Visiting Research Fellow - UNU - Macau, China

The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) invites applications for its Visiting Research Fellowship Programme. This program offers short-term, in-residence fellowships (1 to 3 months) for talented researchers and practitioners. Visiting Fellows will conduct policy-oriented research on Digital Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development (DET4SD), bridging the gap between technological innovation and the advanced decision-making tools needed by UN agencies and member states to achieve the SDGs. Core Research Areas: - Multi-agent systems: computational modeling of high-social-impact contexts. - Ethical human-AI collaboration: argumentative frameworks for decision-making to advance the SDGs. - Hybrid AI frameworks: combining LLMs, symbolic, and/or reinforcement learning for inclusive social and environmental governance. - Equitable learning: dialogic, technologically-assisted learning models tailored for the SDGs. Research Outputs & Responsibilities: 1) A collaborative research output (academic article, technical demo or novel digital tool). 2) A measurable application: A clear operationalization of the research output to help UN agencies or member states. 3) Active Engagement: Participate in research team activities and contribute expertise. 4) Physical Presence: Visiting Fellows must be fully onsite in Macau for the entire duration. 5) Policy Compliance: Adhere to UNU policies and local regulations. General Requirements: - Affiliation: Candidates are expected to be affiliated with an academic or research organization. - Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. - Values and Ethics: Uphold highest standards of research integrity. Application tracks: - Early-Career Track: For advanced Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, or junior academics. Requires emerging track record of publications/tools. - Senior Track: For established researchers, faculty members, or experts holding a Ph.D. Requires substantial record of research/projects with positive social impact. Financial Support: - Stipend: USD$2,000 (Early-Career) or USD$3,000 (Senior) monthly. - Travel: Reimbursement of international travel costs up to USD$1,000. - Housing subsidy: USD$2,000 per month. - Visa: Reimbursement of visa fees for initial entry. - Workspace: Provided at Casa Silva Mendes. Duration: 1 to 3 months onsite in Macau SAR. Window for 2026: 1 September to 18 December 2026.