The School of Public Policy (CMU-SPP) at Chiang Mai University in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) provides a collaborative research platform called the “Myanmar Reimagined Initiative (MRI)” for convening, promoting, and aggregating research work related to Myanmar. It is considered ‘safe space’ for Myanmar nationals to gain freedom and independence to develop their own research ideas with access to excellent facilities.

The main objective is to continue capacity development of and create adequate conditions for Myanmar change agents and policy-related scholars to further develop their knowledge and skills in policy process and political participation. The overarching goal for this fellowship is to continue support effective public policy and administration, political participation, and democratic reform in order to maintain the country’s development progress. While in Thailand all fellows have wide opportunities to travel, to do field work, to connect with international networks and to carry out short-term secondment in development industry or the non-academic sector locally or abroad. The fellowship program has a distinct focus on capacity development for especially young scholars/practitioners offering both academic mentorship, career development in transferable skills, organized networking with development partners and opportunities to plan and carry through large-scale multidisciplinary and international conferences.

Eligibility: Myanmar nationals with background as scholars, policymakers, politicians, practitioners, civil servants, think tanks and civil society members.

Review Criteria: The selection of fellows is made based on research proposals from applicants with good English language proficiency, the capacity to enhance Myanmar academic/practitioner/policy research networks related to Myanmar and the impact of their research work. SPP employs need-based approach in selection criterion.

Link: https://spp.cmu.ac.th/study-with-us/tuition-scholarship/

IDRC Scholarship for AY2023 is available for 3-5 fellows. Application opens now and follows CMU admission schedule. https://spp.cmu.ac.th/study-with-us/how-to-apply/