INSTAR Lab R&D Fellowships — International and Resident Scholars

Compare the International and Resident R&D Scholar pathways associated with INSTAR Lab, then apply through the corresponding US Fellows program route.

Compare the two paths Ask a program question

INSTAR Lab / Fellowship program

Applicant brief

What a prospective fellow should know before applying.

INSTAR Lab provides the research orientation; US Fellows provides the R&D Scholar application and review path.

Choose the pathway that matches your present availability and preparation. Read its official guide before applying. The application links below open the shared US Fellows form with the selected program already identified.

Two R&D pathways

Choose the commitment that matches your present capacity.

Both pathways support serious, mission-aligned research. They differ in pace, structure, and the evidence an applicant should bring.

01 / Flexible · part-time · international

International R&D Scholars Program

Official designation: International R&D Scholar

A voluntary, self-paced pathway for people around the world who are building a credible research direction, thesis, technical idea, or collaboration network.

Model: Voluntary and self-paced
Commitment: No fixed weekly commitment
Good starting point for: Students, citizen scientists, independent researchers, engineers, and technologists

Possible work includes

Literature and open-source research
Scientific communication and technical writing
Data validation, seminars, and proposal support

Read the official guide Apply as an International R&D Scholar

02 / Structured · mentored · applied

Resident R&D Scholars Program

Official designation: Resident R&D Scholar

A mentored professional pathway for early-career or transitioning researchers, engineers, scientists, and technologists preparing for demanding mission-focused R&D.

Model: Structured and mentored
Commitment: At least 20 hours per week
Good starting point for: Early-career or transitioning researchers, engineers, scientists, and technologists

Possible work includes

Research design, data validation, and documentation
Cybersecurity, responsible AI, and information handling
Scientific communication, proposals, and project execution

Read the official guide Apply as a Resident R&D Scholar

Application preparation

Make the next conversation useful.

Use the official guide and the application form to prepare a focused, responsible application.

Research directionWhat question are you ready to investigate?
State the problem, the evidence you expect to use, and the contribution you want to make.
PreparationWhat record supports your chosen path?
Bring the relevant research, technical, academic, or professional context described in the official guide.
Safe submissionWhat should stay out of a public form?
Never submit classified, export-controlled, proprietary, unpublished sensitive, clearance-identifying, or protected personal information.

Application path

From interest to application.

Three checks connect the INSTAR overview to the US Fellows application without duplicating or misrouting applicant data.

Choose
Compare the International and Resident paths, then open the official guide for the one that fits your current capacity.
Prepare
Gather a clear research direction, relevant background, and the program-specific information requested by US Fellows.
Submit
Use the matching US Fellows link above. The shared form preselects the program and provides its own validation, review, and confirmation states.

Engagement path