Young researchers, policy experts, innovators, and emerging thought leaders across Europe are invited to apply for the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2026, a prestigious one-year research fellowship that provides funding of up to €25,000 to support independent research projects addressing the future of Europe.

Organized by the European Charlemagne Prize Academy, this non-resident fellowship offers participants the opportunity to conduct their own research while receiving expert academic mentorship, building relationships with influential European leaders, and presenting their findings at a high-profile summit.

The programme is designed to identify Europe’s next generation of researchers and changemakers by supporting innovative ideas that contribute to European integration, policy development, and sustainable solutions for emerging societal challenges.

Applications are open until 31 July 2026.

About the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is an endowed, one-year, non-resident programme established by the European Charlemagne Prize Academy.

Its mission is to support junior researchers and future leaders who are committed to strengthening the European Union through original research, policy innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Unlike traditional residential fellowships, participants conduct their research independently from their own country of residence or from a host institution of their choice. This flexible structure enables fellows to continue their academic studies or professional careers while completing their research project.

The Academy works to identify future societal challenges early and encourages research that develops practical, actionable solutions through dialogue with experts from:

• Science
• Politics
• Business
• Civil society
• Public institutions

Successful fellows also become part of the wider Charlemagne Prize Network, providing long-term professional connections and collaboration opportunities.

Annual Research Theme 2026–2027: “Debugging Europe – Building Capability in an Unfamiliar World”

For the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle, applicants must align their research proposal with the annual theme:

“Debugging Europe: Building Capability in an Unfamiliar World.”

The Academy recognizes that Europe is facing a rapidly changing global environment shaped by:

• Economic uncertainty
• Geopolitical tensions
• Climate challenges
• Technological transformation
• Energy transitions
• Institutional pressures
• Supply chain disruptions
• Social change

Borrowing the concept of “debugging” from software development, the programme encourages researchers to identify hidden weaknesses, outdated systems, and ineffective assumptions that limit Europe’s ability to respond effectively to new challenges.

Rather than focusing solely on diagnosing problems, applicants are expected to propose realistic, innovative, and implementable solutions that can strengthen Europe’s resilience and future development.

Research Areas

The Academy welcomes interdisciplinary research proposals addressing areas such as:

• European governance
• Institutional reform
• Democracy and public policy
• Innovation ecosystems
• Economic resilience
• Social development
• Technology and digital transformation
• Artificial intelligence
• Energy systems
• Climate resilience
• Security and defence
• International cooperation
• Education
• Public administration
• Future European integration

Applicants are encouraged to focus on a clearly defined challenge while proposing practical recommendations with measurable long-term impact.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive an extensive package of financial, academic, and professional support.

Funding of Up to €25,000

Participants receive financial support of up to €25,000 to independently implement their research project.

The funding allows fellows to dedicate time and resources toward developing meaningful research outcomes.

Academic Mentorship

Each fellow is assigned an experienced academic mentor who provides:

• Scientific guidance
• Research supervision
• Academic advice
• Professional support throughout the fellowship

Administrative Support

Participants receive administrative assistance from the Academy to help facilitate the successful implementation of their research project.

Access to the Charlemagne Prize Network

Fellows become members of a growing European network that includes:

• Former fellows
• Charlemagne Prize Laureates
• Partner organizations
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• European institutions

This network creates valuable opportunities for collaboration and future career development.

Participation in Prestigious European Events

Selected fellows will participate in several high-profile events, including:

• Charlemagne Prize Award Ceremony
• Charlemagne Prize Summit
• Aachen Week
• Fellowship networking events
• Research presentations
• International policy discussions

These events provide opportunities to engage directly with senior European decision-makers and experts.

Career Development

The fellowship enables participants to:

• Build an outstanding academic profile
• Strengthen their professional network
• Gain international recognition
• Enhance future career opportunities
• Develop leadership skills
• Increase research visibility

Programme Objectives

The fellowship seeks to:

• Support innovative research on Europe’s future.
• Promote European integration.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Develop practical policy solutions.
• Identify emerging societal challenges.
• Strengthen dialogue between academia and policymakers.
• Support Europe’s next generation of leaders.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Eligible applicants include:

• University graduates
• Young professionals
• Employees of scientific institutions
• Employees of political organizations
• Employees of economic institutions
• Employees of cultural organizations

Applicants may apply individually or as part of a research group.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Previous research experience
• Postgraduate degree (preferably Master’s level or equivalent)
• Under 35 years of age
• Professional English proficiency (minimum C1)
• EU citizenship or European residency during project implementation

Who the Academy Is Looking For

The Academy is particularly interested in applicants who:

• Develop visionary research ideas.
• Explore emerging European challenges.
• Offer practical policy recommendations.
• Demonstrate reliability and commitment.
• Possess strong analytical and research skills.
• Work across disciplines.
• Produce innovative and actionable research.

Projects should move beyond theoretical discussion by generating tangible outcomes capable of influencing future policy and societal development.

Research Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit an original research proposal of no more than 6,000 characters (approximately two pages).

The proposal should include:

Required Application Documents

Applications must be submitted in English.

Applicants should upload:

• Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
• Research Proposal (PDF)
• Optional supporting documents
• References
• Certificates

Supporting materials should be combined into one PDF file where applicable.

Selection Process

Applications undergo several stages of evaluation.

Stage 1

Administrative review to verify:

• Completeness
• Eligibility
• Required documentation

Stage 2

Applications are evaluated by an experienced and diverse selection committee.

Stage 3

Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview lasting approximately 10–15 minutes.

Interviews will take place during September 2026.

Stage 4

The Foundation Board makes the final selection decision in October 2026.

Successful candidates then sign:

• Fellowship agreement
• Mentoring agreement

before officially beginning the programme.

Click HERE to learn more.

Fellowship Timeline

Why Apply?

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is one of Europe’s most prestigious opportunities for emerging researchers seeking to influence the continent’s future.

Participants will benefit from:

• Funding of up to €25,000
• Academic mentoring
• Independent research opportunities
• International recognition
• Access to European decision-makers
• Participation in prestigious European events
• Career advancement
• Networking with leading experts
• Membership in the Charlemagne Prize Network
• Opportunities to publish impactful research

The fellowship provides an exceptional platform for ambitious researchers to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for Europe’s evolving challenges.

Click HERE to Apply.

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit their complete application by:

31 July 2026

Late applications may not be considered.

Conclusion

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for young researchers, policy experts, innovators, and emerging leaders to shape the future of Europe through independent, high-impact research. With funding of up to €25,000, expert mentorship, access to influential European networks, and the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and Charlemagne Prize Laureates, the fellowship provides far more than financial support—it offers a platform for developing ideas that can influence European policy and society. Eligible applicants with innovative research proposals aligned with the 2026–2027 theme are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully and submit them before the 31 July 2026 deadline.

Discover more Fellowship opportunities on OFY.