Applications are closed on Sunday, March 31st 2024. Applications for Karman Fellowship 2025 will open in January 2025.
Welcome
About the Karman Fellowship 2025
Each year, 15 Fellows are selected by an independent and global Selection Board to participate in the Karman Fellowship. The Top 50 Shortlisted Candidates are also invited to take part in our Karman Pioneers Program. Applications for the 2024 programs are now closed and are currently being reviewed, and the next round of applications will open in January 2025.
Karman Fellowship
Should you be selected as a Karman Fellow of 2025, you will be welcomed together with other leaders from the fields of science, tech, business, politics and the arts to shape common projects and agendas, placing space at the service of humankind.
We believe in transmitting cross-disciplinary and cross-regional perspectives to those who are shaping the future of space, and amplifying your voices in strategic discussions. We will work to accelerate leadership, trust and cooperation among you, creating impact with positive action.
The Application Process
01 / 06 steps
01
Read up
on the Karman Fellowship, taking careful note of the FAQs.
02
Apply or nominate somebody
for the Karman Fellowship (they will then be invited to apply). All applications will be considered equally.
03
Answer some basic questions
about your profile to help us get to know you and assess your eligibility for the Fellowship.
04
Receive an email
with instructions and access to a portal to complete the second step of the application process.
05
Record your three-minute video
and upload it to the application portal, together with any accompanying materials (e.g. Resume, Portfolio).
06
Shortlisting
of the top 50 candidates will take place in early April 2025, and shortlisted submissions will be presented to the Karman Selection Board in late April 2025.
Apply now
Applications open in January of each year and may be submitted until the end of March. Sign up to our newsletter to stay updated about opportunities for 2025!
FAQs
When do the applications for the Karman Fellowship 2024 close?
What is the eligibility criteria for the Fellowship?
In order to be considered for the Karman Fellowship Program, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Aged 45 years or younger (as at the application deadline each year);
- Complete both the short website application form and the video submission (this will be requested by the Karman Team upon completion of the website application).
What is the selection criteria for the Fellowship? How are candidates assessed across the criteria?
- Exceptional professional achievement and impact in space or a space-related field, with ongoing contributions at a decision-making level.
- Demonstrated leadership and initiative in respective organisation, field or community.
- Track record of successful cooperations or projects (ideally cross-border or cross-disciplinary).
- Demonstrated strategic thinking in relation to critical global issues that space can contribute to solving and/or challenges that exist within the space sector.
- Motivation to join the Karman Fellowship Program and the Karman Community (including potential future contribution).
What does the application process involve?
Candidates are first asked to submit some basic information about their working history and profile. After confirming eligibility, the Karman Team invites candidates to submit a three-minute video in which candidates can introduce themselves with reference to the Selection Criteria, together with their Resume and any complementary materials (e.g. portfolio, recommendation letter/s, etc.).
When do applications open each year and what does the selection process entail? What are the key dates for 2025?
Applications generally open at the end of January each year and remain open until the end of March. A shortlisting process then takes place to select 50 candidates for presentation to the Selection Board. The Selection Board generally convenes during April for review of the 50 shortlisted applicants, and the 15 Karman Fellows are selected.
The exact key dates for 2025 will be shared shortly.
- January 2025: Applications open - please note that early applications are encouraged.
- March 2025: Your Final Submission (video and supplementary materials) due - i.e. applications close.
- Early April 2025: Karman Team finalises shortlisted Top 50 candidates.
- April 2025: Shortlisted candidates selected and Selection Board informed. Shortlisted and unsuccessful candidates informed.
- April 2025: Selection Day (Selection Board convenes and 15 candidates selected for place in 2025 Fellowship).
- May 2025: 15 successful candidates offered place in 2025 Fellowship and unsuccessful candidates receive feedback.
What should my application video include?
We recommend that you pay the most attention to the video component of your application, as this is how the Shortlisting Committee and/or Selection Board will really get to know your story and impact. Please tell us your story, with reference to the Selection Criteria (e.g. speak to your relevant professional accomplishments, your leadership and initiative, the cooperative projects you've led/participated in, your thoughts regarding particular strategic matters that you believe are important to our common future in space, and your particular motivation to join the Karman Fellowship and Community at this moment in your career). Please note that applicants will not be assessed on the production quality of their video, only the content. A simple piece-to-camera recorded via a phone or online meeting tool will suffice - no sophisticated editing or production is expected.
Is it compulsory/recommended to have Letters of Recommendation as part of my application?
No, the inclusion of Letter/s of Recommendation is not a compulsory element of the application process. You are welcome to include such letters if you believe that they help to demonstrate your story and impact, but please note that they are not necessary or expected.
What level of my career do I need to be at to become a Karman Fellow?
The Selection Board will be most interested in understanding each candidate’s story, and as an interdisciplinary and international community, no two stories are the same. In saying that, we would recommend that candidates are at a ‘decision making’ level of their career to ensure that they can exercise positive influence beyond the program. This generally means holding a senior position in your respective organisation (e.g. C-Level, Director, Professor), leading international working groups or well-established/recognised initiatives, etc.
Where and when will Karman Week 2024 take place? What is involved in a Karman Week?
Karman Week is a four-day leadership week designed for Karman Fellows to come together in-person. A different host country/city is selected each year to reflect our international values. We are still finalising the details of Karman Week 2024, but it is tentatively set for 25-29 September 2024. More details will be made available shortly. We encourage you to read our Impact Report from our 2023 Karman Week in the Maldives here to gain a better understanding of Karman Week.
Are there any costs involved in becoming a Karman Fellow?
Our Foundation covers the cost of participation in the Karman Fellowship and associated activities, including the in-person leadership week known as "Karman Week". Travel budgets are made available for Fellows and expenses such as accommodation and food, together with all programming costs and trainings, are sponsored by the foundation. Please note however that Fellows are not paid a stipend to participate in the Fellowship.
Is there any programming for those who are shortlisted, but not selected for the Fellowship? What is a "Karman Pioneer"?
Yes, absolutely! In recognition of their immense achievements and contributions, the 50 shortlisted candidates are invited to become “Karman Pioneers” and participate in certain community activities. Throughout the year, Karman Pioneers can partake in certain partner activities such as the Oxford Smart Space MBA Program and the Karman Gala Dinner.
If I apply for the Karman Fellowship and am not successful, can I re-apply?
Yes, absolutely - candidates are always welcome to re-apply in the future! The Karman Fellowship is highly competitive, and each year, many outstanding candidates miss out on a place in the program. There have also been many occasions where candidates have been accepted upon the second application due to tangible changes in their circumstances, and we welcome updates on your status. Moreover, we have designed the program to support candidates who are shortlisted but have not been selected for the Fellowship to ensure value creation for our community via our Karman Pioneers program. For more information, feel free to contact us.
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