Global China Fellows Program

Applications are open now for the 2025-2026 Global China Fellows Program.

The Global China Fellows Program is a flagship program of the Global China Initiative (GCI) at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center). Since its inception in 2017, the Fellows Program has supported more than 40 Pre- and Post-doctoral Fellows from around the world to engage in policy-oriented research and commentary on China’s role in (re)shaping global affairs.

The Fellows Program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage and collaborate with GDP Center researchers, BU faculty members and Global South-based institutions to conduct policy-oriented research on China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions to advance financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability. Global China Fellows are paired with a BU faculty member or GDP Center Senior Academic Researcher under one of the four GCI workstreams: Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.); Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI); Energy and Climate; and China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA). Fellows contribute to GCI research projects while receiving guidance and support on their own independent research projects. Fellows are expected to produce one GCI working paper per appointment year.

The primary objective of the Global China Fellows Program is to mold and train the next generation of thought leaders to advance policy-oriented, interdisciplinary academic research on China’s overseas economic activities and engagement. The Global China Fellows Program has a proven track record of bridging the gap between academia and policymakers through policy dialogue and engagement and strategic communications.

Required Qualifications:

Pre-doctoral applicants must have completed their qualification/comprehensive exams and defended their dissertation proposal; post-doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2025;

Strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in priority geographical regions of interest, in addition to China, such as Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia;

Fluency in Chinese or a language from one of the priority regions;

Experience researching the relationship between China’s overseas engagement and the following issues is most preferred:

- The role of China and Chinese development finance institutions in expanding energy access and renewable energy, decarbonization and addressing climate change;

- Biodiversity and Indigenous Lands, geolocation and mapping;

- International economic institutions, reform of the global sovereign debt architecture, debt sustainability, the Global Financial Safety Net and RMB internationalization.

The GDP Center accepts applications from scholars of all disciplinary backgrounds, especially the natural and social sciences, engineering and business. Quantitative methodological and modeling expertise are strongly preferred.

The majority of the fellowships will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year. Fellows will receive a competitive stipend and modest funding for data collection and/or fieldwork and potentially be eligible for reimbursement of relocation expenses. Fellows are expected to complete their fellowship in-person at the GDP Center’s offices at Boston University.

To apply:

Interested applicants should send the following materials in one PDF to the Global China Initiative Team (gci@bu.edu) with the subject line “<<LastName_FirstName>> GCI Fellow Application 2025-2026″:

Recent Curriculum Vitae.
A 1-2 page cover letter describing applicant’s academic training, research interests and experience.
A 1-2 page working paper proposal that outlines the research question(s), methodology, research plan and its significance.
Contact information for two references.

Applications must be received by December 20, 2024, 11:59 PM EST. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with screening interviews starting in October. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For International candidates: International candidates will need express approval from their sponsoring institution stating that the potential fellow is allowed to earn income from another institution. This is especially important for international students with J-1 visas. Note: If you do not currently have a valid US scholar visa, certain research positions at Boston University qualify for immigration sponsorship. Prospective scholars should first establish their potential affiliation with the GDP Center as a pre- or post-doctoral fellow and clarify the terms of their appointment. BU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) will work with the prospective scholar and the GDP Center to evaluate which immigration classification is most appropriate. The ISSO will consider various factors such as the appointment/affiliation terms, the scholar’s educational achievements and US immigration history.

Placement:

Previous GCI Fellows have gone on to receive placements in academic faculty and research positions, leadership roles at global development institutions and more. Some institutions where previous fellows now work include:

- - - Peking University
    - University of Denver
    - Overseas Development Institute
    - Boston Consulting Group

Testimonials:

“Serving as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center has undeniably been one of the most enriching and fulfilling chapters of my academic journey. The focus of my research revolved around the intricate intersections of sovereign debt issues, climate finance and the renewable energy landscape in Africa.

The experience of immersing myself in such multi-disciplinary research was transformative. It broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between economic policy, environmental sustainability and developmental trajectories. Moreover, the collaborative environment fostered at the Global Development Policy Center was instrumental in my growth. Working alongside esteemed scholars and experts in the field provided invaluable insights, encouraged robust discussions and nurtured an environment where innovative ideas could flourish.

Overall, this fellowship has not only enriched my academic portfolio but has also shaped my approach towards addressing critical global issues.” – Magalie Masamba, 2021-2022

“The Boston University Global Development Policy Center strikes a careful balance between rigorous scholarship and relevance in policy debates, a rare and valuable combination among research institutions. That also means that no matter which side of the spectrum you start on, time there offers abundant opportunity for new experience and growth. I found research and discussion to be rich and collaborative, dramatically strengthening my expertise while providing a supportive environment to pursue my own ideas.” – Jake Werner, 2020-2022

“Serving as a Global China Pre-doctoral Fellow was rewarding professionally and personally. I was able to be part of a very inspiring and encouraging group of scholars who cared about the research topics I’m interested in, and who provided the support and resources to delve into the examination of key issues and concerns. Although the fellowship was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was able to establish meaningful friendships and connections—some of which have gone on to coauthor research with me! In all, the fellowship allowed me to learn from other experts and to continue moving my work forward in important ways.” – Victoria Chonn Ching, 2020

“My time as a GDPC Global China Research Fellow helped me develop as an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and policy-oriented scholar of global China, and was undoubtedly pivotal in shaping my academic career. The team at the center cultivates a welcoming intellectual space for budding academics to develop their ideas, work with like-minded researchers and connect with the wider China research and policy community. I joined the center directly from my fieldwork and was grateful for the support and thought-provoking dialogue that helped me develop my early research findings. The mentorship from seasoned experts at GDPC was invaluable in shaping the trajectory of my research and career. Their nuanced understanding of global China and dedication to nurturing emerging scholars is truly commendable. I am impressed by how the cohort of fellows continues to grow, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and fostering a global network of scholars. My fellowship was not only a research opportunity but a platform for personal and intellectual growth. I wholeheartedly endorse this program for those eager to contribute meaningfully to the study of global China.” – Jessica Dicarlo, 2019-2020

“One of the best things about working in the Boston University Global Development Policy Center is that it provides an interdisciplinary environment where I can easily expand my horizons by learning from and working with members of the center. Even during the pandemic, the center managed to create many opportunities, such as online research colloquiums, to ensure frequent communications with scholars from different fields. My research also benefits a lot from the interdisciplinary nature of the center. I can always get timely support from the center in my projects to evaluate the social, environmental and public health risks from China’s overseas development finance.” – Hongbo Yang, 2020-2021

Current Global China Fellows:

Previous Global China Fellows:

View Recent GCI Publications