Proposal

Exploring the Intersection of Justice, Peace, and Morals in Global Governance - A Critical Examination of the United Nations' Role

KM

Kenneth Mahuni

PhD candidate

University of Mauritius

Zimbabwe

Title of Proposal

China-nisation of Africa

MP

Matthew Paneitz

Executive Director

Long Way Home (LWH), San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala

USA

Title of Proposal

Building strong educational ecosystem for tackling poverty issues in Indigenous rural town of Comalapa, Guatemala

William Tolbert portrait

William Tolbert

Founder

Promoters of Social Inclusion

Kenya

Title of Proposal

Driving inclusive digital democracy for youths: Embracing e-democracy to strengthen democratic participation youths in Kenya

EC

Evaida Chimedza

Student

Mandela Essay Winner 2025

Copperbelt University (CBU), Kitwe

Zambia

Title of Proposal

Mandela Essay Winner 2025 - Empower communities through financial literacy and economic transformation.

GG

Grace Gondwe

Global Operations Manager

Mandela Essay Winner 2025

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation

Zambia

Title of Proposal

Mandela Essay Winner 2025 - Grace was instrumental in "Operation Chapamo," a project designed to empower young Zambians as active participants and leaders in the 2021 general election. Her team engaged 1,000 youth through research, training, and direct interactions with influential bodies such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia and COMESA. Grace holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Copperbelt University and is passionate about fostering democratic resilience and youth empowerment on global platforms.

CM

Clautrida Mutabaruka

Second-year Actuarial Science student

Mandela Essay Winner 2025

University of Lusaka in Zambia

Zambia

Title of Proposal

Mandela Essay Winner 2025 - With a solid foundation in mathematics and critical thinking, she is committed to applying her analytical skills to address complex challenges in finance and risk management. Clautrida is passionate about using her education to contribute to the economic empowerment of communities, particularly in emerging markets.

Nater Akpen portrait

Nater Akpen

Physician-in-training

Mandela Essay Winner 2025

Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Nigeria

Title of Proposal

Mandela Essay Winner 2025 - His writing on digital taxation received the WATAF West African Prize, and his research on the illicit organ trade received an honourable mention for the 2024 Amartya Sen Essay Prize - for which he had the opportunity to present at the Yale Global Justice Conference and was given a publication opportunity in the ASAP Journal. His writing has appeared in Hoekten International Journal, and has won research awards on subjects related to healthcare systems and medicine, and their interconnectedness with other disciplines.

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