Georgetown Launches New Michael Calvey Fellowship

The program supports a graduate student researching economic development across Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Scholarships

Gouache-painted illustration of a brass writing instrument on a dark desk, representing academic research into economic development. — Georgetown University has launched the Michael Calvey Fellowship to support graduate research into economic development across Central Asia and the Caucasus. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do specialized university programs effectively prepare students for careers in complex international business regions?

Georgetown University has inaugurated the Michael Calvey Fellowship to fund a graduate student studying Eurasian economies. The program, which covers tuition and a stipend, is housed within the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies.

Why it matters

The fellowship seeks to cultivate American expertise regarding economic development in post-Soviet states. It demonstrates a commitment to training talent for professional roles within the region despite ongoing geopolitical limitations.

The fellowship is active for the 2026-27 academic year and requires recipients to pursue a graduate certificate in International Business Diplomacy. Selection is managed by the CERES admissions committee based on academic and professional merit.

The players

Georgetown University

Located in Washington, D.C., this private research university is the home of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies.

Michael Calvey

An American investor and founder of Baring Vostok who is the namesake and primary funder of the new fellowship.

Natalia Bertuol

A graduate student serving as the inaugural fellow for the program during the 2026-27 academic year.

The details

Funded by Michael Calvey, the program specifically focuses on research into economic development throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus. While Georgetown maintains a ban on study abroad programs in Russia dating back to February 2022, the fellowship aims to prepare students for professional careers elsewhere in the post-Soviet bloc.

February 2022: Georgetown University barred students from studying abroad in Russia.
October 2, 2026: The Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies announced the program.
2026-27 academic year: Natalia Bertuol serves as the inaugural fellowship recipient.

Culture Shift

This fellowship signals a strategic evolution in how Western academic institutions engage with post-Soviet economies following the 2022 divestment of Russian assets by firms like Baring Vostok. It reflects a shift toward regional specialization in Central Asia and the Caucasus to navigate a fractured geopolitical landscape.

Graduate students at the university with an interest in International Business Diplomacy can now apply for this financial support package. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record to qualify for the fellowship's tuition and stipend benefits.

The takeaway

This program provides a new pathway for students to specialize in emerging markets within the post-Soviet bloc. Prospective researchers should focus on developing a robust profile in both economic development and International Business Diplomacy to remain competitive.