Researchers and professionals working on projects that promote dialogue, collaboration, and social understanding can now apply for the 2027 Tagpuan Fellowships at Ateneo de Manila University.
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The fellowship supports interdisciplinary projects that respond to growing social, cultural, political, and economic divisions. Through research, community engagement, and knowledge sharing, selected fellows will develop practical solutions that help communities find common ground and strengthen their social relationship.
Summary table
| Fellowship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Philippines |
| Host Institution | Ateneo de Manila University |
| Organising Centre | Tagpuan Center for Dialogue, Research, and Collaboration |
| Fellowship Type | Research Fellowship |
| Funding | Up to PHP 400,000 per project |
| Project Duration | 6 to 9 Months |
| Project Start | January 2027 |
| Eligible Applicants | Ateneo faculty, professionals, non teaching personnel, and affiliates |
| Application Deadline | 4 September 2026 |
| Results Announcement | 5 October 2026 |
About the Tagpuan Fellowships
The Tagpuan Fellowships support projects that combine research, practical action, and knowledge production to address different forms of social division.
The programme is inspired by Ateneo de Manila University’s commitment to building stronger communities through dialogue and collaboration. It also draws from Pope Francis’ idea of creating a culture of encounter, where people work together despite their differences.
Fellowship funding
Successful applicants receive funding of up to PHP 400,000.
Funding may be used for:
- Project implementation
- Research activities
- Personnel and manpower
- Labour costs
- Project related activities
Note that the funding cannot be used for conference travel.
Eligible research topics
Conceptualising divides and transforming divisions
Research areas include:
- Cultural divides
- Social and economic inequality
- Political divisions
- Religious differences
- Gender issues
- Language and identity
- Migration
- Globalisation
- Technology and digital transformation
- Health systems
- Environmental justice
- Communication and media
Finding common ground and building the common good
- Dialogue and collaboration
- Community partnerships
- Public understanding
- Coalition building
- Conflict resolution
- Digital communication and misinformation
- Curriculum development
- Teacher training
- Educational resources
- Media and communication tools
Note that this list is not exhaustive. Other related interdisciplinary topics are also welcome.
Fellowship benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- Research funding of up to PHP 400,000.
- Opportunity to work with the Tagpuan Center.
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary researchers.
- Support for projects that combine research and community action.
- Opportunity to produce scholarly publications and practical knowledge resources.
- Participation in the Tagpuan research community after the fellowship.
Eligibility requirements
Project leadership
The project leader, principal investigator, co-investigator, or research manager must be a full time permanent employee of Ateneo de Manila University.
Collaboration
Applicants must be willing to work closely with the Tagpuan Center throughout the fellowship.
Research ethics
Successful applicants must obtain the required university research ethics approval where necessary.
Post fellowship participation
Applicants should be willing to continue supporting the work of Tagpuan after the fellowship through activities such as curriculum development, teaching, or community engagement.
Collaborative projects involving different disciplines or organisations are strongly encouraged.
Required proposal components
Applications must include:
- Project background.
- Description of the problem or divide the project addresses.
- Names and affiliations of the research team.
- Project description.
- Research ethics considerations where applicable.
- Explanation of the project’s interdisciplinary approach.
- Description of the community involved.
- Expected knowledge contribution.
- Methodology.
- Goals and objectives.
- Scholarly outputs.
- Practical outputs.
- Project timeline.
- Proposed budget.
- Related literature.
- Curriculum Vitae of all researchers.
The proposal must not exceed 3,000 words, excluding references.
Step by step application process
Step 1: Develop your project idea
Prepare an interdisciplinary project that combines research, practical action, and knowledge sharing.
Step 2: Prepare your proposal
Write your proposal according to the required structure and ensure it stays within the word limit.
Step 3: Gather supporting documents
Prepare the CVs of all research team members.
Step 4: Submit your application
Email your complete proposal to: research.tagpuan@ateneo.edu
Step 5: Wait for the results
Successful applicants will be notified after the review process.
Application Deadline: 4 September 2026
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently asked questions
Who is organising the fellowship?
The Tagpuan Center for Dialogue, Research, and Collaboration at Ateneo de Manila University.
Which country hosts the fellowship?
The Philippines.
How much funding is available?
Successful projects can receive up to PHP 400,000.
Who can apply?
Faculty members, professionals, non teaching personnel, and affiliates of Ateneo de Manila University who meet the eligibility requirements.
How long do funded projects last?
Projects should be completed within 6 to 9 months.
When do projects begin?
Approved projects are expected to begin in January 2027.
Can collaborative projects be submitted?
Yes. Collaboration across disciplines and organisations is encouraged.
Can funding be used for conference travel?
No. Conference travel is specifically excluded from the fellowship budget.
What kinds of projects are supported?
Projects that combine research, practical action, and knowledge production to address social and cultural divides.
Are interdisciplinary projects encouraged?
Yes. Interdisciplinary collaboration is one of the programme’s priorities.
What outputs are expected?
Each project should produce both scholarly outputs and practical resources that others can use.
Is research ethics approval required?
Yes, where applicable.
What is the proposal word limit?
The proposal should not exceed 3,000 words, excluding references.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit the proposal, project budget, timeline, related literature, and CVs of all researchers.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications should be emailed to research.tagpuan@ateneo.edu.
When is the application deadline?
4 September 2026.
When will applicants receive the results?
5 October 2026.
What themes can proposals address?
Projects may focus on cultural divides, dialogue, communication, education, public understanding, technology, social justice, curriculum development, and related topics.
Who must lead the project?
A full time permanent employee of Ateneo de Manila University must serve as the project leader, principal investigator, co investigator, or research manager.
Why should researchers apply?
The fellowship provides funding, institutional support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to develop research that leads to practical solutions for communities facing social and cultural divisions.
