The Istanbul Political Research Institute (IstanPol) invites applications for its Visiting Researcher Program, an initiative designed to support young scholars and professionals pursuing research in the fields of democratization and foreign policy. This program provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to engage with IstanPol’s vibrant intellectual community and contribute to policy-relevant discussions that shape democratic governance and international relations. Program Overview The Visiting Researcher Program welcomes PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, early-career academics, and professionals working in think tanks or research institutions who are 35 years of age or younger. The program offers a dynamic environment for participants to develop their research, collaborate with experts, and expand their professional networks. Selected visiting researchers may reside at IstanPol for a maximum of 90 days, with the flexibility to divide this period into 30- or 60-day stays. During their residency, participants gain access to IstanPol’s office facilities, resources, and events. They are encouraged to take part in seminars, policy discussions, and research collaborations that advance scholarly and policy debates. It is important to note that the program does not provide financial support. Applicants are expected to cover their own expenses for travel, accommodation, and living costs during their stay in Istanbul. Research Themes IstanPol encourages applications that align with its two principal research areas: Democratization and Foreign Policy. Within these broad domains, proposed projects may explore, but are not limited to, the following themes: Democratization Democratic backsliding and resilience Political parties, elections, and democratic participation Civil society, media, and grassroots movements Rule of law, social inclusion, and pluralism Youth engagement and democracy Foreign Policy Turkey’s relations with NATO, the European Union, and transatlantic partners Regional security dynamics in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Turkey–Russia relations and great power competition Turkey’s global role: strategic autonomy, multilateralism, and middle power diplomacy Eligibility and Inclusivity IstanPol is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The Institute welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Applicants must: Be under the age of 35 at the time of application. Demonstrate a clear and relevant research agenda aligned with one or more of the listed themes. Commit to a residency period of up to 90 days, either as a single continuous stay or in shorter sessions of at least 30 days. Application Requirements Applicants are required to submit the following materials as a single PDF file: Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining academic background, research experience, and publications. Motivational Letter (maximum two pages) detailing research interests, expected outcomes, and reasons for seeking affiliation with IstanPol. One-page Research Project Proposal summarizing the research question, methodology, and relevance to IstanPol’s focus areas. Writing Sample (published or unpublished) demonstrating the applicant’s analytical and writing skills. Names and contact details of two referees. IstanPol reserves the right to contact referees during the selection process. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application Process Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility for prospective researchers to apply throughout the year. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview to discuss their research proposal and potential engagement with IstanPol’s activities. Successful applicants will be hosted at the Institute and integrated into ongoing research and event programming. Visiting Researchers are encouraged to present their work at internal seminars or public forums organized by IstanPol, contributing to scholarly and policy-oriented discussions in Turkey and beyond. Submission Details Applications should be sent to applications@istanpol.org with the subject line:“Application – Visiting Researcher Program.” All required materials must be included in a single PDF file. There is no fixed deadline, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis. About IstanPol The Istanbul Political Research Institute (IstanPol) is an independent think tank dedicated to advancing democratic governance, sustainable development, and progressive foreign policy. Through rigorous research, policy analysis, and dialogue, IstanPol aims to inform decision-making processes and promote inclusive, evidence-based policy solutions. The Institute’s work spans several thematic areas, including democratization, development, foreign policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By fostering collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, IstanPol contributes to shaping policies that strengthen democratic resilience, regional stability, and social inclusion. Located in Kadıköy, Istanbul, IstanPol provides a hub for critical inquiry and dialogue at the intersection of academia and public policy. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.