In a world of innovation and ideas, the nurturing of minds so that they develop solutions for the world’s pressing problems has never had more of an urgency. The Consortium Research Fellowships Program (CRFP) grants opportunities to students and post-doctoral researchers willing to make a significant contribution to government and defense-related research.
What is Consortium Research Fellowships Program (CRFP)
In fact, it is not just a fellowship; this is a movement that strengthens undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows as they become tomorrow’s scientific leaders. The extremely distinctive opportunity unites brilliant scientific minds with premier U.S. Department of Defense agencies for direct experience in substantive research environments.
Fellows sharpen their research, analytical, and writing skills while being mentored and technically guided. The immersive work builds not only their resumes but also their confidence and sense of direction.
Highlight: Participants benefit from 1-3 years of paid, applied research training that is directly related to their respective fields and career aspirations.
Consortium Research Fellowships History
In 1981, the establishment of the Consortium Research Fellowships Program (CRFP) occurred as a result of a pioneering partnership between the U.S. Army Research Institute and the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Starting out as a program dedicated to behavioral and social sciences, the initiative developed into a national program for supporting various research disciplines.
The CRFP remains active in:
- Providing high-quality research opportunities for students and faculty.
- Supporting federal research agencies with talented and driven individuals.
- Building a bridge between academic research and careers in public service.
Agencies That Partner with CRFP
Over the decades, top U.S. defense and research agencies have partnered with the CRFP to fuel their missions with fresh talent. These include:
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Air Force Research Lab
- Army Research Lab
- Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
- Defense Manpower Data Center
- National Defense University
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
These partnerships are not just beneficial for the agencies—they’re transformational for the fellows, who gain invaluable applied research experience and a clear path to government careers.
2025–2026 CRFP Fellowship Applications Now Open
The CRFP is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year, welcoming scholars with an interest in the history of science, technology, or medicine. This fellowship offers exclusive access to rich archives, rare collections, and in-depth seminars hosted by Consortium member institutions.
Key Details:
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
- Eligibility: Scholars conducting research at two or more Consortium member institutions
- How to Apply: Visit the official online application portal for full details
The Consortium website also features tools and resources for applicants, including:
- Fellowship program information across member institutions
- Searchable databases of rare manuscripts, books, and collections
- Detailed descriptions of member libraries, museums, and archives
The Impact Fellowship Network: New Era of Comradeship.
The Impact Fellowships Network is indeed the complement of the CRFP-a daring 3.5-initiative aimed at taking fellowship programs to the next level on the global platform. It draws from the Impact Fellowships Summit and the Fellowship Alumni Network Study. It concerns itself with developing changemakers through leadership, learning, and community.
IFN fosters:
- Development of new and experienced professionals into leaders
- Development of practitioners’ communities
- Joint research with a social and institutional impact focus
These allow fellows and institutions alike to access the IFN Research Consortium and trusted network for innovation, growth, and sustainable societal impacts’.