Program Integrity Alliance
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Integrity Fellowship

Call for Research Proposals — remote and rolling

About the Program Integrity Alliance

The Program Integrity Alliance (PIA) is dedicated to strengthening integrity and data-driven fraud prevention to foster a more trustworthy, effective, and efficient government. Through our research grants and AI initiatives, we generate evidence and analysis to help policymakers, practitioners, and researchers make informed decisions and drive change.

Our Integrity Fellowship program is our primary platform for collaborating with researchers. We prioritize independent research that develops practical, evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges in fraud prevention and program integrity. We seek researchers with innovative ideas that can bridge theory and evidence with actionable recommendations.

Areas of Interest

The PIA Research Fellowship provides an opportunity for both senior and junior researchers to explore timely and impactful questions concerning program integrity and anti-fraud initiatives in federal or state programs. We seek researchers who:

  • Take a forward-looking approach to emerging challenges in fraud prevention and program integrity.
  • Translate complex technical, legal, and policy issues into actionable strategies for government practitioners.
  • Develop evidence-based, high-impact recommendations to strengthen fraud prevention at all levels of government.

Fellows are free to propose the specific objectives and scope of their research, as well as the form it will take. We are open to proposals that envision a report, academic paper, case studies, data visualizations, blog posts, or other formats that maximize impact.

Who Should Apply

Addressing the complex challenges of program integrity and fraud prevention requires multidisciplinary perspectives. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including law, public policy, economics, data science, oversight and compliance, and technology. There are no strict education requirements. The ideal candidate for the fellowship will have:

  • Expertise in program integrity, fraud prevention, data governance, AI, or regulatory frameworks.
  • The ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, including policymakers and practitioners.
  • A strong track record of producing or using research that influences policy or practice.
  • A commitment to practical impact, ensuring research informs real-world decision-making.

Preference will be given to candidates working in government, academia, or nonprofit organizations.

Funding and Support

The Fellowship provides small grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, with flexibility based on the candidate's experience, the scope of the proposed research, and expected output. Grants support time for research, drafting, and dissemination activities. The title (Senior or Junior Fellow) will be determined based on experience and education.

Beyond financial support, Fellows gain:

  • Access to PIA's network of policymakers, government officials, and fraud prevention experts.
  • Opportunities to shape national conversations on fraud prevention and program integrity.
  • A leading role in advancing research that directly informs policy and practice.

Fellows are expected to participate in PIA-hosted discussions and engage in relevant meetings related to their research. These engagements will be scheduled in coordination with the Fellow to accommodate their availability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

  1. A proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining the research idea, including:
    • A brief background on the topic, defining the problem, its scope, the relevance of the research, and its expected impact.
    • Key research questions.
    • A general research approach, including potential sources of information and data to answer the questions.
  2. A CV highlighting experience, qualifications, and any publications that are relevant for the proposal.

Submission Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Send materials or questions to: fellowship@programintegrity.org