Doctoral Fellows

The summer doctoral fellows programme brings to Oxford the most promising emerging researchers in the field of third sector study. All participants are pursuing doctoral degrees focused on some aspect of nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, volunteering, corporate social responsibility, global civil society, and other topics related social impact. Participants bring to Oxford a draft research paper that is honed an improved during the programme through intensive discussion and commentary during the course of the seminar. The residential program is offered in 2024 in collaboration with the Centre for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, where the program has been offered over the past decade. Peter Frumkin (Oxford and Pennsylvania) and Matthew Bennett (Birmingham) serve a program co-directors.

GIC Doctoral Fellows

“If I were to compare my academic journey to European history, this programme would be the Enlightenment — progressive, transformative, and revolutionary.”

"It is one of the highlights of my Ph.D. journey. I had a incredible time at Oxford. I appreciate this wonderful opportunity to learn from Peter, Matt, David, and all my peers, and I am grateful for everyone's support."

“This programme showed me a clear pathway to my research and career in academia. My time and interactions with everyone in this program helped me see the strengths, weaknesses, and ways to improve as a researcher.”

“This programme has been the highlight of my doctoral journey. It has refreshed my thinking on research topics and life in academia in a more comprehensive way. While the buildings in Oxford are splendid, I remember most the insightful comments from the three professors and my colleagues. I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive guidance in exploring truth, to remotivate myself when facing obstacles, and to build lifelong friendships.”

“The GIC Doctoral Fellows programme is a tremendous experience for emerging scholars in civil society. From the application stage, where a research agenda is presented, to the workshops offering thoughtful feedback and fostering collaboration, the program creates a collaborative environment where fellows can grow alongside peers committed to advancing meaningful research for or about civic institutions.”

"An incredible experience filled with thought-provoking seminar sessions and a spirit of camaraderie in the cradle of knowledge at Oxford University. A defining moment of my doctorate in nonprofit research!”