Deadline: 07-Oct-2025
Applications are now open for the Chevening Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Fellowship for mid-career professionals from India and Sri Lanka who demonstrate outstanding potential in the fields of science, innovation, and business.
The Chevening Research, Science, and Innovation Leadership Fellowship (CRISP) offers a unique opportunity for 14 exceptional candidates to develop their leadership skills in the following areas: enhancing the effectiveness of government schemes, including analysing and improving their delivery mechanisms to ensure they meet their intended objectives; strengthening data-driven decision-making, including integrating robust data analysis into policy processes to inform and guide governmental decisions; and improving transparency and accountability in public administration through high-quality report writing and stakeholder engagement, fostering trust and efficiency in governance. Fellows will gain practical experience, working directly with government teams on implementing and improving social sector policies, advanced skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, and report writing to influence evidence-based decision-making, and mentorship from senior civil servants and exposure to high-level governance processes, enhancing their leadership and public administration capabilities.
Each fellowship award covers full programme fees, living expenses for the duration of the fellowship, and return economy airfare, ensuring that fellows are supported throughout their learning and research experience. This fellowship runs for 11 weeks, beginning in April and concluding in June. It is designed to combine academic enrichment with hands-on policy engagement, equipping fellows to contribute to innovation and governance reforms in their home countries.
Applicants must meet the standard eligibility criteria for Chevening Fellowships, including citizenship of a fellowship-eligible country, demonstration of leadership potential, and commitment to return to their home country after completion of the fellowship. They must not hold British or dual British citizenship and must not have received UK Government scholarship funding, including Chevening, within the past five years. Restrictions also apply to employees, former employees, or relatives of employees of His Majesty’s Government, British Council, or sponsoring UK universities, with specific conditions set for Chevening partner organisations.
In addition, applicants must be citizens of India or Sri Lanka and currently reside in the country. They must hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant field, have at least seven years of work experience prior to applying, and demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and the ability to contribute effectively to the programme. Applicants should also possess an excellent academic background in science, engineering, or technology, or significant professional experience in these areas. Successful candidates may come from backgrounds such as executives of service companies, manufacturing businesses, or state-owned enterprises, entrepreneurs and individuals supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems, research scientists, academics, or public-sector employees. Application closes on 7 October 2025.
For more information, visit Chevening.