Application Deadline:
25 September 2025
About Organisation
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), established in 1987, is a premier institution for legal education in India. Over the past three decades, it has emerged as a pioneer in law, social sciences, humanities, and public policy education and research. NLSIU is recognized for its innovative approaches to academic learning and research, consistently ranking first among law universities in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) for eight consecutive years. The university is committed to fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and creating thought leadership in legal education and reform. NLSIU collaborates with academic institutions, government bodies, civil society organizations, and industry partners to expand access to justice, influence policy-making, and advance research that addresses societal challenges. With a focus on evidence-based policy, ethical governance, and systemic reform, NLSIU continues to shape the future of legal education, preparing students and researchers to address complex global issues. Through initiatives like the JSW Centre for the Future of Law, the university is advancing academic discourse, encouraging collaboration, and nurturing innovative solutions that respond to emerging challenges in technology, environment, healthcare, governance, and regulation.
About the Grant
The JSW Centre for the Future of Law (JSW-CFL), established in 2024 at NLSIU with support from the JSW Foundation, aims to foster interdisciplinary research on the evolving intersection of law, technology, and systemic reform. The Centre invites applications for graduate research fellowships to support exceptional young scholars for one to two years. These fellowships focus on thematic priority areas such as artificial intelligence, data governance, health ethics, risk regulation, climate justice, and legal reform. Fellows are expected to lead research initiatives, publish academic and public-facing content, and teach elective courses while collaborating with faculty. Each fellow is required to contribute at least one peer-reviewed journal article and four short-form pieces annually, as well as participate in seminars and ongoing research projects. The fellowship emphasizes collaborative, equity-driven research that informs policy and practice. Successful candidates will gain mentorship, academic exposure, and networking opportunities while contributing to cutting-edge research that addresses real-world challenges. The fellowship also promotes innovations in legal regulation, access to justice, and governance, aiming to prepare scholars to tackle complex issues at the intersection of law, society, and technology.
Who can Apply?
Applications are open to graduate students and early-career researchers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any discipline. Candidates should have 1–3 years of research experience if holding only a Bachelor’s degree or relevant academic and professional exposure. Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the JSW Centre’s thematic priority areas—such as artificial intelligence, data governance, health ethics, risk regulation, climate justice, or legal reform—is highly desirable. Applicants should possess up-to-date knowledge of technological advancements and their implications for legal systems, governance, or policy. Proven research activity, including publications or equivalent outputs, is expected, alongside excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in academic, policy, and public formats. Analytical thinking, collaboration, time management, and problem-solving capabilities are also important. Fellows must be self-driven, able to work independently, and demonstrate the capacity to engage in interdisciplinary research. The fellowship is open to applicants from India and abroad, provided they can demonstrate academic merit and align their research with the Centre’s priorities. Candidates should be committed to equity-driven reforms and prepared to contribute meaningfully to the legal research landscape, shaping policies and frameworks that impact society.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the provided Google form by 25 September 2025 at 5 PM IST. Applicants must upload an updated CV, a 500-word statement of purpose or short video, a 1000-word research proposal on one of the six themes, one writing sample, and contact details of two referees. Proposals should outline the research’s significance, scope, methods, and timeline.
Application Deadline
The last date for submitting applications is 25 September 2025 at 5 PM IST. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be considered for the fellowship.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
