Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program offers early-career researchers from developing countries an 8-month opportunity to conduct development economics research with World Bank experts in Washington, D.C.
Funder: World Bank Group
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026
Funding Amounts: 8-month fellowship; competitive stipend (recent years: ~$46,500 total per fellow)
Summary: Offers early-career researchers from developing countries the opportunity to conduct development economics research with World Bank experts in Washington, D.C.
Description
The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program (RSMFP) enables promising early-career researchers from developing countries to work alongside World Bank research economists on rigorous, policy-relevant research projects. Fellows are hosted at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. for eight months, typically from September to May, and are embedded within the Development Economics Vice Presidency, including the Development Impact (DIME) and Development Research Group departments.
During the fellowship, participants receive technical onboarding, ongoing training in advanced research methods, and hands-on experience working on impactful development policy issues. Fellows may contribute to published research, co-author papers, participate in field missions, and engage with World Bank operations and clients. The program also emphasizes capacity building and research dissemination, offering opportunities to present findings through blogs and seminars. Through this immersive experience, fellows expand their professional networks and enhance their skills to address development challenges in their home countries and beyond.
