The Coexistence Fellowship Program will enable 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 will be awarded to a team of two fellows for a period of two years. At least one of the two fellows will need to be from the proposed project site. Candidates will be encouraged to apply as a team. In case suitable candidates apply individually, they will be supported for a two-month pilot survey and to team up with a local partner. 

​

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

​

The fellows will be 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. 

​

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

​

Fellowship Structure:

 

The fellowship will be for two years. The scope of the fellowship will include research (any discipline) or action/intervention based on coexistence values and philosophy. Selected fellows will get 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. 

​

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

​

Applications for the second cohort:

​

Click here to apply for the 2023 cohort. 

​

​