Are you a PhD student looking to gain practical research experience at one of the world’s leading independent policy institutes? The Chatham House PhD Research Placement 2026–2027 offers eligible doctoral researchers an opportunity to join the research community at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in London.m The placement is designed for aspiring researchers who want to strengthen their research, writing, policy analysis, communication and leadership skills while contributing to research projects addressing some of the world’s most important international challenges. Hosted through the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation at Chatham House, the placement combines hands-on research experience with leadership development, access to expert networks, events and the Chatham House library.
The placement will run from 1 October 2026 to 8 January 2027 and will be full-time for three months. The successful candidate will be based at Chatham House’s St James’s Square location in London and will work in a hybrid arrangement, with at least two days per week expected onsite.
About Chatham House
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute and world-leading think tank based in London. The institute conducts research and analysis on major international and global policy issues. Its work is intended to help governments, businesses, organizations and the wider public better understand complex global developments and make informed decisions. The Chatham House research community brings together experts working across a broad range of geographical and thematic areas. These include international security, global health, international law, Europe, the United States and North America, among many other fields. For doctoral researchers, this environment can provide an opportunity to see how academic research can be translated into policy-relevant analysis and contribute to discussions taking place among researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other international stakeholders.
About the Queen Elizabeth II Academy
The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation is designed to empower aspiring young leaders and researchers to engage with major global challenges and contribute to building a better future. Through this PhD placement, the Academy is seeking to welcome doctoral students into the Chatham House research community. The placement provides an opportunity to experience the working environment of a leading policy institute while developing practical skills that complement doctoral research. In addition to working within a Chatham House research programme, the selected student will participate in the Academy’s Leadership Masterclass Programme throughout the placement.
Who Can Apply?
This is an important eligibility requirement.
The application is only open to PhD students affiliated with one of the following three Doctoral Training Programmes (DTPs):
- UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Programme
- London School of Economics Doctoral Training Programme
- London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme
Applicants should therefore confirm their current PhD affiliation and eligibility through their respective doctoral training programme before preparing an application.
Nationality and Geographic Eligibility
The information provided for this opportunity does not identify a specific nationality, race or continent as the eligibility criterion. Instead, the key restriction is institutional: applicants must be PhD students affiliated with one of the three specified DTPs. Consequently, prospective applicants should not assume that this is a general worldwide PhD opportunity. If you are pursuing a PhD but are not affiliated with one of the three listed programmes, you should carefully check whether you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
Chatham House Research Programmes Available to Applicants
Applicants may apply to one of five Chatham House research programmes.
These are:
- Europe Programme
- Global Health Programme
- International Law Programme
- International Security Programme
- US and North America Programme
Each programme has specific research themes and questions that prospective applicants can consider when determining where their research interests best fit.
1. Europe Programme
The Europe Programme focuses on major political, economic, security and strategic developments affecting Europe and its relationship with other parts of the world. Potential research topics include:
The role of dual-use technologies and defence-industrial integration in Europe’s economic resilience
This area examines how technologies that can have both civilian and military applications are affecting Europe’s economic resilience, industrial capabilities and security.
Europe’s evolving defence architecture
Applicants can explore how European states are adapting their defence arrangements and how Europe can balance strategic autonomy with cooperation among allies.
Europe’s engagement with India and the Gulf
Another potential research area examines Europe’s relationships with India and the Gulf, particularly in relation to:
- Trade
- Technology
- Critical minerals
- Strategic partnerships
- Emerging international economic relationships
This topic provides an opportunity to explore how Europe is developing new forms of international cooperation in a changing geopolitical environment.
2. Global Health Programme
The Global Health Programme focuses on international health challenges and the policies, institutions and cooperation mechanisms required to address them. Potential areas of research include:
Cooperation on stockpiling medical supplies
Applicants may examine considerations surrounding international cooperation on the stockpiling of medical supplies to strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies. This could involve questions about international coordination, supply chains, preparedness strategies and access to essential medical resources.
Private sector investment in global biosecurity
Another research area concerns the prospects for mobilizing private-sector investment into global biosecurity. This could involve examining how governments, businesses, investors and international institutions can work together to strengthen preparedness against biological risks.
The future of open science cooperation
Applicants can also explore the future of international open science cooperation and how scientific knowledge, research and collaboration can contribute to addressing global challenges.
3. International Law Programme
The International Law Programme examines how international law and multilateral institutions can respond to a rapidly changing global order. Potential research questions include:
Building a new consensus around international rule of law
One potential area asks how a renewed consensus can be developed around the value of:
- The international rule of law
- Multilateral institutions
- International cooperation
- Rules-based international relations
Adapting international regulation to a changing global order
Another research area considers what modifications may be needed to international regulation as the global system changes. Applicants may explore how international legal frameworks can adapt to emerging political, economic and technological realities while helping guide and stabilize the evolving international system.
4. International Security Programme
The International Security Programme focuses on major developments affecting international security, defence, conflict and geopolitical relations. Potential research areas include:
Changing security landscapes and alliance dynamics
Applicants may examine how states are responding to changing security environments and evolving relationships between allies.
