Advancing Leadership Program (ALP) Fellowship
A Belmont Forum Initiative
Call for Applications
Quick Facts
Application Open: October 24, 2025
Application Deadline: November 24, 2025 11:59 PM Panama Time
Duration: 12 months (April 2026 – April 2027).
Format: Hybrid (in-person workshops + virtual sessions).
Kick-Off Workshop: June 2026, Thailand
Who Can Apply: Transdisciplinary Pairs
(1 researcher + 1 societal actor)
Cohort Size: Up to 26 fellows (13 TD Pairs).
Estimated Costs: Each participant pays USD $4,000 (travel & logistics for in-person workshops).
Scholarships: Provided where possible based on needs but not guaranteed.
Application: Joint application submitted as a TD Pair.
Are you a researcher or societal actor with a passion for tackling global challenges? The Belmont Forum’s Advancing Leadership Program (ALP) is looking for bold, boundary-spanning change-makers like you to join its inaugural cohort. This isn’t your typical leadership program; it’s a one-year fellowship designed to cultivate transdisciplinary (TD) leaders who can navigate uncertainty and drive systemic change through real-world, collaborative projects.
This program is for those who are frustrated by silos and performative inclusion and are ready to challenge the status quo. If you’re an academic who refuses to be trapped by tradition, a policymaker who challenges outdated systems, or a community leader who demands true collaboration, then the ALP is for you.
The ALP is led by the Belmont Forum and its members: the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI); the National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S.A.; and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), Thailand.
Ready to join a community driven by courage, resilience, and curiosity? Apply now!
Program Features
- Embedded in Active Research: Your participation is directly tied to proposed or ongoing research projects (with the Belmont Forum or elsewhere), ensuring that leadership development is integrated into real-world efforts.
- Equitable Partnerships: You’ll apply with a “TD Pair” — a researcher-societal actor duo from the same project — to foster equitable co-learning relationships.
- Hybrid Training Model: The one-year fellowship runs from April 2026 to April 2027. It includes a 4-day in-person kick-off workshop and a closing retreat, with virtual deep-dive sessions in between.
- Practical Outputs: You’ll create tangible outputs such as op-eds, case studies, and creative community engagement stories to showcase your project’s impact.
- Mentorship: Each TD Pair will propose their own mentor during the early stages of the program to guide and support their leadership journey.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for individuals (academic and non-academic) who are ready to disrupt silos and amplify unheard voices to co-create a more just and resilient world.
Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to transdisciplinary work and direct involvement in addressing global environmental challenges. Our selection criteria will emphasize balanced representation across disciplines, sectors, regions, and career stages.
Eligibility Criteria
The Advancing Leadership Program (ALP) seeks to cultivate a diverse and dynamic global network of boundary-spanning change-makers. ALP Fellows will participate as a Transdisciplinary (TD) Pair, and will be selected through an application process.
TD Pair: 1 researcher; 1 societal actor
I. General Eligibility for the TD Pair (Both Applicants)
- Commitment to Transdisciplinary Work: Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, transdisciplinary research principles and practices, including co-design, co-production, co-implementation, and co-dissemination.
- Researchers can demonstrate this through emerging collaborations with non-academic partners or clear intent to integrate diverse perspectives in their work.
- Societal actors can demonstrate this through proven openness to co-creation with researchers or active steps toward cross-sector collaboration.
- Active Engagement in Global Environmental Change (GEC): Direct involvement in addressing complex global environmental challenges relevant to the Belmont Forum’s mission.
- English Language Proficiency: Ability to actively participate in all in-person program activities and workshops conducted in English. For virtual sessions, interpretation tools will be used to facilitate discussions and provide additional support for participants who need it.
- Availability and Commitment: Ability to commit approximately (3-6 hours) per month for 12 months to the fellowship, (April 2026 – April 2027) including participation in:
- A 4-day in-person kick-off workshop (May/June 2026).
- Virtual deep-dive sessions.
- An in-person closing retreat.
- Monthly Mentor/Mentee Check-ins.
- Regular Virtual Check-ins and Office Hours.
- Ongoing maintenance of a Leadership Log.
- Development and submission of practical leadership outputs.
- A 4-day in-person closing workshop (May/June 2027)
II. Specific Eligibility for Each Applicant in the TD Pair
- Researcher:
- Role: Must be an academic or researcher involved in scientific inquiry or knowledge production.
