Global China Fellows Program

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Global China Fellows Program.

The Global China Fellows Program is a flagship program of the Global China Initiative (GCI) at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center). Since its inception in 2017, the Fellows Program has supported more than 40 pre- and post-doctoral Fellows from around the world in conducting policy-oriented research and commentary on China’s role in shaping and re-shaping global affairs.

The primary goal of the Global China Fellows Program is to train the next generation of thought leaders advancing policy-oriented, interdisciplinary academic research on China’s overseas economic activities and engagement. The program has a strong track record of bridging academia and policymaking through policy dialogue, engagement, and strategic communications.

The Fellows Program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage and collaborate with GDP Center researchers, BU faculty members, and Global South–based institutions on policy-oriented research examining China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions to advance financial stability, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Global China Fellows are paired with a BU faculty member, GDP Center Senior Academic Researcher, or Non-Resident (Senior) Fellow on one of four work streams: Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.); Forestry, Agriculture, and Indigenous Rights (FAIR); Energy and Climate; and China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA). Fellows spend 20 hours per week contributing to existing research and 20 hours per week on their independently led projects, receiving guidance and support from their supervising mentor. Fellows are expected to produce one working paper per appointment year.

Required Qualifications:

• Pre-doctoral applicants must have completed their qualification/comprehensive exams and defended their dissertation proposal; post-doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2026.
• Strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in geographical regions of interest—beyond China—such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
• Fluency in Chinese or a language relevant to one of the priority regions.
• Experience researching the relationship between China’s overseas engagement and the following issues is especially preferred:
  • The role of China and Chinese development finance institutions in expanding energy access and renewable energy, decarbonization, and addressing climate change;
  • Biodiversity and Indigenous Lands, geolocation, and mapping;
  • International economic institutions, reform of the global sovereign debt architecture, debt sustainability, the Global Financial Safety Net, and RMB internationalization.

The GDP Center accepts applications from scholars from all academic disciplines and particularly those with natural and social sciences, engineering, and business backgrounds. Quantitative methodological and modeling expertise are strongly preferred.

Fellowships will be awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year. Fellows are expected to complete their fellowship in person at the GDP Center’s offices at Boston University.

To apply: 

Interested applicants should send the following materials in one PDF to the Global China Initiative Team (gci@bu.edu) with the subject line “<<LastName_FirstName>> GCI Fellow Application 2026-2027.”

1. Recent Curriculum Vitae;
2. A 1-2 page cover letter describing applicant’s academic training, research interests and experience; 
3. A 1-2 page working paper proposal that outlines the research question(s), methodology, research plan and its significance;
4. Contact information for two references. 

Applications must be received by December 19, 2025, 11:59 PM EST. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with screening interviews starting in October. Due to the volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

For international candidates: Any offer of a fellowship is contingent upon the scholar’s ability to secure the appropriate fellowship visa for the United States. International candidates must obtain express approval from their sponsoring institution confirming that they are permitted to earn income from another institution. This requirement is especially important for scholars on a J-1 visa. If you do not currently hold a valid U.S. scholar visa, you may be eligible for J-1 sponsorship through Boston University. It is therefore essential to discuss visa eligibility and requirements in detail before accepting a fellowship at the Boston University GDP Center.

Placement:

Previous GCI Fellows have gone on to receive placements in academic faculty and research positions, leadership roles at global development institutions and more. Some institutions where previous fellows now work include:

• • • • Peking University
      • University of Denver
      • Overseas Development Institute
      • Boston Consulting Group

From our Former Fellows:

“Serving as a Post-doctoral Fellow at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center has undeniably been one of the most enriching and fulfilling chapters of my academic journey. The focus of my research revolved around the intricate intersections of sovereign debt issues, climate finance and the renewable energy landscape in Africa.

The experience of immersing myself in such multi-disciplinary research was transformative. It broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between economic policy, environmental sustainability and developmental trajectories. Moreover, the collaborative environment fostered at the Global Development Policy Center was instrumental in my growth. Working alongside esteemed scholars and experts in the field provided invaluable insights, encouraged robust discussions and nurtured an environment where innovative ideas could flourish.

Overall, this fellowship has not only enriched my academic portfolio but has also shaped my approach towards addressing critical global issues.”  – Magalie Masamba, 2021-2022

“The Boston University Global Development Policy Center strikes a careful balance between rigorous scholarship and relevance in policy debates, a rare and valuable combination among research institutions. That also means that no matter which side of the spectrum you start on, time there offers abundant opportunity for new experience and growth. I found research and discussion to be rich and collaborative, dramatically strengthening my expertise while providing a supportive environment to pursue my own ideas.” – Jake Werner, 2020-2022

“Serving as a Global China Pre-doctoral Fellow was rewarding professionally and personally. I was able to be part of a very inspiring and encouraging group of scholars who cared about the research topics I’m interested in, and who provided the support and resources to delve into the examination of key issues and concerns. Although the fellowship was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was able to establish meaningful friendships and connections—some of which have gone on to coauthor research with me! In all, the fellowship allowed me to learn from other experts and to continue moving my work forward in important ways.” – Victoria Chonn Ching, 2020

“My time as a GDPC Global China Research Fellow helped me develop as an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and policy-oriented scholar of global China, and was undoubtedly pivotal in shaping my academic career. The team at the center cultivates a welcoming intellectual space for budding academics to develop their ideas, work with like-minded researchers and connect with the wider China research and policy community. I joined the center directly from my fieldwork and was grateful for the support and thought-provoking dialogue that helped me develop my early research findings. The mentorship from seasoned experts at GDPC was invaluable in shaping the trajectory of my research and career. Their nuanced understanding of global China and dedication to nurturing emerging scholars is truly commendable. I am impressed by how the cohort of fellows continues to grow, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and fostering a global network of scholars. My fellowship was not only a research opportunity but a platform for personal and intellectual growth. I wholeheartedly endorse this program for those eager to contribute meaningfully to the study of global China.” – Jessica Dicarlo, 2019-2020

“One of the best things about working in the Boston University Global Development Policy Center is that it provides an interdisciplinary environment where I can easily expand my horizons by learning from and working with members of the center. Even during the pandemic, the center managed to create many opportunities, such as online research colloquiums, to ensure frequent communications with scholars from different fields. My research also benefits a lot from the interdisciplinary nature of the center. I can always get timely support from the center in my projects to evaluate the social, environmental and public health risks from China’s overseas development finance.” – Hongbo Yang, 2020-2021

Current Global China Fellows:

Previous Global China Fellows: