1. Fellowship Duration & Time
The 2026 PAL Network Research Fellowship will run for approximately 3 to 5 months, beginning in July 2026. The exact duration may vary depending on the scope and complexity of each proposed research project.
2. Number of Fellows
PAL Network expects to select approximately 4 to 6 fellows for the 2026 cohort. Fellows may come from diverse academic, professional, and geographic backgrounds, with strong interest and expertise in foundational learning, education data, public policy, statistics, economics, development studies, or related fields.
3. Research Focus Areas
The 2026 fellowship cohort will focus on innovative analysis of PAL Network’s 2025 International Common Assessment of Numeracy (ICAN) and International Common Assessment of Reading (ICAR) datasets collected across 11 countries. Fellows are encouraged to explore research themes related to:
- Explore under-researched dimensions of learning inequality;
- Use comparative cross-country approaches;
- Connect learning outcomes with contextual and policy variables;
- Integrate external datasets or policy indicators, where possible;
- Examine structural drivers of learning disparities;
- Generate actionable insights for policy and programming.
4. Organizational Structure
The fellowship will be coordinated by PAL Network’s Research and Assessment Units, in collaboration with PAL Network member organizations and technical partners where relevant. Fellows will work closely with assigned mentors and participate in periodic peer-learning and technical review sessions throughout the fellowship period.
5. Support and Resources
The research fellowship program at PAL Network will provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure the fellows have a productive and enriching experience. The key components of support and resources include:
Mentorship and Professional Development
- Mentorship: Each fellow will be paired with a mentor from PAL Network or a partner organization. Mentors will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the fellowship, helping fellows navigate their research projects and professional development.
- Workshops and Training: Fellows will have access to capacity-building workshops and training sessions on topics such as research methodologies, data analysis, academic writing, and policy engagement. These sessions will be designed to enhance the fellows' skills and knowledge in key areas.
Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive a fellowship stipend ranging between USD 4,000 and USD 6,000, depending on the scope, duration, and analytical complexity of the proposed work.
Access to Data and Resources
Fellows will be given access to PAL Network's rich dataset, including data from Citizen Led Assessments (CLAs) and other relevant sources.
- Research Tools: PAL Network will provide access to necessary research tools and software, such as R, Stata, and other data analysis programs. Fellows will also have access to online databases and libraries for literature review and research purposes.
- The ICAN/ICAR 2025 microdata are publicly available through the DataFirst platform and can be accessed by applicants upon creating an account and agreeing to the platform’s data access requirements. Applicants are required to familiarize themselves with the datasets and documentation while developing their fellowship proposals:
Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
- Cross-Unit Collaboration: Fellows will have opportunities to collaborate with different units within PAL Network, including Assessment, Advocacy, Action, and Research units. This interdisciplinary approach will enrich the research experience and promote knowledge sharing.
- External Partnerships: PAL Network will facilitate connections with external partners, including academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies if required. These partnerships can provide additional resources, data, and opportunities for fieldwork or collaboration.
Evaluation and Feedback
- Performance Review: Fellows will participate in regular performance reviews with their mentors and the fellowship program coordinator. These reviews will provide constructive feedback and ensure that fellows are on track to achieve their research objectives.
- Final Report and Presentation: At the end of the fellowship, each fellow will be required to submit an agreed upon knwoeldge product and present their findings to PAL Network staff and partners. This will provide an opportunity to showcase their work and contribute to the organization's knowledge base.
Administrative Support
PAL Network will provide administrative coordination and communication support throughout the fellowship period, including onboarding, scheduling of technical sessions, and facilitation of engagement with relevant stakeholders and resources.
