Fellow Program
The primary goal of the Fellow Program at the School of Public Policy is to be a source of relevant and practical policy influence and impact in the specific areas of focus with emphasis on comprehensive research, objective (non-ideological, non-partisan) analysis, and effective communication of policy decision alternatives and recommendations.
The program includes Research Fellows (academics or experts focusing on deep analysis and policy research) and Executive Fellows (senior professionals/practitioners with hands-on experience in policy, politics, business or public administration) to contribute to and benefit from the School’s activities and resources.
By blending the deep analytical capacity of Research Fellows with the practical experience of Executive Fellows, this ‘dual’ fellowship program aims to create a dynamic environment where theory and practice shape the development of innovative, actionable policy solutions to the major challenges of our time in Alberta, Canada, North America and globally.
Program Overview
Fellows advance research in key policy areas while also ensuring that real-world experience informs the development of their public policy recommendations.
Research Fellows generally focus on longer-term studies and Executive Fellows offer practical insights and expertise from their fields, and both are expected to produce work that is relevant and accessible to a wide audience. Cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge with colleagues and students will be essential.
There are three main goals of the Fellow Program:
- Policy Development: Produce research to inform and shape public policy.
- Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate knowledge exchange between scholars and practitioners across different disciplines and sectors, integrating academic rigour with practical expertise.
- Leadership Development: Equip both research and practitioner fellows with the tools, networks, and insights needed to enhance their own development and to help them assist with the development and success of graduate students in both credit and non-credit programs.
Research Fellows
Focus: Conducting in-depth research and policy initiatives, producing papers (for the School and/or other academic journals), policy briefs, and contributing to ongoing projects.
Background: Typically, individuals with advanced academic degrees (or other equivalent expertise) or those with a proven record in research and the ability to carry out high quality empirical research or theoretical work within a specific policy field.
Objective: To advance understanding and provide recommendations based on rigorous, comprehensive and objective research.
Executive Fellows
Focus: Bringing practical experience and insights from their work in government, politics, business, non-profits, or other organizations.
Background: Senior professionals with leadership experience, often holding roles like executives, policymakers, senior civil servants, diplomats, or entrepreneurs who have first-hand knowledge of policy implementation and responding to policy decisions.
Objective: To bridge the gap between academic research and the real-world policy practicability/applicability of research results, offering actionable insights and guidance.
Research Projects
Research Fellows work on long-term studies, contributing to peer-reviewed white papers, policy reports, book chapters and authored or edited books.
Executive Fellows engage in applied research, providing real-world context, case studies, and implementation feedback. Some, if desired, also work on longer-term studies, white papers, reports and policy recommendations.
Both Research and Executive Fellows are encouraged to work on collaborative projects where both can work together to refine research questions, test hypotheses, and develop real-world solutions to contemporary issues.
Publications & Media Engagement
Fellows are expected to publish articles in journals, op-eds in major newspapers, or reports and other works, and to respond to media inquiries, speak on panels, etc. on issues they are knowledgeable about, all with a view to contributing to policy debates and to influencing effective policy decision-making.
Fellows are required, from time to time, to serve as a reviewer of manuscripts for the School’s Publications that are prepared by other Fellows, faculty, and others.
Workshops and Seminars
Fellows are encouraged to lead seminars and workshops on their work; these may be public, closed-door or with students. In addition, Fellows are encouraged to engage in cross-fellow discussions on key issues, policy innovations, and trends.
Networking and Collaboration
Fellows are expected to participate in regular networking events with others at the School, including staff and students, as well as external partners and outside policy decision-makers, including business, government and civil society leaders, to broaden perspectives and create opportunities for further collaboration.
Capstone Projects
Fellows are encouraged to help with graduate students’ capstone projects, including supervision of students, mentorship of students, and/or networking with relevant stakeholders for the project.
Advisory Support
Fellows may be asked to contribute to the School’s governance and activities, providing strategic guidance, influencing the direction of major policy initiatives, and recommending strategies based on their research or real-world experience.
Program Structure
Fellowships typically last two to three years, depending on the nature of the work and the specific needs of the Fellows and of the School. Renewal is contingent on performance assessments and institutional priorities.
Appointments may be terminated by the School with due notice, based on policy guidelines in effect at the time.
Conflicts of Interest and Ethics: Fellows must adhere to institutional policies regarding academic integrity, research ethics and conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgement: Fellows are required to acknowledge their affiliation with the School of Public Policy in publications, professional engagements, media appearances and interviews.
Compensation
There are three separate formats for Fellows' compensation:
- On a pro bono basis but with compensation for specific work product (e.g. major papers)
- Part-time, on a pro bono basis, although in some cases with a stipend for pre-approved expenses. There will be some expectations regarding publishing, engagement in student or other activities
- Part-time on a retainer, depending on the circumstances and policy issues to be addressed
Benefits for Fellows
Access to Resources
Fellows have access to a rich pool of resources, including the University of Calgary library and networks of library resources, as well as the School’s various networks.
Visibility and Influence
Fellows can increase their professional visibility by working on high-profile projects and publishing in influential outlets.
Career Advancement
Fellows can develop new skills and gain professional recognition that could lead to higher-level positions in their respective fields.