This selective program empowers students to design and lead high-level public convenings that bring together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders to address pressing global challenges.
Upcoming Topic: Economics and Global Systems
Fellows will lead the design of a major interdisciplinary symposium examining how economics intersects with global issues such as environmental policy, political instability, artificial intelligence and technological change, inequality, migration, and public health. Bringing together internationally recognized scholars and practitioners, the convening will investigate the forces shaping global markets and societies.
We will solicit ideas for the following year’s topic in the fall quarter.
Fellows will work as a group to design the symposium, including conducting research on prospective speakers, preparing background briefs and materials to inform speaker outreach and agenda setting, and generating ideas for public and student engagement. They will also be engaged in leading the event. They may, for instance, serve as moderators, based on interest and need.
Fellows will meet regularly and have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively on projects. They will be mentored by the Faculty Symposium Committee and Institute leadership. Fellows can generally expect to work up to 15 hours per quarter, with a heavier commitment during the symposium.
The fellowship will begin in spring 2026 and continue through the 2026–2027 academic year. Fellows must be on campus in spring 2026 for in-person kickoff sessions and in spring 2027 when the symposium will take place. The required in-person kickoff sessions will be held every Tuesday in May 2026 from 6–9 p.m.
Activities in fall 2026 and winter 2027 will take place remotely, with one virtual meeting each quarter.
Fellows will be paid a stipend of $250 per quarter.
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following requirements:
- They must be undergraduates currently enrolled in Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.
- They must not graduate any earlier than the end of spring quarter 2027.
- They must be on the Evanston campus for the spring quarters in 2026 and 2027.
Students must apply on SOAP by April 15. This process will include interviews with the leadership team.
Applications will be assessed using the following criteria, with additional consideration of the cohort dynamics:
- The extent to which this experience deepens or advances the student’s professional and learning objectives.
- Previous experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams within or outside of an academic setting.
- Demonstrated interest in global affairs and the thematic topic.
Questions? Please contact buffett-undergrad-programs@northwestern.edu.
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