Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program 2027 to 2028

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program 2027 to 2028 is inviting applications from qualified researchers and early career academics interested in advancing research on nuclear security and international policy. Funded by the Stanton Foundation and hosted by the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany, the fellowship provides dedicated time and institutional support for independent research on issues affecting international security.

The programme aims to develop the next generation of thought leaders who can contribute rigorous, policy relevant research to discussions about nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, nuclear terrorism, nuclear deterrence, and related security challenges. It is intended for researchers who can connect scholarly investigation with practical questions facing policymakers and security institutions.

Fellows will undertake a year long period of independent research beginning in September 2027. The programme is particularly relevant to postdoctoral researchers and tenure track junior faculty members with backgrounds in nuclear policy, international relations, security studies, engineering, physics, law, or related disciplines.

About the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program is supported by the Stanton Foundation, which works to advance understanding of nuclear security and related policy challenges. The fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to focus on an independent project while being based at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security.

Nuclear security is a broad field that encompasses the risks associated with nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, nuclear terrorism, deterrence, and the security implications of nuclear energy. Research in this area can involve technical analysis, international relations, strategic studies, law, political science, and public policy.

The programme encourages interdisciplinary work that can improve understanding of these issues and inform policy discussions. Fellows are expected to develop research that makes a meaningful contribution to the field, rather than simply reviewing existing literature.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows can expect the following benefits:

• Postdoctoral stipend: €87,575 for a postdoctoral researcher.

• Junior faculty stipend: €118,790 for an eligible junior faculty member.

• One year of independent research: Dedicated time to develop a substantial research project.

• Institutional affiliation: Placement at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany.

• Academic and professional engagement: Opportunities to exchange ideas with researchers and experts working on international security.

• Research development: Time and an institutional setting to produce policy relevant scholarly work.

Research Areas

The fellowship supports interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of nuclear security and its implications for international policy. Potential research themes include the following areas.

Nuclear weapons and deterrence

Research may examine nuclear strategy, deterrence policy, strategic stability, nuclear force posture, and the risks associated with nuclear conflict.

Nuclear proliferation

Projects may investigate the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities, international nonproliferation frameworks, safeguards, and the political or technical factors that influence proliferation risks.

Nuclear terrorism

Researchers may explore the threat of nuclear terrorism, measures to prevent the unauthorized acquisition or use of nuclear materials, and policies designed to strengthen international nuclear security.

Nuclear energy and security

Relevant research may consider security challenges associated with nuclear energy, including nuclear materials, emerging technologies, and the relationship between civilian nuclear programmes and wider security concerns.

International relations and security policy

Applicants from international relations, political science, law, and related disciplines may examine diplomatic strategies, international institutions, security cooperation, and the development of policies intended to reduce nuclear risks.

These are examples of relevant topics, not a prescribed list of projects. Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed research aligns with the programme's focus and can produce meaningful findings for academic or policy audiences.

Eligibility Requirements

The official Hertie School programme identifies the following groups as eligible to apply:

• Postdoctoral researchers with relevant experience in nuclear security or a related field.

• Tenure track junior faculty members working in relevant academic disciplines.

• Junior faculty members at law schools.

• Applicants whose terminal degree is a law degree, subject to the programme's eligibility requirements.

• Researchers with backgrounds in nuclear policy, security studies, international relations, engineering, physics, or related disciplines.

Required Application Documents

According to the official programme information, applicants should prepare the following materials:

1. Current curriculum vitae

Provide an updated CV showing your academic qualifications, professional appointments, research experience, publications, and relevant achievements.

2. Two letters of recommendation

Arrange two recommendations from individuals who can speak knowledgeably about your research ability, academic background, professional contributions, and suitability for the fellowship.

3. Personal statement

Prepare a statement explaining your research interests, professional background, motivation for applying, and the contribution you hope to make through the fellowship.

4. Research project proposal

Develop a clear proposal describing your intended research project. Explain the central question, its relevance to nuclear security, the methods you expect to use, and the anticipated contribution to academic or policy discussions.

5. Academic transcripts, if requested

The programme may request official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended since completing high school. Applicants should be ready to provide these documents if required during the application process.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application.

1. Visit the official programme page. Open the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program page at Hertie School and read the current call for applications.
2. Confirm your eligibility. Check whether your academic position and research background meet the requirements for postdoctoral researchers or tenure track junior faculty members. If your status is unclear, contact the programme administrators before investing time in a full application.
3. Define your research project. Choose a focused question connected to nuclear security. Make sure your project is feasible within the fellowship period and has a clear potential contribution to research or policy.
4. Update your CV. Highlight relevant publications, research projects, academic appointments, technical expertise, and professional achievements.
5. Prepare your personal statement. Explain why you are applying, how your experience prepares you for the fellowship, and what you intend to accomplish during the research year.
6. Request two recommendation letters. Contact suitable referees early and give them sufficient information about the fellowship and your proposed research.
7. Prepare your supporting documents. Gather transcripts and any additional materials requested by the application portal.
8. Submit through the official online application system. Use the application link provided on the Hertie School website. The programme states that applications must be submitted online and that alternative submission methods will not be accepted.
9. Verify the deadline before submitting. Hertie School's official page lists January 1, 2027, while Opportunity Desk lists November 30, 2026. Check the live application portal for the authoritative deadline and submit well before the confirmed closing date.