Call for Duke University Summer Research Fellowships 2026 is open now!!!
The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University invites applications from current Duke University (and DKU) undergraduates for the 2026 Summer Research Fellowship. This program is designed for students eager to gain hands-on experience in the scientific study of inequality and its social consequences.
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The fellowship is built around the Cook Center’s core research pillars, which form the foundation for all scholarly activity within the department. Participants are integrated into specific areas of inquiry such as Educational and Economic Opportunity, Health Equity, and Carceral Justice. By focusing on these critical domains, the program seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and actionable public policy. Researchers look beyond surface level statistics to examine the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality across generations. The goal is to understand how history, policy, and social dynamics intersect to create modern disparities.
A distinct feature of the Cook Center’s approach is its multi stage research group structure. This model creates a collaborative environment where the traditional academic hierarchy is replaced by a fluid, layered learning process. Undergraduate students, graduate researchers, and post baccalaureates work together, supported by the expertise of postdoctoral fellows and senior faculty mentors.
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In this setting, knowledge flows in multiple directions. Graduate fellows often take on near peer mentoring roles, guiding undergraduates through the complexities of data collection and literature reviews. Simultaneously, they receive advanced scholarship training from world class faculty. This structure ensures that every participant contributes meaningfully to the Center’s broader mission while expanding their professional network within the global research community.
Beyond the specific pillars of health and education, the 2026 fellowship emphasizes themes essential for modern scholarship. A significant focus is placed on data science and methodological innovation, recognizing that the pursuit of social equity requires sophisticated analytical tools. Fellows explore how quantitative and qualitative data can influence public policy engagement. This ensures that research reaches lawmakers and community leaders rather than remaining confined to academic journals.
The Cook Center is investing in individuals eager to master the scientific study of inequality. The fellowship encourages a holistic view of social consequences, pushing researchers to think critically about how institutional frameworks can be redesigned to promote fairness. Ultimately, the program serves as a transformative experience for those looking to dedicate their summer to high impact, mission oriented scholarship at a leading research institution.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Undergraduate Fellows will receive $2,500 per term, totaling up to $5,000 for the full summer.
- Graduate Fellows will receive a substantial stipend of $10,625.01.
- Work directly under the guidance of senior faculty members and postdoctoral researchers, gaining insights from top-tier academic experts.
- Gain practical skills in data collection, literature reviews, and rigorous analysis within key areas like health equity, carceral justice, and economic opportunity.
- Become part of a multi-stage research group, allowing for networking and collaboration with scholars at various career stages—from undergraduates to senior professors.
- Enhance your academic profile by contributing to research summaries published on the Cook Center website and developing mentorship skills through near-peer interaction.
Eligibilities
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the Cook Center’s research pillars, such as health equity, carceral justice, or economic opportunity.
- Ability to participate in biweekly team meetings (either in-person or virtually).
- For Graduate Applicants :
- Must be a current PhD student at Duke University.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must be enrolled as a student for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Applicants should coordinate with their Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to ensure summer funding is compatible with their existing arrangements.
- For Undergraduate Applicants:
- Must be a current undergraduate student at Duke University or Duke Kunshan University (DKU).
- Must be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Must be able to devote approximately 14–19 hours per week to research activities during the selected summer term(s).
Application Process
- Download the official application form from the Duke Cook Center website (available for both Graduate and Undergraduate tracks). You will need to complete the form and likely include supporting documents such as your CV or academic profile.
- Once you have completed all the necessary paperwork, compile all your materials into a single PDF file. This is a mandatory requirement for submission.
- Submit your application via email to the following recipients: Tyson Brown ([email protected]), copying program manager Jill Powell ([email protected]).
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 (11 Days Remaining)
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