The East-West Center (EWC) offers Research Innovation, Collaboration, and Exchange (RICE) Fellowships for scholars from the Indo-Pacific Region, including the United States. Recipients, including scholars, policy experts, NGO/CSO members, researchers, or journalists, can pursue research or projects on topics relevant to the US relations with the Indo-Pacific region such as the protection of individual rights, democracy, national resilience, national sovereignty, security, defense, and international relations including multilateral institutions and initiatives), resource and supply chain resiliency, political economy issues around trade, technology and integration, and geopolitics.

Fellows will start a project or research at the EWC in the Washington, DC, or Honolulu offices. The total duration of the program will depend on the length of the project, associated stipend, support, and travel funding. Fellows may have permission to work at another location if the candidate presents a sufficient project-relevant justification.

Throughout the Fellowship program, fellows will pursue their project activities independently or in collaboration with EWC researchers. The EWC researchers will help the participants by providing guidance on research resources and relevant information and assisting the RICE Fellows in residence at EWC offices.

EWC will select the fellows based on their proposed collaborations and exchanges to create or strengthen networks, partnerships, and shared outcomes. EWC and the applicant’s home institution will co-brand the outcomes of all projects, especially those that are sustainable.

RICE Fellowships is a partially funded program with a monthly stipend and travel costs depending on the proposed project.

Potential projects include:

• Establishing a publication or seminar series in partnership with EWC-Partner Organizations.
• Developing a website or database (e.g., similar to North Korea in the World or Asia Matters for America).
• Initiating an exchange program for emerging experts and leaders.

The Center also encourages creative and collaborative projects that facilitate meaningful dialogues among individuals and initiatives while nurturing and empowering future leaders.

Essential Details of RICE Fellowship

Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 (5:59 AM EST +1)

Project time: March 15 – September 1,  2025

Location: USA

Host Institution: East-West Center

Gender: Male/Female

Eligible Countries: Indo-Pacific Region and the United States (check the list below)

Benefits and Awards

The East-West Center seeks to fund RICE Fellowship projects in two funding ranges: $10,000 – $35,000 and $30,000 – $80,000. Proposals must align with the Center’s mission and strategic pillars and demonstrate potential for long-term collaboration and sustainability. The funding amount depends on the type of project and agreement between the recipient and EWC.

More Fellowship Benefits:

• • Access to EWC resources and collaboration opportunities.
  • Emphasis on creating networks and sustainable outcomes.
  • Co-branded project outcomes with EWC and the applicant’s institution.

RICE Examples of Possible Projects

RICE Fellowship possible projects might include the following examples:

• EWC and Partner Organization publication or seminar series development;
• Making a new website or database, such as Asia Matters for America or North Korea in the World;
• Establishing an exchange program for rising leaders and experts.

EWC also urges collaborative and innovative exchange projects that organize impactful dialogues among people and products and develop and equip leaders.

Who Can Apply for East-West Center RICE Fellowships?

Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the East-West Center RICE Fellowships:

• Applicants should be nationals of the Indo-Pacific countries or the United States and eligible for a fellowship stipend.
• Must have completed a Master’s degree, research applicants must have completed a Ph.D., and policy experts, journalists, or NGO/CSO leaders should prove experience in their professions.
• Preference goes to candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to start research, projects, and network in Washington, DC, or Honolulu.
• Selected non-US citizens or permanent residents of RICE Fellowships will require East-West Center J-1 visa sponsorship during residency.

Eligible Countries

Following are the countries or territories that can apply for RICE Fellowship and grants:

Application Required Documents

All applicants should submit the following documents:

• Online application form
• Detailed and updated CV
• Two reference letters
• Rough project budget estimation, including requested stipend, travel, housing, and other costs
• A 3-page project proposal outlining the proposed work

Notes:

• The applicant’s proposal should contain a summary of the project, planned and identified milestones to complete it, and a description of how the applicant’s collaboration with EWC will improve the proposed work.
• The proposal must focus on gathering individuals and organizations from Asia, the U.S., and the Pacific regions to share perspectives, create collaborative outcomes, and consider common challenges and opportunities.

How to Apply?

The application procedure is online, and applicants can start their application through the link below.

Apply Now

Other Available Opportunities:

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation ‘International Climate Protection Fellowship’ 2024 in Germany

Excellence Master Fellowship 2025-26 in Switzerland

Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards in Italy for 2024/25

Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)  for Ph.D. Studies

The UK Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards 2024 for Technology-Led Businesses

The UK Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards 2024 for Technology-Led Businesses

Please visit the East-West Center website for more details about East-West Center RICE Fellowships.