Embassy Science Fellows Program
The Embassy Science Fellows (ESF) Program connects U.S. embassies, consulates, and partner nations with U.S. government science and technology experts. The program showcases America's preeminent scientific expertise, advancing U.S. values and helping solve issues worldwide that benefit the American people. U.S. experts lead science and technology projects at overseas missions to expand international collaboration on scientific issues with trusted partners in government, university, and other organizations. These projects discover solutions that benefit the American people as well as our partners and allies.
Science and Embassies
U.S. embassies and consulates request Fellows to assist on science and technology issues. They recommend projects that will have a significant positive impact on the national security and economic prosperity of the United States. The selected topics are aligned highly with administration priorities.
- Scientists from more than 25 U.S. agencies can apply for fellowship projects around the globe by working with their respective agency coordinators.
- The program is active throughout the world and has sent over 700 U.S. scientists to more than 70 embassies and consulates since 2001.
- Science agencies and U.S. embassies and consulates share the cost of Embassy Science Fellow projects.
Please review the FAQs below to determine your eligibility. If you are interested in the Embassy Science Fellows Program, please reach out to the international office at your U.S. Department/Agency for next steps.
FAQs for Interested Embassy Science Fellows
Q: How do I apply to be an Embassy Science Fellow? Can scientists from the general public apply?
A: Only employees from a participating U.S. partner agency can apply for fellowships. Each partner agency has an Embassy Science Fellows coordinator who recruits candidates for projects of interest, typically from January to March each year. Please locate your coordinator, most often housed in the international office of your agency, to begin your application process. Applications require a CV/resume and a signed and completed application form. Coordinators will upload applications to the Department of State to be considered for a possible fellowship.
Q: What kinds of projects are offered through the Embassy Science Fellows Program?
A: Only employees from a participating U.S. partner agency can apply for fellowships. Each partner agency has an Embassy Science Fellows coordinator who recruits candidates for projects of interest, typically from January to March each year. Please locate your coordinator, most often housed in the international office of your agency, to begin your application process. Applications require a CV/resume and a signed and completed application form. Coordinators will upload applications to the Department of State to be considered for a possible fellowship.
Q: Do all fellowships require travel abroad?
A: Some Embassy Science Fellow projects fully occur while on an in country visit, others are fully virtual, and some are a hybrid of in country and virtual. Some projects are also implemented (including potential travel) across a group of countries or a region. Each project will have different design intentions and travel requirements. Your agency coordinator can share more about the types of projects available and the travel requirements.
Q: How is the fellowship funded?
A: Science Fellows home agencies continue to pay their regular salaries during their fellowship and agree to pay for training and travel to and from host countries, if needed. Embassies and consulates provide housing and in country logistics including in country travel.
Q: Do I need a security clearance to participate?
A: Fellows must have either a Security Clearance or National Agency Check with Local Agency Check (NACLAC) investigation. Preferred clearance level is listed in the project proposal, but Fellows should also consult with their point of contact at the embassy/consulate to confirm the level of clearance needed.
Q: Can my agency submit a proposal to create a fellowship, in addition to the embassies doing that?
A: Many projects are planned in collaboration with agencies. While ultimately missions, embassies, and consulates submit project proposals, your agency can coordinate with the embassy or consulate in-country to create a standalone science fellowship proposal. Please work with your agency coordinator for more details.
Q: What resources and support will I have abroad?
A: Every Embassy Science Fellow will complete a checklist prior to travel that includes trainings on overseas security and a medical clearance if the fellowship abroad lasts more than 30 days. Fellows will always have points of contact at post for logistics and security. Accessibility largely depends on the host country's infrastructure, and your embassy/consulate point of contact can further advise.
