The FRI Utility Policy Fellows program is designed to develop a network of early-career energy scholars doing policy-relevant research related to regulated investor-owned utilities. Funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Fellows program will bring academic scholars together with industry and regulatory personnel in conjunction with FRI’s Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI) to foster networking, collaboration, and development of policy-relevant research. Specifically, the goals of the Fellows program is to:
- Develop yearly cohorts and a growing network of academic scholars with first-hand experience and connection to industry and regulatory agencies.
- Allow industry leaders and regulators to develop a personal network with academic public utility researchers.
- Generate original, peer-reviewed, and policy-relevant research.
About RULI
Launched in 2022, FRI’s Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI) provides a unique leadership experience for those in the utility industry to understand the specific business context of regulated utilities and how it differs from other investor-owned firms from a managerial perspective. Public utility systems, such as electricity, natural gas, and water are undergoing rapid transformation and warrant further study to understand how they are likely to evolve in the years ahead. Along with learning the changing market structure, regulatory agents, and competing industry objectives, RULI participants develop a network of peers in other regulated organizations and industries to share experiences and perspectives. Based on research driven by existing public utility theory and corporate finance, this leadership program helps develop industry leaders who can more effectively guide their organizations amidst the evolving regulatory landscape.
FRI Utility Policy Fellows
Fellows will be chosen based on research background, interests, and ability to complete a research project over the program year. Fellows will participate in a week-long research workshop in conjunction with FRI’s RULI program. In addition to workshop sessions focused on public utility economics, data sources, empirical methods, and potential research questions, Fellows will participate alongside industry practitioners throughout the RULI program, facilitating network development and cross-fertilization of ideas that might inform future research projects. Fellows will then work with FRI’s academic team to produce original, policy-relevant research over the ensuing year for presentation at an academic conference and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Fellows will receive a stipend of $4,000 to cover expenses related to participating in both the RULI program and the academic conference presentation.
Fellows will become part of a national network of researchers and have opportunity to participate in future FRI programs and research projects. Fellows will also be able to draw upon FRI’s network of industry partners for research collaborations, data access, and industry engagement.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should submit the following documents through our Fellows Application portal:
- A letter of interest in the program (1-2 pages)
- A brief statement of research interest or a research proposal describing the work you hope to do as part of the program (1-2 pages)
- A brief (3-page) curriculum vita
Review of applications for 2025 will begin March 1, 2025, with Fellows announced by March 21, 2025. Selected Fellows will be expected to participate in the 2025 RULI program on the University of Missouri campus June 2-5.
Questions about the program or the application process should be directed to FRI’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Sykuta.