Call for Applications: Research Fellowship for Understanding Inclusive Visions for Myanmar - Chiang Mai University
Application Deadline: 19 October 2025
The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD) at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, is pleased to announce a call for research fellowship for Myanmar citizens under the project “Understanding the Present, Preparing New Beginnings: Co-producing Knowledge on Inclusivity in Burma,” funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. This initiative aims to promote, from the ground up, the co-production and sharing of knowledge on ethnic inclusivity in Myanmar, and closely related themes of federalism, resource governance, and education, which all form key pillars to understand current conflict, challenges, and pathways towards a democratic future for the country.
Selected applicants will be able to strengthen their academic skills, conduct original research, and contribute to knowledge generation on issues critical to Myanmar’s future. Small research grants will be awarded to researchers whose proposals are qualified to conduct small-scale research projects aimed at community-based knowledge production. The researchers will attend research training workshops (both in Chiang Mai and online) taught by Myanmar and international experts. Young researchers with strong motivation in understanding ethnic areas of Myanmar are especially invited, as their papers will be considered for an edited volume of research to be published by the RCSD. Researchers with a strong focus on ethnic areas are especially encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Themes
Applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with one of the following themes:
Federalism and pathways to a pluralistic future
Resource governance and sustainability
Education, inclusion, and social change
Other relevant topics that address inclusivity in Myanmar society, linking with pressing social, political, or economic challenges will also be considered.
Requirements
Hold a bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field
Open to young researchers from Myanmar who are committed to producing research that supports social change.
Prior research experience is welcome but not required.
Strong interest in ethnic areas and marginalized communities will be favorably considered.
Commitment towards the research is highly demanded as this research project will take around 1-1.5 years to complete and require travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand, occasionally.
Fellowship Benefits
Mentorship from experienced Myanmar and international scholars.
Training workshops on research methods, writing, and presentation.
Minimal travel support to join in-person training workshops in Chiang Mai.
Research grant to support fieldwork and data collection (Note: Selected applicants for the training will not be automatically awarded grants. Research grant eligibility is subject to the quality of the research proposal developed after the first in-person workshop.)
Opportunity to publish and present findings in academic conferences and publications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Important Dates
Deadline for Submission: 19 October 2025
Announcement of Shortlists: 24 October 2025 (Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview)
Interview Dates: 27-29 October 2025
Announcement of Successful Candidates : 3 November 2025
First In-person Workshop in Chiang Mai: 17-28 November 2025 (Subject to change)
Submission and Deadline
Please submit all application materials here before 19 October 2025, Sunday (23:59, Thailand Time). Late submissions will not be considered. The application will include the following:
A cover letter describing yourself, your academic interests, and how you can contribute to the program (Max. 800 words)
Research proposal that includes but is not limited to the following (background and problem statement of the research, research objectives, research questions, literature review, research methodology, and tentative timeline) (Max. 2500 words)
Updated CV
List of at least two referees.
For further inquiries, contact: office@rcsd-cmu.com
