Pradyumna Vyas
President, World Design Organization (WDO)
Honorary President, Asia Design Week Organizing Committee
Selection
Selection Process
Applications are considered for the quality of the research question, the contribution to design knowledge, the strength of the applicant's work, and the feasibility of the proposed plan.
Review Committee
The ADW Future Design Scholars Review Committee brings together authorized experts from the Asia Design Week international jury network. Its members are established scholars and practitioners in design research and education, selected in relation to the fields represented in each fellowship cycle.
Wu Qiong
Dean, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
Jr Neville Songwe
Chair of Industrial Design, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Tom Northey
Associate Dean, School of Creative and Cultural Industries, University for the Creative Arts
Selection Criteria
The annual theme provides a shared intellectual horizon rather than a narrow subject requirement. Applications are assessed on the substance of the proposed research and the clarity of its contribution.
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Scholarly and Creative Excellence | 25% |
| Originality and Relevance to the 2026 Annual Theme | 25% |
| Contribution to Design Knowledge and Cross-Disciplinary Inquiry | 20% |
| Public, Cultural, or Sustainable Value | 15% |
| Feasibility and Fit with the Host Environment | 15% |
How Decisions Are Made
Complete and eligible applications receive expert assessment. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online conversation before the committee's final deliberation. Selected scholars then proceed to administrative and funding confirmation.
Eligibility Review
Expert Assessment
Shortlist Conversation, if needed
Final Deliberation
Admission Notice
Award Confirmation
2026 Timeline
Key dates for application, consideration, notification, and award confirmation.
March 1, 2026Applications Open
May 31, 2026Application Deadline
June 1-3, 2026Eligibility Review
June 4-9, 2026Expert Assessment
June 10-12, 2026Shortlist Conversations, if needed
June 13-14, 2026Final Deliberation
Late June 2026Admission Notice
Late June 2026Award Confirmation
Independent Consideration
Committee members consider applications within their fields of expertise and follow the program's review procedures.
Admission Notice
Selected scholars are scheduled to be notified in late June 2026. Fellowship award letters follow the completion of administrative review.