The VIP Lab Fellowship 2024 is a 10-month program that supports rigorous research and advances thought leadership on how power inequalities impact violence, both in driving violence dynamics and influencing responses to it. The fellowship is hosted by the Violence, Inequality, and Power Lab (VIP Lab) at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. The fellowship is open to early-career scholars from any discipline with a demonstrated interest in the study of violence and inequality. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent, and be able to commit to full-time research during the fellowship period. The fellowship provides a stipend of $15,000 for non-residential fellows and $70,000-$90,000 for residential fellows, as well as travel expenses to attend two in-person convenings in San Diego. Fellows will also receive mentorship from VIP Lab faculty and staff, and opportunities to collaborate with other fellows and practitioners working on violence and inequality. At the end of the fellowship, fellows will complete a research product (such as a journal article, policy brief, or white paper) and contribute to a final report to be drafted by the VIP Lab. They will also be expected to share their research with a wider audience through presentations, publications, and other channels.
Objectives:
- Complete a research product (formats could include a journal article, a policy brief, a think piece, a white paper, literature review);
- Contribute to a final report to be drafted by the VIP Lab;
- Expand and reinforce their existing network;
- Learn from one another through monthly Zoom meetings as well as two in-person convenings in San Diego;
- Have opportunities to share their research with a wider audience of practitioners, policymakers, and academics;
- Receive intellectual feedback through thought partnership from VIP Lab and Kroc IPJ;
- Agree to have their research shared publicly through a variety of means (written, in person, video, etc.) and to engage in dialogue with counterparts on their work;
- Engage with Kroc School students and faculty as feasible through guest lecturing classes, individual meetings, and other gatherings while on campus.
- Contribute to expanding the field of study and practice of inequality and violence.
The application deadline for the VIP Lab Fellowship 2024 is September 7, 2023.
- Financial support: The fellowship provides a stipend of $15,000 for non-residential fellows and $70,000-$90,000 for residential fellows, which can help to cover the costs of research, travel, and living expenses.
- Mentorship: Fellows will receive mentorship from VIP Lab faculty and staff, who are experts in the study of violence and inequality. This mentorship can help fellows to develop their research skills and to build their professional networks.
- Collaboration opportunities: Fellows will have opportunities to collaborate with other fellows and practitioners working on violence and inequality. This collaboration can help fellows to share ideas, to learn from each other, and to build partnerships.
- Research support: The VIP Lab will provide fellows with research support, such as access to data, research materials, and technical assistance. This support can help fellows to conduct their research and to produce high-quality research products.
- Networking opportunities: The VIP Lab will provide fellows with networking opportunities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and other events. These networking opportunities can help fellows to meet other scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working on violence and inequality.
- Publication opportunities: The VIP Lab will help fellows publish their research in academic journals, policy briefs, and other outlets. This publication can help fellows to share their research with a wider audience and to make a difference in the world.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.
- Applicants must be early-career scholars, with no more than 10 years of professional experience.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the study of violence and inequality.
- Applicants must be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Applicants must be able to commit to full-time research during the fellowship period.
In addition to these general eligibility criteria, there are also specific eligibility criteria for the residential and non-residential fellowships:
- Residential fellows: Residential fellows must be authorized to work in the United States and must be willing to live in San Diego for the duration of the fellowship.
- Non-residential fellows: Non-residential fellows can be based anywhere in the world, but they must be willing to travel to San Diego for two in-person convenings.
Application:
- Submit an online application. The application can be found on the VIP Lab website. The application deadline is September 7, 2023.
- Submit a research proposal. The research proposal should be no more than 10 pages in length and should outline your proposed research project. The proposal should include the following sections:
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- Introduction
- Literature review
- Research questions
- Methods
- Timeline
- Impact
- Submit two letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications and your potential to conduct research on violence and inequality.
- Submit a CV. Your CV should include your educational background, work experience, and publications.
- Be clear and concise in your writing.
