CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme 2026 | 6-Week Fellowship

1. Programme Overview

The CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme is an intensive capacity-building initiative designed for emerging researchers and young professionals seeking to strengthen their research and academic development skills. The six-week programme combines structured training with engagement with experienced researchers, providing practical exposure to key areas essential for success in research-driven careers.

The programme recognizes that research capabilities are increasingly vital across academia, government, development organizations, think tanks, civil society, and the private sector. By equipping participants with strong research competencies, the programme prepares them to assess evidence, understand complex development challenges, communicate findings effectively, and contribute to informed decision-making at institutional and policy levels.

2. Quick Facts & Summary

3. About CAAR Scholars

CAAR Scholars (Centre for Advanced and Applied Research) is a multidisciplinary research and policy institute dedicated to producing evidence-based solutions to development challenges in Ghana, Africa and beyond. The organization operates at the intersection of research, policy and practical development, with expertise across multiple sectors.

CAAR Scholars Research & Focus Areas:

• Climate and sustainability research
• Governance and policy analysis
• Economic development research
• Technology and artificial intelligence applications
• Environmental management and conservation
• Business and finance research

CAAR’s Approach:

• Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application
• Applied research and evidence generation
• Policy analysis and institutional engagement
• Capacity building and skills development
• Stakeholder engagement and knowledge dissemination

4. What Participants Will Learn

The Junior Research Fellow Programme offers comprehensive training across essential research competencies. Participants will develop practical skills applicable to academic, professional and policy-oriented research contexts.

Core Training Areas Include:

• Research Methods: Understanding how research questions are developed and investigated using appropriate methodologies
• Academic Writing: Essential skills for crafting research papers, reports, literature reviews, policy documents and scholarly outputs
• Data Collection & Analysis: Practical exposure to gathering, organizing and interpreting research information
• Research Ethics: Understanding responsible approaches to conducting research and working with information, participants and communities
• Publication & Policy Research: Developing research into publishable outputs and evidence-informed policy documents
• Leadership & Professional Development: Skills strengthening academic and professional career advancement

5. Eligibility & Who Can Apply

The CAAR Scholars Junior Research Fellow Programme welcomes applications from individuals across diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The programme is not limited to professional researchers; students and recent graduates interested in developing research capacity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Undergraduate students in final year or completing studies
• Postgraduate students (Master’s level)
• Recent graduates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees
• Early-career researchers with 1-3 years post-qualification experience
• Young professionals seeking to strengthen research skills
• Individuals from any academic discipline with research interests

Benefits of Participation:

• Practical exposure to research beyond classroom settings
• Mentorship from experienced researchers and professionals
• Networking with peers from diverse academic backgrounds
• Development of competitive skills for academic and professional advancement
• Understanding of research-to-policy translation
• Certificate of completion from CAAR Scholars

6. Mentorship & Engagement with Researchers

Beyond formal training modules, the programme includes significant opportunities to engage with experienced researchers and guest speakers. These interactions provide invaluable exposure to how research is conducted in professional contexts and offer insights into diverse research career pathways.

Mentorship Components:

• Guidance from established researchers and academics
• Guest lectures by professionals from research, policy and development sectors
• Discussion of research careers and academic development pathways
• Insights into publication strategies and peer review processes
• Understanding relationships between evidence and policy-making
• Networking with peers and professionals in research fields

For students and early-career professionals still developing their research interests, this mentorship is particularly valuable in clarifying potential pathways within academia, development research, policy institutions, and think tanks.

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7. How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply directly through CAAR Scholars’ official application portal. The application process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to diverse applicants.

Contact Information:

For additional information, inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact CAAR Scholars:

Email: info@caarscholars.org