The Coexistence Fellowship Program enables researchers and conservationists to study, understand, implement, and facilitate the coexistence paradigm in conservation. The philosophy of building local partnerships and capacity building is embedded in the structure of the program where the fellowship is awarded to a team of two fellows for a period of two years. At least one of the two fellows needs to be from the proposed project site. Candidates are encouraged to apply as a team. In case suitable candidates apply individually, they are supported for a two-month pilot survey and to team up with a local partner. 

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The fellowship include a training component where the fellows are exposed to modules on different aspects of conservation and coexistence. Following the training period, the fellows are assigned mentors (from within the consortium) who guide the fellows throughout their fellowship. The fellowship program team supports the fellows throughout the fellowship period.

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The fellows are selected based on the application and an interview.  For applicants from a rural background, an undergraduate degree is desirable. For urban applicants, a masters degree is desirable. The fellowship cannot be availed by candidates as part of their doctoral research. 

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This fellowship is supported by the British Asian Trust and Elephant Family, and is being conducted at The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology. 

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Fellowship Structure:

 

The fellowship is for two years. The scope of the fellowship includes research (any discipline) or action/intervention based on coexistence values and philosophy. Selected fellows receive a project preparation grant for a period of two months to develop the project idea after field visits and stakeholder consultations. Any proposed project has to be approved by local communities where the project is based and this consent should be recorded in writing, verbally or in audio-visual format. 

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The fellows undergo a training (2-3 months) before commencing fieldwork. The fellows are exposed to different debates in conservation and coexistence, and provided with skills necessary for interdisciplinary fieldwork. The training also includes optional modules that may be more applicable to specific projects.

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Applications for the second cohort:

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Click here to apply for the 2023 cohort. 

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