- Career Stage: Typically early to mid-career, demonstrating potential for leadership in transdisciplinary research.
- Disciplinary Background: Can be from natural sciences (including engineering and health sciences), social sciences (including humanities), or other relevant academic fields within the Global Environmental Change (GEC) arena.
- Societal Actor:
- Role: Must be a non-academic stakeholder directly engaged with societal challenges or impact.
- Domain: Can represent diverse domains such as: community leaders, indigenous members, industry, youth activists, funders, government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, or local communities, etc.
- Experience: Demonstrated experience in applying knowledge to real-world contexts and fostering community engagement or policy relevance in the GEC space.
III. Additional Eligibility Requirements for Applicants Applying as Part of a Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRA) Project
- CRA project proposals submitted under a Belmont Forum CRA may include the option for a Transdisciplinary (TD) Pair to participate in the Advancing Leadership Program (ALP).
- To be eligible, applicants must earmark resources for ALP participation in their project proposal budget from the outset.
- This ensures alignment between CRA activities and the ALP, and supports the integration of capacity-building within funded projects.
- ALP outputs would be directly tied to the project supported through the CRA and/or at the CRA scale.
IV. Selection & Cohort Balance
- Scholarships: In-person workshop expenses should be covered by the institutions of the TD Pair or self-funded. Expenses to attend both kick-off and closing workshops are approximately $8,000 USD per TD Pair ($4,000 per person). The ALP will provide scholarships to TD Pairs where possible, assessed based on needs. Applicants from low-middle income countries and under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
- Language: All applications should be submitted in English.
- Equitable Partnerships: The selection of a researcher and societal actor as a TD Pair ensures intentional structuring to foster equitable partnerships and co-learning relationships from the outset.
- Cohort Size: Approximately 26 individuals per cycle.
- Balanced Representation: Selection criteria prioritize a balanced representation across disciplines (natural/social sciences), fields (e.g., food security, biodiversity), sectors, race, gender, culture, geographical region, and career stage (early to mid-career).
V. Visa Requirements
- Applicants are responsible for securing and covering the costs of any visa(s) required to attend both the kick-off workshop in Thailand and the closing workshop. The program will provide official invitation letters and supporting documentation as needed; however, it is the sole responsibility of participants to ensure they meet all entry requirements for the host countries.
Application Evaluation Sheet
Your application to the Advancing Leadership Program (ALP) will be reviewed using a transparent scoring system. Reviewers evaluate applications across four main sections, each with its own weight. The maximum possible score is 100 points.
Section 1: Applicant Information – 10 points
Reviewers look at your professional bio to see if it clearly explains your experience and relevance to global environmental challenges (GECs).
A high score means your bio is concise, well-written, and shows clear engagement with GECs.
Section 2: Transdisciplinary (TD) Pair Information – 30 points
This section evaluates the Pre-requisite of the ALP Application which should be completed by both the TD Pair. Because ALP is built on co-learning and collaboration, reviewers look closely at the TD Pair.
- Introduction to the TD Pair (15 points): Complementarity of the two applicants’ expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences as well as evidence that both partners are equal contributors and stand to benefit. Do you clearly describe how you will work together, and how your skills and expertise complement each other?
- Engagement with GEC (15 points): Have you identified a specific global environmental challenge? Do you explain why a TD approach is necessary, and how your collaboration contributes to a sustainable solution?
A high score demonstrates an intentional and balanced partnership, with both members contributing unique value and a compelling rationale for working together on a pressing GEC challenge.
Section 3: Perspectives on TD and Leadership Development – 40 points
Reviewers want to understand your individual perspective on transdisciplinary work and leadership growth (Part 2 of Application). They will look at:
- Transdisciplinary Experience (10 points): Have you worked across knowledge systems before? Do you describe challenges and successes?
- Motivation for Leadership Development (10 points): Do you clearly explain why the ALP Fellowship matters for your growth, and what impact you hope to achieve? Consider highlighting a vision for how leadership skills gained in ALP will be used in your project and beyond.
- Self-Awareness & Inner Development (10 points): An openness to self-reflection and personal development. Do you reflect on an experience where you adapted communication or learned something about yourself?
- Navigating Complexity & Conflict (10 points): Do you show how you handled power dynamics or conflicts to reach productive outcomes?
A high score here comes from clear, specific examples, thoughtful self-reflection, and a compelling vision for leadership.
