Comprehensive Security Fellowship Call 2027/28 – AIA NRW (Bonn, Germany)
The Academy in Bonn (AIA NRW) has officially opened its Fellowship Call for the 2027/28 cohort, inviting applications from scholars and practitioners working in the broad field of international politics, security studies, and strategic resilience. This prestigious fellowship focuses on rethinking global security in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, and evolving international alliances.
The program emphasizes the concept of “Comprehensive Security for a Changing World: Building Strategic and Technological Resilience”, reflecting Europe’s shifting security landscape shaped by open conflicts, global competition, and institutional challenges.
About the Fellowship Program
This fellowship is designed to bring together interdisciplinary researchers and professionals to explore how modern security frameworks can address interconnected global risks.
Key focus areas include:
- International security and defence cooperation
- Governance frameworks in global politics
- Technological governance and digital transformation
- Supply chain security and economic resilience
- Protection of democratic institutions
- Strategic foresight and global risk analysis
- Emerging geopolitical and security threats
The program supports innovative research and practice-oriented reflection that contributes to both academic discourse and real-world policy solutions.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants can apply under one of two distinct tracks:
1. Academic Track
This track is intended for candidates with a strong research background.
It requires:
- A clear academic research focus within international politics or security studies
- Engagement with existing or emerging scholarly debates
- A defined contribution to academic knowledge and theory-building
2. Practitioner’s Track
This track is designed for professionals working in relevant fields.
It requires:
- Reflection on international politics from practical or policy experience
- Integration of real-world professional insights
- Contribution to applied understanding of global security challenges
Fellowship Expectations and Responsibilities
Selected fellows are expected to actively participate in the intellectual life of the Academy in Bonn. Responsibilities include:
- Full-time residence in Bonn during the fellowship period
- Regular participation in seminars, colloquia, and academic discussions
- Contribution to workshops and institutional events
- Engagement in publication activities and research outputs
- Willingness to support knowledge transfer and public engagement initiatives
- Optional involvement in social media and outreach activities
Fellowship Period
- Duration: April 2027 – March 2028
- Fellows must be present in Bonn throughout the program without extended absences
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file including the following documents:
Mandatory Documents
- Letter of motivation
- Research/project proposal (maximum 5 pages), including:
- Abstract
- Research questions or guiding objectives
- State of research overview
- Detailed work plan and timeline
- Expected outputs
- Added value of conducting research at AIA NRW in Bonn
- Short CV (maximum 2 pages)
Additional Requirements for Academic Track Applicants
- Certified PhD certificate
- Full list of academic publications
- 2–3 recent peer-reviewed journal articles (in English)
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Decision Announcement: Mid-September 2026
- Fellowship Period: April 2027 – March 2028
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Academic Board, which will evaluate submissions based on academic quality, relevance to the fellowship theme, and potential contribution to international political and security discourse.
Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Demonstrate innovative thinking in addressing global security challenges
- Highlight interdisciplinary approaches
- Show relevance to contemporary geopolitical transformations
- Engage with policy, academic, or strategic communities
Contact Information
Dr. Katja Freistein
Academic Coordinator, Fellowship Programme
AIA NRW (Bonn, Germany)
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