Young Security Conference (YSC) Fellowship 2026 (Travel and Accommodation Support)

Applications are open for the Young Security Conference (YSC) Fellowship 2026, an international opportunity for emerging professionals, researchers, policy analysts and diplomats interested in European and transatlantic security affairs. The programme brings young thinkers together with policymakers, academics and security experts to examine major challenges affecting Europe's political institutions, international relationships and security architecture.

The fellowship will run from December 2026 to February 2027, combining an in person winter school, policy development workshops in Munich, Germany, and a virtual research and collaboration phase. Up to eight fellows will be selected to develop policy recommendations and present their work to an international audience.

About the Young Security Conference Fellowship

The Young Security Conference is an initiative that connects emerging thinkers with experienced policymakers, researchers and experts in European foreign and security policy. Its fellowship programme provides a platform for young professionals and academics to contribute their perspectives to important security debates.

The 2026 fellowship focuses on the relationship between liberal democracy and a strong, secure Europe. It examines how democratic institutions, political decision making and economic resilience affect Europe's ability to respond to internal and external security challenges.

Fellows will work collaboratively to develop policy proposals addressing contemporary security issues. The programme also provides opportunities to engage with senior officials, participate in expert discussions and build professional networks across academic and policy communities.

Fellowship Activities and Structure

The programme runs from December 2026 to February 2027 and consists of several stages.

1. Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security

The programme begins with the Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security in Munich on 4 and 5 December 2026.

Participants will explore the relationship between trade, economic policy and international security. The winter school will provide an opportunity to engage with relevant experts and establish a shared foundation for the policy work that follows.

2. Policy Lab Phase I

Immediately after the winter school, fellows will participate in an initial Policy Lab residency at Amerikahaus Munich lasting approximately three to four days.

During this stage, participants will form working groups, identify research questions and develop initial hypotheses. They will examine the challenges facing European security and establish the direction of their collaborative policy projects.

3. Online Working Phase

In January 2027, fellows will continue their work through a virtual collaboration phase.

Participants will conduct research, exchange ideas and develop policy recommendations with support from experts. The online period will allow working groups to refine their arguments and prepare the outputs they will present during the final stage.

4. Policy Lab Phase II and Munich Security Conference Side Event

The final stage will take place in Munich in February 2027. Fellows will return for a second Policy Lab residency lasting approximately two to three days.

They will finalise their policy briefings and prepare a public event through MSC@Amerikahaus during the Munich Security Conference. Fellows will curate, organise and host the event, presenting their policy contributions to conference participants, experts and other interested stakeholders.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive several forms of financial, institutional and professional support.

• Free participation in the winter school: Fellows can attend the Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security without paying participation fees.
• Travel cost subsidies: Financial support is available for journeys to and from Munich for all mandatory in person programme phases.
• Accommodation allowances: Accommodation expenses during the Munich residencies are supported through allowances.
• Institutional facilities: Participants receive access to workstations, research resources and event spaces at Amerikahaus Munich.
• Expert engagement: Fellows can participate in discussions with senior officials, researchers and specialists in European and international security.
• Closed door roundtables: The programme provides opportunities to attend selected discussions and VIP networking sessions.
• Institutional study visits: Fellows may participate in visits to relevant institutions, offering insight into European and German policy processes.
• International networking: Participants can build relationships with other young professionals and established figures in security studies.
• Policy presentation experience: Fellows will help organise and host a public side event connected to the Munich Security Conference.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is intended for young professionals and researchers who meet the following requirements:

1. Age

Applicants must be under 35 years old.

2. Relevant academic or professional background

Candidates should have a demonstrated background or professional interest in one or more of the following fields:

• International Relations.
• Security Studies.
• Political Science.
• Economics.
• Law.

The programme is suitable for young professionals, researchers, policy analysts, diplomats, graduate students and emerging academics working on related issues.

3. Interest in European and transatlantic security

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in European foreign policy, democratic governance, security cooperation and the political and economic challenges affecting Europe.

4. English language ability

Applications must be submitted in English, and participants should be able to engage effectively in discussions, research activities and presentations in English.

5. Availability

Successful candidates must be available for the required in person activities in Munich in December 2026 and February 2027, as well as the online working phase in January 2027.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare three documents in English and combine them into a single PDF file.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Submit a CV of no more than two pages. It must include your date of birth and contact information, alongside your education, professional experience, research interests and relevant achievements.

2. Letter of Motivation

Provide a motivation letter of no more than one page explaining why you want to join the fellowship. Highlight your relevant experience, interest in European security and the contribution you hope to make to the programme.

3. Short Proposal or Working Hypothesis

Prepare a proposal of no more than 500 words addressing one of the following questions:

• How can the European Union and the United Kingdom strengthen their institutional and economic resilience against external hybrid threats?
• Which governance mechanisms can safeguard European foreign and security decision making against illiberal vetoes?

Your proposal should demonstrate an understanding of the selected question and present a clear direction for policy research or analysis.

All three documents must be compiled into one PDF before submission.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should apply by email.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the fellowship focus: Familiarise yourself with the programme's emphasis on liberal democracy, European security and institutional resilience.
2. Check your eligibility: Confirm that you are under 35 and have a relevant academic or professional background.
3. Prepare your CV: Keep it within two pages and include your date of birth and contact details.
4. Write your motivation letter: Explain your interest in the fellowship and how your experience relates to its objectives.
5. Develop your proposal: Select one of the two policy questions and prepare a working hypothesis of no more than 500 words.
6. Combine your documents: Compile the CV, motivation letter and proposal into a single PDF written in English.
7. Email your application: Send the completed PDF to timo.lowinger@ur.de.
8. Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application reaches the organisers by 11 November 2026.

Applicants should make sure that the PDF is complete and that all documents meet the stated length requirements.