Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Practitioner Fellows program? 

A: The Practitioner Fellows Program aims to create space within the University of Virginia for outside nonfaculty experts – including, but not be limited to, political/governmental leaders, non-profit leaders, writers, public policy experts, leaders in environmental law, and local community leaders active in mitigating the impact of climate change – to inform and guide the efforts of University researchers, elevate the University’s stature in the field of environmental resilience and sustainability, and enhance the impact of our research by forging connections to the world of practice.   

Q: How are Practitioner Fellows nominated? 

A: The Environmental Institute solicits nominations from faculty across the University by a fixed deadline. Nominations should include: 

• The name and curriculum vitae of the nominee. 

• The nominee’s interest and availability to participate in the program. 

• A description of how the nominee’s fellowship would advance the University’s research portfolio in environmental resilience and sustainability, for example through personal research, public speaking, publication of articles or books, engagement with the press, and/or linking University researchers to the sphere of public policy and/or community engagement. 

• Description of the activities in which the nominee would engage. 

• Identification of who would host the nominee’s work during the fellowship. 

• The proposed dates/duration of the nominee’s fellowship (one semester minimum; one year maximum). 

• Opportunities for leveraging the nominee’s time for extramural research funding. 

• A proposed budget identifying salary, staff support, transportation, and modest research seed funding for the Fellowship.   

• Expected outcomes of the nominee’s residency. 

Q: How Are Practitioner Fellows selected? 

A: The Program Manager will convene the Program Advisory Committee to evaluate nominations and recommend awards within the established budget for final approval by the Environmental Institute Director. In assessing nominations, the Program Manager and Advisory Committee will consider: 

• Alignment of proposed work with the Environmental Institute’s mission.  

• Likely impact in advancing the University’s research enterprise and in linking research to practical applications. 

• Relevant experience and profile in their field. 

• Suitability for association with the University. 

• Other criteria that the Program Manager and Advisory Committee determine. 

Q: What activities may the Practitioner Fellow engage in?  

A: Activities of the Fellows may include: 

• Facilitating real-time research support to community groups engaged in promotion of environmental resilience/sustainability activity. 

• Structured and informal consultations with university faculty in support of their research and its links to the world of practice. 

• Research and writing on a book project or public policy proposal(s). 

• Participating in lecture series, symposia, conferences, and other public-facing events, both internal and external, that increase the impact of university research on public policy; and 

• Developing and promoting external engagement opportunities for university researchers. 

• Student engagement activities, such as giving guest lectures, supervising research assistantships, among others.  

Q: Who will host the Practitioner Fellows?  

A: Selected Fellows will be attached to a UVA school, department, center, institute, or laboratory and would have access to the full range of academic support afforded to any faculty member. University host organization(s) will be expected to guide and support the activities of Fellows and, wherever possible, leverage their presence at the University for additional funding for their associated research from extramural sources, including federal and state government agencies, foundations, institutes, and other NGO sources of funding. 

Q: What role(s) does a host play? 

A: A host is expected to: 

• Negotiate comprehensive workplans establishing specific projects, timelines, and expected outcomes; 

• Provide general oversight and support for the Fellow’s work and residency, including designated office space; 

• Fully integrate the Fellow into their organizations and activities; 

• Regularly feature the Fellow in symposia, conferences, and other public events;  

• Establish follow-on relationships at conclusion of Fellow’s residencies to ensure continued collaboration in the world of practice; and 

• At the completion of the residency, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Fellow’s performance, including lessons learned and suggestions for future Fellows, to the Institute’s Director. 

Q: How long can one be a Practitioner Fellow? 

A: Practitioner fellows may serve at least one semester and at most one year. 

Q: Must the Practitioner Fellow reside in Charlottesville? 

A: We encourage hybrid work, though some events and engagements are best carried out in-person.  

For any questions regarding Practitioner Fellows, contact Henry Boachi, Program Manager.