The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non‑Proliferation (VCDNP) has officially opened applications for the Young Women in Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme for the 2026–2027 cycle. This prestigious international initiative aims to empower the next generation of women leaders in the fields of arms control, non‑proliferation, and disarmament, offering a structured mentorship experience with globally recognized experts.

Running from 15 September 2026 to 15 May 2027, the programme provides a unique platform for young women to deepen their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and gain hands‑on exposure to one of the world’s most critical global security fields.

Programme Overview

The mentorship programme is designed to support emerging female scholars and professionals by pairing them with senior experts in the field. Through regular engagement, participants will gain insights into policy, research, diplomacy, and technical aspects of non‑proliferation and disarmament.

Key Components of the Programme

• One‑on‑one mentorship with leading experts in non‑proliferation, arms control, and disarmament.

• Monthly virtual sessions lasting one to two hours, held between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Vienna time.

• Participation in major international events, including the EUNPD Consortium Annual Conference, scheduled for 8–11 November 2026 in Brussels (all costs covered).

• Career development opportunities through workshops, seminars, and networking events.

• Optional final deliverable, which may take the form of:

  • A research paper

  • A presentation

  • A video

  • A blog post

  • Or another creative output agreed upon with programme organizers

Eligibility Requirements

The programme welcomes applications from a wide range of academic backgrounds and levels of study. Prior experience in non‑proliferation or disarmament is not required.

Eligible Applicants Include

• Female students currently enrolled in:

  • Undergraduate programmes

  • Graduate programmes

  • Post‑graduate programmes

• Recent graduates who completed their studies no earlier than June 2024

• Applicants of all nationalities and from all global regions

• A portion of programme slots will be reserved for applicants from Europe

Language Requirement

• The programme is conducted entirely in English

• Strong English proficiency is essential

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit all materials in English using the online application form.

Required Documents

1. A 1–2 minute video explaining:

   • Top reasons for applying

   • How the programme supports your academic and career goals

2. Résumé/CV (maximum 2 pages)

3. Transcript of courses and grades

4. One recommendation letter, tailored to the programme

   • Must be on letterhead and signed

   • Letters received after 3 July 2026 will not be considered

Commitment Requirements

To successfully complete the programme and receive a certificate, participants must:

• Attend at least 80% of monthly virtual events

• Commit to one to two hours per month for programme sessions

• Attend the EUNPD Conference in Brussels (8–11 November 2026)

  • All participation costs will be covered

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 3 July 2026

• Programme Duration: 15 September 2026 – 15 May 2027

• Notification of Results: By 30 July 2026

• Mandatory Conference: 8–11 November 2026

Applicants are encouraged to monitor their email inbox and spam folder for updates.

About the Organizers

The Mentorship Programme is part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) under the EU Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC). It aims to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and next‑generation engagement in global security.