In September, the Microsoft Research Aisa lab announced and recognized 25 fellows (2009-2010), who represent the best and the brightest in Asia-Pacific region.

This year, 95 distinguished Ph.D. candidates from 45 leading universities and research institutions were nominated. Applicants included candidates from the mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Each candidate’s credentials and research projects were thoroughly evaluated by a review committee, and 25 students were awarded fellowships. 

In the eleven years since the MSRA Fellowship Program started, more than 280 Ph.D. candidates from 50 universities and research institutions have served as fellows. The program has been highly successful in fostering advances and collaboration in computer science and research.

The Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship Program is designed to empower and encourage PhD students in the Asia-Pacific region to realize their potential in computer science-related research as well as recognizing and awarding outstanding PhD students. This program aims to facilitate the future growth of junior PhD students majoring in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Information Science, or Applied Mathematics, who have the potential to become future research leaders.

The program began in 1999, and since then it attracted around 500 PhD candidates from 48 universities in the Asia-Pacific region. From its inception to 2008, more than 250 outstanding PhD students have been awarded the Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship honors or scholarship.

In addition, the MSRA fellowship program provides each fellow winner a unique opportunity to experience hands-on research at Microsoft Research Asia. During the 3 or 6 month-long internships at the Beijing lab, most of these students work with outstanding researchers on an advanced research project. This internship opportunity at the lab helps these young researchers gain valuable research experience, and allows them to become familiar with the corporate research environment, as well as to expand their network connections. From 1999 to 2008, there have been 140 fellows who have participated in internships at MSRA, and 25 fellows have joined MSRA as researchers after graduation.

A Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship opens a window of opportunity for outstanding PhD Students in our region, giving them a springboard to get a head start in their future research career. The MSRA Fellowship Program will continue this path to develop more talent in the future.

Microsoft Research Asia Fellowship 2009

• Get details on how to apply for a fellowship
• Frequently asked questions about fellowship
• Download an application form here

Fellow Fun Facts

• Learn more about the exciting and interesting stories of the Fellows
• Learn more about awards and achievements of the Fellows
• Testimoninal from Fellows
• Meet the Fellows