Deadline: 31 October 2025
The Centre for International Security at the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, is now inviting applications for the International Security Fellowship 2026/27. This prestigious program welcomes both junior and senior researchers working on issues related to global security, state and non-state actors, nuclear policy, and emerging technologies.
While the fellowship is currently non-stipendiary, it offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers to join a vibrant intellectual community in one of Europe’s leading policy schools and to pursue cutting-edge work in international security studies.
About the Fellowship
Fellows at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security will join a thriving research community at the heart of Berlin’s academic and policy landscape. The program offers flexible duration options, allowing fellows to spend either one semester (fall: September–January or spring: February–June) or a full academic year (September–June) at the Centre.
Fellows will:
- Be listed on the Centre’s official website
- Receive access to the Hertie School library
- Be provided with desk space (subject to availability)
- Engage with faculty and peers through seminars, colloquia, and research events
Active participation is a key component of the fellowship — fellows are expected to present their research in the Centre’s colloquium, attend events, and contribute to the broader intellectual life of the Hertie School.
Areas of Research
Applicants’ work should align with one or more of the Centre’s core research areas:
- Nuclear policy and non-proliferation
- States and non-state actors in international security
- Grand strategy and geopolitical competition
- Digital technology and security, including cybersecurity and information warfare
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to:
- Researchers holding or pursuing a PhD in political science, sociology, economics, or related fields
- Applicants from all nationalities, with a particular encouragement for women and underrepresented minorities to apply
The program welcomes both junior and senior scholars, fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue across levels of experience.
Funding and Support
Although the fellowship is non-stipendiary, selected fellows may receive institutional support in applying for external funding opportunities, such as:
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
This structure allows researchers to seek financial support while benefiting from Hertie’s resources and academic environment.
Application Process
Deadline: 31 October 2025 (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- Letter of motivation explaining how the applicant’s research aligns with the Centre’s key themes
All applications must be submitted online through the Interfolio Faculty Search portal. Other forms of submission will not be accepted.
