Call for Applications, The Open Society Fellowship

The Open Society Fellowship supports individuals seeking innovative and unconventional approaches to fundamental open society challenges.

A fellowship project might identify a problem that has not previously been recognized, develop new policy ideas to address familiar problems, or offer a new advocacy strategy. Fellows should take advantage of the considerable intellectual and logistical resources of the Open Society Institute and expect to contribute meaningfully to OSI's thinking in return.

In evaluating each proposal, the selection committee weighs three factors:

• the applicant,
• the topic of the project, and
• the work product.

Proposals are accepted year round.

The Applicant

The Open Society Fellowship chooses its fellows from a diverse pool of applicants that includes journalists, activists, academics, and practitioners in a variety of fields. Applicants should possess a deep understanding of their chosen subject area and a track record of professional accomplishment.

The fellowship seeks “idea entrepreneurs” from across the world who are ready to challenge conventional wisdom. Successful applicants will be eager to exploit the many resources offered by OSI and be prepared to engage constructively with the global OSI community. Ideal fellows are specialists who can see beyond the parochialisms of their field and possess the tenacity to complete a project of exceptional merit.

The Topic of the Project

The Open Society Institute works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Among OSI's core areas of concern are:

• human rights,
• government transparency,
• the promotion of civil society and
• social inclusion.

Project themes should cut across these areas of interest.

Applicants who are uncertain whether their topic fits within OSI's organizational interests are invited to submit a brief letter of inquiry, accompanied by a CV, before proceeding with the online application process. That letter of inquiry should be addressed to: OSFellows@sorosny.org

The Work Product

Fellows may produce a variety of work products, including publications such as books, reports, or blogs; innovative public-education projects; or the launch of new campaigns or organizations. They may also engage in activities such as hosting panel discussions, traveling to conferences, participating in policy debates, and aggressively promoting their ideas in public venues.

Fellowship projects can include photography, outreach and advocacy around documentary film, and other forms of cultural production.

Fellowship Placement and Term

OSI considers applicants from all parts of the world. Most fellows spend a portion of their term in one or more OSI offices. Fellows may work out of multiple OSI offices during their term.

Fellowships are awarded for one year. In some cases OSI considers requests for shorter or longer durations. Preference is given to applications for full-time fellowships, but OSI also considers applicants who can only work part-time on their projects.

Application and Selection

All interested applicants should complete the online application form at https://oas.soros.org/oas and submit supporting materials for consideration. Please read the FAQs before applying.

A small number of applicants are selected as finalists. These finalists are considered by an outside selection committee, which meets three to four times a year.

OSI considers applications subject to funding availability.