Now accepting applications!

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The ISI Pipeline Program is an international mentoring program in the field of socio-economic or wealth inequality research that matches early-career scholars with highly visible senior scholars for a one-year, one-on-one mentorship program. The program features both virtual and in-person elements, and culminates in the annual ISI pipeline workshop that brings all members of the program together for a workshop in Munich to jointly discuss the resulting research products.

The program runs annually from 1 January - 15 December; the recruitment to the program always takes place in the summer / fall of the previous year. 

The program is international in its orientation, welcoming applicants from around the world and matching junior to senior scholars strictly based on topical fit rather than geography. As a result, many of these matches will be cross-national. This exposes both the junior and senior scholars to new perspectives and networks and ensures that the future of inequality and wealth research reflects a diverse set of perspectives.

Program Details:

Who are considered early career scholars?

Early career scholars are advanced doctoral students, post-doctoral scholars, or early stage assistant professors. 

How do junior scholars apply to the program?

A call will be released in summer every year, with an application deadline in early autumn. Applicants apply via the ISI application portal (scroll to the end of the page). Decisions will be announced in early December, and the program begins each year on 1 January. All participants in the program agree to attend the ISI pipeline workshop in Munich, Germany in October; the program concludes in mid-December with the submission of manuscripts to the ISI working papers series. 

Timeline for 2026 cohort:
15 July: Application Portal opens
15 September: Application Portal closes
Early December: Decisions announced
1 January 2026: Mentorship program begins
7-9 October 2026: ISI Pipeline Workshop 2026

‍Do junior scholars have to suggest their own mentor?

The junior scholars may suggest potential senior mentors, but this is not a requirement. The final match-making will be undertaken by the pipeline selection committee. 

What are the criteria for the project?  

Junior scholars should submit the application form, as well as a short project description (ca. 2 pages) which includes an overview of their project and their goals within the pipeline program. Projects will be evaluated based on overall scholarly impact, mentorship fit, and topical area. 

What are the benefits for the junior scholars?

Junior scholars receive flexible research funds to pay for direct research expenses, such as student research assistance or data acquisition costs, as well as travel support for an up to one-week in-person visit at the senior scholar’s university. Their travel costs for participation in the final ISI pipeline workshop will also be covered. 

What are the expectations for the junior scholars?

Junior scholars should take the initiative in arranging both the monthly mentorship meetings (via zoom) and the in-person visit. In addition, they should spend the year actively working towards their outlined project goals. They should provide written drafts with regularity, so that the mentor can provide timely feedback. They are also expected to provide detailed information to ISI’s managing director so that all financial aspects can be taken care of according to application regulations and in a timely manner. Furthermore, they should also liaise frequently with ISI’s communication director so that their work can be effectively promoted across diverse ISI channels. Finally, junior scholars agree to produce a full manuscript of the proposed project and submit it for inclusion in the ISI working paper series.

What are the benefits for senior scholars? 

Senior scholars will receive a modest honorarium for their monthly participation. They will have the opportunity to directly work with the next generation of scholars, and form lasting cross-cultural partnerships. Their travel costs for the final conference will also be covered by ISI. 

What are the expectations for senior scholars?

Senior scholars are expected to meet with their mentee on a monthly basis (ca. 90 minutes). They also commit to reading the mentee’s manuscript drafts. They should also facilitate an in-person visit at their home institution during the partnership (including by providing office space). Ideally, during this visit, the junior scholar has the chance to present their work, have several in-depth meetings with the senior scholar, and also ample networking opportunities with other relevant scholars at the institution. Finally, they commit to attending the final pipeline workshop in October in Munich, Germany (exact dates announced ca. 10 months in advance).

Further Questions?
Please contact ISI’s managing director, Dr. Arielle Helmick, at arielle.helmick@isi-munich.de.

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Application

Please upload all documents as a PDF file via our contact form

Required are:

• completed short form
• a project description (2 to 3 pages, without bibliography)
• a CV including contact details of two references