The Caucasus Edition Research Fellowship is a professional program for early-career researchers and journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye working on the political, social, and economic dynamics of post-conflict transition in the South Caucasus. Fellows are paired with senior research leads and editorial mentors, embedded in ongoing projects, and will support original analytical and public-facing work for Caucasus Edition and partner platforms.

Fellows will contribute to one of the following thematic areas:

Post-Conflict Transition — As Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye navigate the early stages of normalization, this direction addresses the longer-term societal shifts, including identity formation, collective memory, trauma, and the reintegration of communities shaped by prolonged violence.

Connectivity and Economic Transition— With regional transport and trade routes likely to reopen, this direction examines how national economies are adjusting to new regional conditions, and the political economy of post-conflict development and cross-border cooperation.

Fellowship Tracks

The fellowship operates across two parallel tracks, each paired with a dedicated mentor and tailored to the fellow's professional background and outputs:

Research Track — Research Fellows contribute to desk-based and field research on pre-identified projects, working toward co-authored analytical and policy publications alongside CE research leads.

Journalism Track — Journalist Fellows contribute to reporting and editorial projects on the same thematic areas, producing articles, op-eds, and public-facing analysis for publication on Caucasus Edition and partner platforms, under the mentorship of CE's editorial network.

Both tracks participate in shared program activities, including in-person convening, dialogue sessions, and the study trip, while receiving differentiated skills training and mentorship suited to their respective outputs.

Program Structure

The 2026–2027 fellowship cycle runs from May through October 2026, with individual fellowship durations ranging from 4 to 6 months depending on the project assigned. Fellows are placed on pre-identified projects with established research leads or editorial mentors, and will have the opportunity to contribute to project design and implementation from the outset, and in many cases present outcomes at public events alongside Caucasus Edition experts. 

Fellows are expected to dedicate approximately 5–10 hours per week to their engagement, depending on project phase and deliverables. 

The program includes various in-person convenings throughout the fellowship period, including a week-long intensive residency covering conflict-sensitive fieldwork, policy-oriented writing, research and journalistic ethics, and methodological design. Selected participants may also have the opportunity to take part in a study trip to a post-conflict setting, designed to strengthen practical skills and field-based understanding. All travel and accommodation costs associated with research activities and in-person program components are fully funded. Fellows receive a fixed honorarium upon completion of their engagement, with publication costs covered separately.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Caucasus Edition editorial and research team. All applicants whose submitted materials meet the program's criteria will be invited to a short interview with the CE team and relevant project leads as part of the selection process. Final fellowship offers will be made following interviews, based on project fit, demonstrated capacity, and available positions.

All interviewed applicants, regardless of whether they are ultimately offered a fellowship position, will be welcomed into the Caucasus Edition research network and given priority consideration for future programming, collaborations, and publication opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from residents of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye who meet one of the following criteria:

  • Early-career analysts or practitioners with a demonstrated interest in research and writing;
  • Early-career journalists with experience or strong interest in conflict, politics, or economic reporting;
  • MA or PhD students in relevant fields;
  • Junior lecturers or university-based researchers.

Applicants should indicate in their application whether they are applying for the Research Track or the Journalism Track.

Click Here to Apply

For priority consideration, submit your application by 31 March 2026 (23:59, GMT+4). Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until 14 April 2026 (23:59, GMT+4), subject to capacity.

For questions or technical issues: editor@caucasusedition.net