Research Fellowship
Uniting best-in-class researchers to illuminate barriers for disabled creatives and close the data gap around disability and entertainment once and for all.
About
The Research Fellowship offers a transformative six to nine month opportunity for disabled scholars, equipping them with $35,000 in direct funding, engaging data projects, research connections, and mentorship to advance their expertise and help close the data gap surrounding disability in film and television.
BENEFITS
Funding
A $35,000 unrestricted grant can cover more than six months of living expenses so Fellows can focus on research projects.
Engaging Research Projects
Fellows will immerse themselves in multiple diverse research initiatives and nurture an array of data and research skills.
Bespoke mentorship
Ongoing workshops and check-ins with the Inevitable team and best-in-class researchers allow Research Fellows to sharpen research and data analysis skills.
Research Connections
Our network of cutting-edge researchers will provide insight and expertise to Fellows and advise in specific research areas as needed.
Community of Peers
Connecting with other disabled scholars both inside and outside of the Fellowship program will build a supportive community that supports Fellows throughout their careers.
FAQ
Table of Contents
Background
What is the Research Fellowship?
Inevitable Foundation’s Research Fellowship for disabled scholars is a transformative program designed to address the data gaps surrounding disability in the entertainment industry. It empowers disabled scholars through financial support, mentorship, and research opportunities to generate comprehensive data and insights, ultimately leading to positive social change.
Why did you create the Research Fellowship?
We created the Research Fellowship to empower disabled scholars to engage in impactful research that can reshape the entertainment industry's approach to disability representation. By supporting researchers and conducting comprehensive research studies, we aim to fill in the data gap at the intersection of disability and entertainment and foster a more inclusive society.
How much is the Research Fellowship grant for?
Fellows receive a $35,000 cash grant, which is meant to cover six (6) to nine (9) months of living expenses.
How can Research Fellows use the money?
The money is unrestricted— Fellows can use it to cover living expenses and any other costs.
Is the Fellowship grant taxable income?
If you receive a Fellowship, we recommend you speak to an accountant to make a determination on the tax status of the Fellowship money.
Eligibility & Application
What are your eligibility requirements?
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Undergraduate or higher level of education in media and performance studies, disability and health care studies, psychology and human behavior, anthropology, employment and economics, or related areas.
At least a year of qualitative research experience
At least a year of quantitative research experience
Applicants must also submit a piece of previous research work that the scholar has conducted and shared publicly, either independently or through a publishing company.
How do I apply for the Research Fellowship?
To join our network, the Foundation welcomes any researcher, scholar, or academic interested in the program to fill out an indication of interest form. We’ll connect interested parties with our research team to discuss current and upcoming projects.
Candidates for the Fellowship will be selected from this network of scholars by our research team based on individual expertise, availability, and alignment with ongoing and upcoming research projects.
Do I need to be disabled to receive a Research Fellowship?
Yes. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, visible or invisible disabilities, neurodivergence, chronic illnesses, etc. If you’re not sure if you qualify, email us at hello@inevitable.foundation.
Do you accept Research Fellows from outside the United States?
Yes. Please note that interested parties from outside the United States may be subject to additional review in order to comply with U.S. Treasury Department regulations.
Can I complete the Research Fellowship while otherwise employed or while completing a graduate or PhD program?
You may have other part-time employment or school while you complete the Fellowship.
However, because of the workload associated with the Fellowship and to ensure the impact of the program, we do ask applicants to make sure they maintain enough time to commit fully to the time requirements; approximately 30 hours per week on a 6-month fellowship track or 20 hours per week on a 9-month fellowship track.
Fellowship Details
How is the Research Fellowship structured?
The Research Fellowship is either a six (6) or nine (9) month program. Which of these options a fellow follows is decided mutually by them and the Inevitable Research team depending on their schedules, upcoming and ongoing projects, and specific qualifications or areas of interest.
On a 6-month track, the Fellowship is roughly as much work as a full-time job. On a 9-month track, the Fellowship is roughly as much work as a half-time position
What does a normal week look like for a Research Fellow?
As a Research Fellow, you can expect 3-7 hours per week of writing workshops, personal check-ins, and conversations with peers and researchers, as well as a weekly submission deadline for new research updates.
Selection
When are new cohorts of Fellows selected?
Research Fellows are selected on an ongoing basis for six (6) or nine (9) month fellowships. This timeline is determined by their schedule, our current and upcoming projects, current research capacity, etc. If you’d like to be a Fellow you don’t have to wait, reach out to us anytime by filling out an indication of interest form.
How long is a Fellowship?
Each Research Fellowship is either six (6) or nine (9) months. We know academics often have complex schedules, so we think of it as either a full-time job for 6 months, or a part-time job for 9 months.
terms & conditions
What are the Research Fellowship Terms and Conditions?
Read the Research Fellowship Terms and Conditions
Have another question?
Email us at research@inevitable.foundation