Duke hosts USAID Science for Development Institute

Duke University, a Core University Partner for USAID’s Science for Development Fellowship (SDF) program, hosted the inaugural Science for Development Institute (SCI4DI) at Duke’s office in Washington, D.C.

The two-day institute brought together nearly 50 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine, including social sciences) fields from 14 academic institutions across the United States. Participants attended workshop sessions discussing how their scientific and technical (S&T) knowledge and research skills can contribute to addressing international development challenges. The event also highlighted the SDF as an applied STEMM career pathway in the U.S. government for roles focusing on global development.

Sarah Bermeo, associate professor of public policy and co-director of the Duke Program on Climate-Related Migration, delivered the luncheon keynote, speaking on climate change, migration and resilience.

Also in attendance were five Duke PhD students and post-doctoral fellows from the Sanford School of Public Policy, the Nicholas School of the Environment and the School of Medicine.

“The workshop was eye-opening about the opportunities available to transition my skills to international development work," PhD student Braydon Madson shared. "I enjoyed the personal experiences of scientists who found success and fulfillment working for the federal government.”

Duke’s Office of Global Affairs and the Duke Center for International Development (DCID) co-hosted the institute's reception.

In spring 2024, Duke’s Office of Global Affairs signed an memorandum of understanding to serve as a Core University Partner in the SDF program.

USAID launched the two-year program, managed by the USmax Corporation, to attract leading American PhD-level experts in science and technology to strengthen the effectiveness of USAID programs, while providing them with career development opportunities. During their tenure at USAID, Fellows will have the unique opportunity to train as practitioners in international development and directly contribute to development objectives in areas like global health, food security, humanitarian assistance, economic growth, and more.