Aligning sustainability fellowships with the dimensions of social-ecological systems

Research fellowships are a potentially effective mechanism for supporting sustainability science, yet the design of these positions is rarely examined in relation to the goals they aim to achieve. We propose applying the theory of institutional fit, the congruence between institutions and the social-ecological systems they govern, as a way to investigate fellowship design. We argue that considering how fellowship structures match the social-ecological systems they aim to influence might facilitate improved fellowship design and outcomes. To demonstrate the utility of institutional fit in this context, we present fellowship-evaluation questions motivated by four dimensions of fit (spatial, temporal, relational, and functional). Rather than offering a prescriptive blueprint of how fellowships can better achieve fit, we present institutional fit as a useful theoretical lens to advance a research agenda on improved sustainability fellowship design. As large changes in social-ecological systems continue, intentional fellowship design will be essential to realizing the full potential of fellowships as instruments for sustainability transformations.