Pardee Fellows Program

About

The Pardee Institute Fellows Program

The Pardee Institute Fellows Program is designed to immerse highly capable students in learning advanced research methods and their real-world applications. Specifically, Pardee Institute Fellows will develop knowledge and expertise around using the Pardee Institute's signature International Futures (IFs) tool, understanding literature review methodologies, and applying various research techniques. Each year, we aim to select three to five exceptional students. Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year cohort are open. Please scroll to Additional Information for instructions.

  • Q: What can I expect to gain from this experience?

    A: Upon completing the program, Fellows will have gained valuable skills in research, data analysis, and policy forecasting. The Pardee Fellows play a key role in IFs-related research, working on various projects that develop their analytical and technical skills. This experience will enhance the Fellows' professional capabilities while contributing to the Pardee Institute's work.  This opportunity promises to be both intellectually rewarding and professionally enriching for successful candidates.

    The Fellows will be embedded in teams of researchers completing analyses and reports for real-world policymakers, such as groups within the United Nations or African Union. This experience provides a rare chance to be in the room where important discussions happen, offering a strong entry point into government agencies, security fields, and policy research. With government clients and practical applications, the Fellowship is an excellent stepping stone for those looking to work in international development, economics, or government sectors.

  • Q: What is the work like?

    A: This Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain exposure to high-level research early in your career. The research primarily focuses on long-term forecasts of sustainable development using IFs. The work can range from conducting comparative analyses of the Pardee model against other forecasting models to building and analyzing different scenarios using large datasets. Fellows frequently use platforms like Excel for data analysis, pull results from the IFs model, and write analyses based on their findings. 

  • Q: Is prior modeling experience required?

    A: It is preferred, but not required to be successful in this program. To work with IFs in the Fellows Program, familiarity with projects that relate to the domains featured in IFs can be helpful in the overall understanding of the model, but it is not necessary to apply, as in-depth training will be provided. Fellows develop expertise through hands-on training, learning how to critically analyze data, create visualizations, and contribute to high-impact research. 

  • Q: Who is eligible to participate?

    A: This program is intended for first-year graduate students with at least 18 months remaining in their academic program starting Fall 2025. We seek students with a demonstrated interest in quantitative long-term integrated assessment modeling, literature-based research, and policy-engaged analysis.

  • Q: Does this program offer tuition support or opportunities for paid work?

    A: Yes to both! Fellows will receive tuition support (if eligible) plus hourly pay to cover time spent learning and supporting projects. DU Jumpstart students are not eligible for tuition support. 

  • Q: What kind of commitment can I expect?

    A: This program is a two-year commitment. Pardee Fellows are expected to devote an average of 15 hours a week throughout the academic year, including during breaks and intercession. Fellows can work with their supervisors to adjust their hours to fit their academic schedules and goals. Fellows demonstrating strong performance may be given opportunities to increase their hours over breaks and during the summer.

  • Q: How do I apply?

    A:  Thank you for your interest! We look forward to receiving applications from those who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in integrated assessment modeling, qualitative research, and policy engagement. Applications for the 2025-2026 Academic Year cohort are open. Please scroll to Additional Information for instructions.

  • Q: So...what is IFs?

    A: IFs is an integrated assessment platform, meaning that change in one domain or submodule (for example, economics) affects the other submodules. The data are interconnected. IFs offers macro long-term forecasting to the year 2100 in 188 countries across 12 domains that span human, social, and natural systems by utilizing the most updated data from academic sources. The model can forecast scenarios and assess the current path forward by adjusting variables. Learn more. 

Additional Information

Eligibility

Required

  • Must be a first year graduate student with have at least 18 months remaining in their academic program for the Pardee Fellows Program as of the start of the Fall 2025 quarter. 
  • Demonstrated interest in international relations and global affairs, quantitative long-term integrated assessment modeling, literature-based research, and policy-engaged analysis 

Preferred

  • Completed coursework or experience in research methods and tools 
  • Experience managing projects  
  • Experience with SharePoint file management 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment in which faculty, staff, students, and community partners from diverse backgrounds and cultural identities feel welcome and valued 
  • Demonstrated willingness and eagerness to develop your quantitative skills further 
  • Curious and detail-oriented  
  • Reliable and diligent 
  • Professional and efficient communication skills  
  • Strong problem-solving skills 
  • Strong time management skills 

 

To Apply

Submission Method:

Application Deadline:

  • Applications are due by 4:00PM Mountain Time on Friday, March 7, 2025. Applications received after this deadline may not be considered.

Application Materials:

Please include and clearly identify the following materials in your application:

  • Required
    • Resume/CV*
    • Cover Letter*
    • One-page description/Statement of alignment of how your interests, career goals, and background make you a great candidate for this program. You are encouraged to reference previous work completed by the Pardee Institute to explain the context of your candidacy. Examples are provided on this page further below.
  • Optional
    • Letter(s) of Recommendation
      • Please have your recommender send directly to pardee.institute@du.edu
    • Transcript or other documentation to show enrollment and academic program progress

Please save each application component as a PDF using this naming format: last name_position title. Example: Resume_Smith_ Pardee Fellow

 

Examples of Pardee's Work

Previous work at the Institute include many students, much of which can be learned about by reading Annual Reviews published by the Institute (https://korbel.du.edu/pardee/publications/annual-reviews).  Below is a list of recent publications, both peer-reviewed and reports, that highlight student involvement in the publication process and organizations that support Pardee’s research: