Research Fellowship
Empowering youth to conduct academic research and contribute to sustainable development — fully online, guided by international mentors.
What Is the Research Fellowship?
A flagship program designed to enhance academic research skills among youth and promote research culture in Afghanistan and beyond. Fellows learn to conduct research on real community challenges in support of sustainable development — guided by international mentors with PhD-level backgrounds.
481+
Phase 1 Fellows Trained
60+
Fellows Mentored
6
Published Papers
Four Phases of the Fellowship
Phase 1
Learning
Research workshops, topic selection, and proposal development.
Phase 2
Execution
Conduct research and write the report with mentor guidance.
Phase 3
Defense
Present and defend research before a panel of judges.
Phase 4
Alumni
Guidance on higher education journey and scholarship applications.
Fellowship Curriculum
For the first phase of our fellowship, we teach the following topics as workshops to enhance participants’ research knowledge and skills.
Introduction to Research
Learn the foundations of academic research, including how to identify research problems, develop questions, and understand the importance of research in addressing real-world community challenges and sustainable development.
Data Collection and Analysis
Gain practical skills in collecting, organizing, and analyzing research data using qualitative and quantitative methods to produce accurate findings and evidence-based conclusions.
Structuring a Research Paper
Learn how to organize and present academic research effectively by developing clear sections such as introduction, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion in a professional research format.
Publication Process and Journals
Understand the academic publication process, including selecting suitable journals, preparing manuscripts, peer review procedures, and sharing research findings with wider academic and professional communities.
Academic Writing
Develop essential academic writing skills, including clarity, structure, referencing, critical analysis, and professional communication for writing high-quality research papers and reports.
Digital Skills in Research
Build practical digital competencies for modern research, including using online tools, data management software, academic databases, and digital platforms to efficiently collect, analyze, and present research findings.
Research in Afghanistan
Explore the context of conducting research in Afghanistan, focusing on local challenges, community needs, and opportunities for sustainable development through evidence-based studies and youth-led academic inquiry.
Requirements
- Youth in Afghanistan willing to learn research
- Good English level for writing and communication
- Interest in Sustainable Development topics
- Under 35 years old at program start
- Access to email and internet
Benefits
- Research knowledge, skills, and experience
- Supervision by international researchers
- Certificate and published research abstract
- Guidance on scholarships and higher education
- Financial support (subject to funding availability)
How to Apply
Fill out the online application form with your information in English. You will hear from us about the outcome via the official Unisfere email.
For questions, contact us at info@unisfere.com
Application Details
Deadline
January 31, 2025 — 12:00 AM CET
Language
Application must be in English
Format
Fully online from your home city