The HCoC Youth Group Fellowship 2026–2027 is a prestigious international programme designed for young professionals, graduate students, and early-career researchers interested in global security, arms control, and non-proliferation. Organized by the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS) with support from the European Union, this fellowship provides a unique platform to engage with leading experts, participate in high-level discussions, and contribute to policy-relevant research on ballistic missile proliferation.
This second edition builds on the success of its inaugural cohort and responds to an increasingly complex global security environment characterized by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the growing spread of missile technologies.
About the HCoC Youth Group Programme
The HCoC Youth Group is part of a broader initiative supporting the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), an international effort aimed at promoting transparency, confidence-building, and restraint in missile development.
The programme is structured as an 18-month fellowship that combines:
- Virtual learning and discussions
- In-person engagement with experts
- Independent research and publication
Participants will join a global cohort of 15 fellows, creating a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment.
Programme Structure and Activities
The HCoC Youth Group Fellowship offers a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
1. Expert Webinars
Fellows will participate in four thematic webinars scheduled across the programme timeline:
- November 2026
- February 2027
- April 2027
- June 2027
Each session includes:
- Expert presentations by researchers, diplomats, and practitioners
- Moderated discussions
- Pre-submitted questions from fellows
These sessions provide deep insights into missile non-proliferation and related global security issues.
2. Virtual Cafés
Optional informal sessions will be held throughout the programme to:
- Foster peer interaction and collaboration
- Discuss current global developments
- Share research progress and ideas
These sessions promote a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
3. In-Person Workshop (Lithuania)
A key highlight of the programme is a three-day residential workshop scheduled for September 2027 in Plokštinė, Lithuania (subject to confirmation).
Key features include:
- Expert briefings and discussions
- Research exchange sessions
- Simulation exercises (e.g., negotiation scenarios or war games)
- Guided visit to a former Cold War missile base
All travel and accommodation costs for this workshop are fully covered by the programme.
4. Individual Research and Publication
Each fellow is required to produce an individual research paper as part of the programme.
Key aspects include:
- Selection of a research topic aligned with programme themes
- Development of an analytical paper
- Contribution to a collective publication edited by FRS
This publication serves as a key output of the programme and enhances participants’ academic and professional profiles.
Thematic Pillars
The programme is structured around two core thematic pillars:
Pillar 1: Technical Dimension
Focus areas include:
- Emerging trends in missile proliferation
- Dual-use technologies and space systems
- Intersections between civilian and military technologies
- Implications for arms control frameworks
Pillar 2: Diplomatic Dimension
Focus areas include:
- Evaluation of the Hague Code of Conduct
- International cooperation and policy responses
- Challenges in a multipolar geopolitical landscape
- Recommendations for strengthening global non-proliferation efforts
Applicants are required to indicate their preferred thematic focus during the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to a diverse group of candidates with relevant academic or professional backgrounds.
Who Should Apply
- Young professionals
- Graduate students (Master’s level or above)
- Early-career researchers
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Ballistic missile technology
- Arms control and strategic studies
- WMD non-proliferation
- Space policy and governance
- International law and diplomacy
- Regional security studies
- Full working proficiency in English
- Availability to participate in all programme activities
- Age requirement: Applicants must be under 40 years old
Selection Criteria
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on:
- Quality and clarity of application
- Relevance of academic or professional background
- Geographic diversity
- Gender balance
- Interdisciplinary representation
Time Commitment
The programme is designed to be flexible while maintaining high engagement.
- Estimated commitment: 4–6 hours per month
- Additional time required for research and workshop preparation
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship provides a rare opportunity to engage with global security issues at a high level while developing research, analytical, and policy skills. It is particularly valuable for individuals aiming to build careers in international relations, defense policy, diplomacy, or strategic studies.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
Required Materials
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Application Questions Include
- Motivation for joining the programme
- Key challenges in missile proliferation
- Contribution to the group
- Thematic interest
- A key question for experts
All submissions must be in English.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the HCoC Youth Group Fellowship 2026–2027 is:
July 31, 2026
Applicants will be notified of the outcome within four weeks after the deadline. Find the Call for Applications document here.
Applications must be submitted through the online form available here.
Programme Benefits
Participation in the programme offers numerous benefits, including:
- Free participation (no programme fees)
- Fully funded travel and accommodation for the in-person workshop
- Access to leading experts and policymakers
- Opportunity to publish research work
- Global networking and collaboration
- Practical experience in international security and diplomacy
Terms and Conditions
- Fellows participate in a personal capacity
- All research outputs will be published under participants’ names
- Active participation throughout the programme is mandatory
- Non-participation may lead to removal from the programme
Contact Information
For inquiries, applicants can contact:
m.garcia-carrasco@frstrategie.org
Learn more about the HCoC Youth Group Fellowship HERE.
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