Submissions Open: Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STARS) Fellowship Program 2026

The Structural Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Spaces (STARS) Fellowship Program 2026, hosted by the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, is now accepting applications from early-career researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge in agricultural development and rural transformation. This prestigious fellowship provides an exceptional platform for scholars to engage in rigorous, policy-relevant research addressing key challenges in agriculture, productivity, and rural livelihoods across the globe.

About the STARS Fellowship Program

The STARS Fellowship is a 15-month research fellowship that begins in April 2026 and concludes in June 2027. It is designed to strengthen the analytical and research capacity of emerging scholars working on the causal determinants of productivity and income growth, rural employment, asset accumulation, and risk management within agriculture and rural spaces.

Selected Fellows will collaborate closely with senior researchers from Cornell University, the Center for Global Development, and other partner institutions. Each Fellow is also paired with a peer mentor, ensuring sustained engagement and feedback throughout the research journey.

Program Structure and Mentorship

The fellowship begins with a series of virtual launch workshops, providing an opportunity for Fellows to meet mentors, refine research ideas, and receive valuable guidance on methodologies and expectations. Following the launch, Fellows participate in regular virtual sessions where they present research updates, exchange insights, and receive structured mentorship.

A standout feature of the STARS Fellowship is its three-week in-person residency in October–November 2026 at Cornell University (and, where applicable, at the mentor’s institution). During this intensive research visit, Fellows present their work in seminars, attend professional development workshops, and benefit from one-on-one consultations with mentors and faculty members. This phase deepens their research capacity and strengthens their academic networks.

After the residency, Fellows continue refining their research papers under the guidance of their mentors, leading up to the final submission in June 2027.

Professional Development Opportunities

The STARS Fellowship goes beyond academic research—it nurtures well-rounded researchers equipped for long-term success. Throughout the fellowship, participants receive targeted professional development training in areas such as:

• Research ethics and reproducibility
• Data management and coding (Stata, R)
• Grant proposal writing and funding acquisition
• Peer review processes
• Time management and academic writing
• Effective presentation and communication skills

These trainings are integrated into the research timeline to ensure that each skill directly supports the Fellow’s academic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

The STARS Fellowship targets early-career researchers who are in the final year of their Ph.D. or who completed their doctorate in 2020 or later. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the datasets they plan to use since the fellowship does not fund new data collection.

Priority consideration is given to:

• Researchers affiliated with or focusing on low- and lower-middle-income countries
• Scholars intending to pursue professional work in those regions
• Applicants whose research aligns with the program’s thematic focus
• Female researchers who meet the eligibility requirements

Applicants from comprehensively sanctioned countries are not eligible to apply.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:

• A research proposal (maximum of 2,500 words) outlining objectives, methods, datasets, and anticipated outcomes
• A curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience
• A letter of support from a current or past supervisor
• Documentation confirming access to relevant datasets, where applicable

Shortlisted candidates will participate in a virtual interview and complete a skills assessment in Stata or R.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: Early April 2026
• Program Start: April 2026
• Residency Period: October–November 2026
• Program End: June 2027

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials early to ensure timely submission before the January 16, 2026 deadline.

About Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is renowned for advancing innovative research and global development through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Its programs foster academic excellence, research innovation, and evidence-based policy solutions that drive meaningful change in agriculture, business, and rural development.

Early-career researchers passionate about rural transformation and agricultural policy are encouraged to apply for this fellowship opportunity and join a global network of changemakers advancing sustainable development.

For information and to apply , CLICK HERE 

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