Call for Applications: Public Intellectuals Programs Ninth Cohort (2025-2027)

The National Committee on United States-China Relations is pleased to announce the ninth round of its Public Intellectuals Program (PIP).  Generously funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York, this two-year program is designed to identify outstanding members of the next generation of American China scholars and specialists, enrich their understanding of policymaking processes in the United States and Greater China; help them establish useful relationships with their academic colleagues and with policy practitioners; and nurture their ability to engage with the public at the national, regional, and local levels. PIP IX will be implemented through a series of activities, held from Summer 2025 through Spring 2027, including seminars in Washington, D.C. and the West Coast, a study tour to Asia, and the opportunity to participate in National Committee delegations as scholar escorts and in public education initiatives.

We are looking for those in the academic, professional, or policymaking spheres with the interest and potential to play significant roles as public intellectuals. Twenty young American scholars and specialists who focus on China and who wish to venture outside of academia or their profession into areas relevant to foreign policy and public education will be selected for the program.

PIP is an enrichment opportunity intended to complement fellows’ primary academic or professional positions; stipends are not provided, but all program-related expenses are covered. The program offers unique opportunities for professional development, mentoring by senior scholars, networking, and exposure. Fellows will meet with senior American and Chinese policymakers and specialists, and will be exposed to individuals and institutions outside of their own fields, such as the arts, business, health, and civil society. Fellows will also have the opportunity to meet journalists and others in the media, and will have access to media coaches to help edit and place op-eds and develop a social media presence. Successful applicants will become part of an accomplished community of PIP fellows with a strong peer network of mutual support and academic collaboration.

There will be two information sessions for prospective applicants held on April 15, 2pm (ET) and April 16, 8pm (ET).

The application deadline is Sunday May 11, midnight (ET), 2025.  Further information on eligibility, selection criteria, and how to apply is below. Download the PDF version of this call for application here.

Eligibility: 

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Academics must have a terminal degree (i.e.: PhD, JD, MD, EdD, MFA) and several years of experience teaching and/or researching China. Those in other professional fields must have several years of experience in China-related work. All must have demonstrated expertise on China.

Priority is given to candidates aged 32–46 who are based in the United States or Greater China.

Commitments:

During the two-year program period, fellows will be expected to commit to the following: 

Two 4- or 5-day Washington, D.C. -based workshops (Fall 2025 and Spring 2027);

One three-day West Coast workshop (Spring 2026);

One 12 to 14-day fellows’ trip to China or other Asian countries (Summer 2026 or Winter 2027);

Develop and execute at least one public education program with up to $1,250 funding from PIP.

Application and Selection:

Applicants must complete an online application which includes an essay of no more than 800 words focused on how you would benefit from the PIP program and how the program would benefit from your participation, short supplementary questions, a current CV, and the names of and contact information for two references (one professional and one personal). 

To apply, please click on the button below:

Apply Here

Application deadline: Sunday May 11, midnight (ET), 2025. 

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of PIP’s advisory committee and National Committee staff. Applicants can expect to receive updates on their applications by the end of June 2025. 