Research Fellowship Program

Overview

The prestigious, full-time, Research Fellowship Program provides intelligence professionals with the opportunity for academically rigorous and innovative research on topics critical to intelligence and national security priorities.  

The NIU Research Fellowship Program is under the Ann Caracristi Institute for Intelligence Research (CIIR). 

Fellowship participants benefit from a rich academic environment and access to NIU’s wide range of resources, including a large catalog of open-source research databases. Participants also receive guidance from CIIR’s staff of research methodologists and subject matter experts, and funding for travel and research.

The National Intelligence University Fellow Certificate

During the 12-month tenure of the Fellowship, analysts will be freed from routine duties and based away from their home offices, working individually or collaboratively on research projects. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to think critically, research and write effectively, and work independently. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a National Intelligence University Fellow certificate.

Our Impact

The Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with senior leaders of the Intelligence Community on substantive issues. Fellows are encouraged to discuss and share their research with their Fellowship cohort, NIU faculty and students, and the broader IC and academia. 

Having time to think broadly about strategic topics facing the world today is something not enough people are able to enjoy. Loved being part of this team and look forward to continued collaborations. Overall, I can’t think of any place I would have preferred to be for 2020. 

2020-21 Air Force Fellow Ph.D. in Mathematics

Our Work

The Fellowship will culminate in the following: Finalize an academic, peer-review quality research monograph that is the length of a journal article, book chapter, or book. | Orchestrate an NIU seminar. | Publish an article with the National Intelligence Press. | Present preliminary or final research findings in a Research Fellows presentation for an appropriate senior-level IC audience. 

It’s thrilling to have the time and resources to explore innovative ways to solve the Intelligence Community’s stickiest problems. As a Research Fellow you get access to senior leaders and faculty who help guide, inform, and sponsor your work. NIU’s Research Fellows program is evidence the Intelligence Community walks the talk about seeking creativity and innovation from its workforce.

2020-21 Federal Bureau of Investigation Fellow

Apply For the NIU Research Fellowship Program

The Fellowship will culminate in the following:

  • Exceptional applicants will have research interests that align with a Research Center.
  • All candidates are required to possess an active TS/SCI clearance, including passing a polygraph exam, graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, and GS rank of 13 or above (or equivalent grade or military rank).
  • Application packages should be submitted electronically in PDF format to the following address.

Contact Information

Office of Research Fellowship Program – Bethesda :      UnclassifiedFellowship@niu.odni.gov      |      Classified NIU_Research_WMA@cia.ic.gov

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