The Weatherhead East Asian Institute invites applications for the 2027 Unson PhD Summer Fellowships. The Unson Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Itoshima, Japan, which is dedicated to studying the most pressing social and environmental challenges generated by global capitalism and to building new social systems that foster long-term human wellbeing. In partnership with the foundation, Columbia is developing an experimental study abroad program, Columbia Summer in Itoshima, which explores ecology and society in rural Japan. The second pilot is scheduled for summer 2027 and will be themed around “Thinking Like a Watershed.” For further information, see here.
The Weatherhead East Asian Institute will award a summer fellowship to the PhD student whose research best aligns with the themes of the summer program or the priorities of the Unson Foundation. The fellow will be expected to play an active role in Itoshima during the program period, which is provisionally scheduled to run from May 21st to June 20th. Duties will include assisting with excursions, workshops, and reading seminars as needed.
Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation and a proposal (maximum 1000 words) for a research project which will support the development of the summer program. Preference will be given to proposals that relate to the history, culture, society or ecology of the Itoshima–Fukuoka region or to the theme of long-term human wellbeing, broadly defined. Working knowledge of Japanese would be advantageous but is not required. Successful applicants should expect to receive $10,000 USD plus funds to cover travel expenses from the US to Japan. Accommodation in Itoshima will also be provided at the Unson guesthouse. Applicants must be enrolled in a Columbia University doctoral program and available to participate in at least half of the Itoshima program in consultation with the program director. Successful applicants will also be required to attest that they have not been disciplined for violating the university's policy on gender-based misconduct.
Please submit your applications to [email protected] by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 4, 2026. Recommendation letters should be sent directly to the same address by Friday, December 11, 2026.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend a regular Columbia Summer in Itoshima information session to learn more about the program:
Monday, October 12, 2026, 4:30 - 6:00 pm ET in IAB 918 and online (Register)
Friday, January 22, 2027, 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET online (Register)
