The Columbia Climate School is proud to announce the launch of the Climate, Earth, and Society Distinguished Fellows Program, a new initiative that will bring renowned experts and changemakers to campus starting spring 2026.
“As the world’s first school dedicated to climate, the Columbia Climate School is uniquely positioned to convene, and learn from, a broad range of leaders,” said Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School. “This program will deepen the Climate School’s mission at the intersection of climate science, societal resilience and Earth systems by embedding high-impact practitioners within the Columbia community.”
Fellows may include former senior government officials, acclaimed journalists, pioneering activists, visionary entrepreneurs, award-winning academics and other professionals who have made a significant impact in their fields.
Each semester, the program will welcome at least five fellows to actively engage with Columbia’s faculty, researchers and students. These fellows will bring real-world experience and actionable insight to help drive the Climate School’s priorities around enabling innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful societal engagement.
Program Engagement and Activities
Fellows will participate in a mix of structured and flexible activities, which may include:
- Hosting high-level convenings on pressing climate and societal issues
- Partnering with Columbia centers and the Global Impact Lab
- Delivering guest lectures and teaching short elective courses
- Participating in the Climate School’s Signature Speaker Series
- Engaging directly with students through mentoring, roundtables, and networking events
Applications and nominations for the Climate, Earth, and Society Distinguished Fellows Program will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Fellows may apply directly or be nominated by others. Selection decisions will be made by the dean of the Climate School in consultation with a faculty advisory group.
All fellows will be matched with a faculty or researcher mentor and supported by Columbia’s Office of Faculty Affairs throughout their engagement.
For more information about the Distinguished Fellows Program or to submit an application or nomination, please visit this page or contact Esteban Andrade, assistant director of Faculty Affairs, at [email protected].