Section 4 : Supporting Information – 20 points
The ALP values equitable participation and representation across regions, cultures, career stages, and knowledge systems. Finally, reviewers look at other considerations:
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & CRA Involvement (20 points)
- Contributions to diversity of perspectives in the cohort.
- Evidence of commitment to inclusive practices and equitable collaboration.
- Ways the applicant’s participation may amplify underrepresented voices or knowledge systems.
- Involvement in a Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRA) is a plus but not required.
Scoring Summary
- Section 1: Applicant Information – 10 points
- Section 2: TD Pair Information – 30 points
- Section 3: TD & Leadership Perspectives – 40 points
- Section 4 & 5: Supporting Info – 20 points
TOTAL: 100 points
What does this mean for you?
- Strong applications combine clear writing, thoughtful reflection, and evidence of collaboration.
- Reviewers are not only evaluating what you’ve already achieved, but also your potential for growth as a transdisciplinary leader.
- Be specific, reflective, and honest about your motivations and experiences.
How to Apply
- Download, fill, and sign the Pre-requisite Form here. You will need to have this form ready to upload for the next step.
- Fill the Application Form available below. Before you start, make sure to have the Pre-requisite Form signed and the CVs ready to upload.
- If you have questions at any point, check the FAQs below. You can also contact us directly (see contact information and working hours below).
Apply Here
A TD Pair Story
FAQs
About the Program
What is the Advancing Leadership Program (ALP)?
The ALP is a 12-month fellowship designed to cultivate a global community of boundary-spanning change-makers. Fellows participate in Transdisciplinary (TD) Pairs—one researcher and one societal actor—working together through workshops, mentorship, and practical outputs to strengthen leadership for tackling global environmental challenges.
What makes the ALP unique?
The ALP experience will implement a structured approach, combining internal transformation (shaping mind-sets for deeper, intentional collaboration) and external transformation (equipping participants with practical tools to create change and sustainable solutions) to develop TD leadership capacity.
Unlike traditional training, the ALP emphasizes co-learning across disciplines, sectors, and cultures. Fellows gain practical leadership skills, produce real-world outputs, and become part of a global network of innovators committed to sustainability and equity.
Eligibility & Application
Who can apply?
Applicants must apply as a TD Pair consisting of:
- One researcher: an academic or scientist (early-to-mid career) working on global environmental challenges.
- One societal actor: a non-academic stakeholder such as a community leader, NGO member, policymaker, youth activist, Indigenous representative, or industry professional.
Can I apply on my own?
No. Applications must be submitted as a pair. The program is intentionally structured to foster equitable partnerships between researchers and societal actors.
Do I need approval from my organization to apply for the ALP Fellowship?
Since the ALP Fellowship is a professional development training program, participants generally do not need formal approval from their institution to apply. However, if your organization has internal policies that require such approval or notification for external programs, you should follow those procedures accordingly.
As an Indigenous scholar, I’m often recognized as a community leader but not necessarily as an academic. How should I choose my category for pairing?
Indigenous scholars are welcome to select the researcher (academic) category if that best reflects their role, even if they are also recognized as community leaders. In the fellowship, each pair consists of one academic and one non-academic. This means an Indigenous scholar could choose the researcher category and be paired with, for example, a local government official or a community leader. Ultimately, it is up to the individuals in each pair to decide which category they identify with and select accordingly.
Do I need to be from a specific country?
No. The program is open worldwide. Applicants from the Global South and low- and middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply.
When will applicants be notified about the outcome of their ALP Fellowship application?
Reviews of all applications will be completed by January 2026, and the announcement of the 2026 ALP Fellowship cohort will be made in February 2026. Please note that all application materials are treated as confidential and become the property of the Belmont Forum. We do not provide written or verbal feedback on applications and decisions are final.
What information is required in the application?
Applications ask for professional details, demographic information, a short professional bio, and reflections on your transdisciplinary experience, motivation for leadership development, and ability to navigate complexity. The TD Pair must also describe their collaborative work and engagement with global environmental challenges.
What happens if my application is incomplete or not in the correct format?
The Belmont Forum reserves the right to exclude from review any applications that are incomplete or incorrectly completed, including those not submitted in the requested format. Only the information specifically requested in the application form will be considered during the review process. Please do not send additional documents, as they will not be reviewed.
How is my application evaluated?
Your application to the ALP Fellowship will be reviewed using a transparent scoring system. Reviewers evaluate applications across four main sections, each with its own weight. The maximum possible score is 100 points. See the ALP Application Evaluation Sheet.
Program Commitment
How long is the program?
The fellowship runs for 12 months (April 2026 – April 2027).
What activities are involved?
- A 4-day in-person kick-off workshop (May/June 2026)
- Regular virtual deep-dive sessions
- Regular mentor/mentee check-ins
- Development of practical leadership outputs (e.g., policy briefs, case studies, op-eds etc.)
- Ongoing leadership reflections in a Leadership Log
- A 4-day in-person closing workshop (May/June 2027)
What is the expected time commitment?
On average, there is a minimum of 1-2 core training activities (2-4 hours) per month. Fellows should be prepared to engage consistently throughout the year, balancing program activities alongside their professional work.
Costs & Support
What costs should I expect?
Travel and logistics for the two in-person workshops are the primary costs. Estimated expenses are about USD $4,000 per person (approximately $8,000 per TD Pair) for both events combined.
Is financial support available?
Yes. The ALP will provide scholarships to TD Pairs where possible, assessed based on needs.
Program Features
What are “leadership outputs”?
These are tangible products created during the program—such as case studies, op-eds, policy briefs, or community engagement stories. Outputs demonstrate fellows’ leadership skills and practically contribute to their transdisciplinary work.
What is the role of mentors?
Each TD Pair will find and select a mentor, with program guidance, early in the fellowship. Mentors provide regular support through a co-developed mentoring plan that sets goals, expectations, and milestones for the year.
What is a Leadership Log?
The Leadership Log is a reflective tool that helps fellows track and make sense of their journey. Fellows use it to capture key learnings, challenges, and insights, which inform discussions with peers and mentors.
What is the ALP Core Curriculum and how do External Program Credits work?
The ALP is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing fellows to build a personalized leadership portfolio.
- Core Curriculum: ALP-curated trainings are delivered through virtual and in-person sessions. They cover 15 foundational topics such as transdisciplinarity, science communication, grant writing, facilitation fundamentals, navigating hierarchy, creative storytelling etc. All fellows are expected to participate in these sessions as part of the ALP journey.
- External Program Credits: In addition to the core curriculum, the ALP will offer fellows a menu of optional, external training opportunities (such as science diplomacy workshops, systems modeling training, or open access asynchronous courses). If accepted and completed, these opportunities count toward ALP participation by complementing the core experience with additional learning pathways.
How many credits are required to complete the program?
Successful completion of all ALP modules and required activities is equivalent to 150 credits. This credit system ensures a cohesive learning experience and a consistent measure of program completion.
Is participation in External Program Credits mandatory?
No. Fellows who attend all core curriculum sessions are not required to complete external program credits. These opportunities are optional and are designed to enrich the ALP journey by offering additional learning pathways.
Am I limited to using only the current menu of External Program Credits offered by the ALP to fulfill my additional credit requirement?
The preference is to work with the existing set of External Program Credits currently offered through the ALP. However, we recognize that this list is not exhaustive and that many other accredited training courses exist. If a fellow completes a course outside our established menu, we will review it on a case-by-case basis to determine its eligibility.
What if I miss a module/topic or fall short on credits?
On average, there is a minimum of 1-2 core training activities and other engagement activities (3-6 hours) per month. Absences will be accepted in cases of personal emergencies for up to 2 (two) core training activities throughout the 12 month ALP journey with prior notice to the organizers. If you miss sessions and have less than 150 credits, you have the option to make up the difference through our external program credits. Each external program option has 10 credits attached. The successful completion of external program training can be used as equivalent credit to remain on track for full ALP completion.
Selection & Cohort
Each cycle will include around up to 26 fellows (13 TD Pairs)
What factors influence selection?
Selection aims for balance across:
- Disciplines (natural and social sciences)
- Sectors (academia, civil society, government, industry, communities)
- Fields (e.g., biodiversity, food security)
- Gender, race, and cultural diversity
- Geographic regions
- Career stage (early-to-mid career)
Questions? Get in touch!
Contact:
Anne-Teresa Birthwright, ALP Lead anne-teresa.birthwright@belmontforum.org
Office Hours:
Thursdays & Fridays, 8 – 9 AM (Panama Time) | Oct 24th – Nov 24th
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83709435445?pwd=6eo0Kvfb7qED3bLBQkbNFEBsNBuP7H.1
Meeting ID: 837 0943 5445
Passcode: 943338