Rearmament and new military technologies
Another area concerns how rearmament and emerging military technologies are changing the way conflicts are fought. This could include research into how technological developments affect military strategy, defence policy and the character of modern conflict.
Peacemaking and safeguarding the international system
Applicants may also examine how states can redefine peacemaking approaches and contribute to safeguarding the international system during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
5. US and North America Programme
The US and North America Programme examines developments involving the United States, Canada and their relationships with Europe, the UK and the wider international system.Potential research topics include:
America’s evolving role in global affairs
Applicants may explore the changing role of the United States in international affairs and examine the durability and implications of its strategic shifts.
Policy changes in Washington and Ottawa
Another area concerns the implications of political and policy developments in Washington and Ottawa for:
- The United Kingdom
- Europe
- North America
- Transatlantic relations
- The wider international system
Transatlantic relations in an era of global recalibration
Applicants may also investigate how relationships across the Atlantic are evolving as global power dynamics and strategic priorities change.
What Will the PhD Placement Involve?
The selected PhD student will become part of a Chatham House research team and contribute to a research project for the duration of the placement. The project could involve a variety of outputs and activities, including a research paper, a series of convenings or another comparable research initiative.
The student may be involved in activities such as:
- Conducting desk research
- Carrying out literature reviews
- Contributing to publications
- Helping draft research outputs
- Designing and conducting research interviews
- Collating research feedback
- Designing research roundtables
- Developing and delivering research roundtables
- Synthesizing discussions from high-level workshops and conferences
- Monitoring important international developments
- Preparing research briefs
- Monitoring specific issues relevant to the programme
- Collaborating with researchers from other regional and thematic programmes
The placement is therefore intended to provide practical exposure to the full research process rather than limiting the student to a single academic task.
Responding to International Developments
A significant component of the placement will involve supporting the research programme in responding to important international developments. The student may be expected to undertake research, prepare written briefs or monitor developments within the programme’s area of focus. This aspect of the placement can be particularly valuable for doctoral researchers interested in policy research because it requires the ability to respond to emerging developments in a timely and analytically rigorous manner.
Cross-Programme Collaboration
Where appropriate, the student may work with colleagues across Chatham House’s different regional and thematic research areas. This provides an opportunity to identify connections between different areas of research and explore possible avenues for collaboration. For example, an international security issue may have implications for Europe, international law, global health or transatlantic relations. Working across research areas can therefore expose the student to interdisciplinary approaches to international affairs.
Research and Grant Proposal Development
The student may also work with the research team to identify and pursue opportunities for developing research and grant proposals.
With support from the programme, the student may contribute to proposals intended for a range of potential funders, including:
- Governments
- Businesses
- Foundations
- Other potential funding organizations
This can provide valuable exposure to an aspect of research work that is often different from traditional academic doctoral research: developing projects that respond to funders’ priorities and translating research ideas into fundable proposals.
Project Reporting and Budgets
Where appropriate, the student may gain experience in:
- Drafting project reports
- Monitoring projects
- Reconciling project budgets
- Supporting broader project-management activities
This can help doctoral researchers understand the administrative and operational dimensions of policy research projects.
Supporting Chatham House Events
The student may also support Chatham House events.
Depending on the needs of the programme, this could include:
- Identifying potential topics
- Suggesting speakers
- Supporting event planning
- Helping prepare research-related events
This can provide direct exposure to the process of bringing experts, researchers and stakeholders together around major international issues.
Leadership Development Through the Queen Elizabeth II Academy
The placement goes beyond research experience.
During the placement, the successful student will participate in the Queen Elizabeth II Academy’s Leadership Masterclass Programme.
The programme takes place every Thursday and includes:
- Skills workshops
- Thematic sessions
- Leadership training
This component is designed to complement the student’s research responsibilities by developing broader professional and leadership capabilities. For PhD researchers considering careers in policy institutions, international organizations, government, think tanks, academia or related fields, leadership development can be an important part of professional preparation.
Access to Chatham House’s Wider Research Community
The selected student will also gain access to Chatham House’s wider networks, library and events programme. Chatham House hosts a busy schedule of events involving experts from around the world. Participation in this environment can expose the student to discussions involving leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners. The placement therefore offers more than an office-based research experience. It places the student within a broader policy and research ecosystem.
Skills and Qualities Chatham House Is Looking For
Applicants should demonstrate a strong combination of academic research ability, policy interest, communication skills and professional working habits.
1. Strong Research Skills
The student should have strong research skills in a relevant field.
A particularly important ability is the capacity to synthesize complex information.
This means applicants should be able to examine information from different sources, identify the most important findings and communicate them in a clear and structured way.
2. Interest in Foreign Policy and International Affairs
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in foreign policy and international affairs broadly.
Given the nature of the five available research programmes, applicants should be able to demonstrate why their interests align with the research area they are applying to.
3. Excellent Written and Verbal Communication
The placement requires excellent professional communication skills.
Applicants should be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally.
This is particularly important in a policy environment, where research findings often need to be communicated to audiences who may not have specialist academic knowledge.
4. Strong Attention to Detail
The student should have excellent attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under tight timeframes.
The placement may involve balancing several responsibilities at the same time, so applicants should demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain quality while working to deadlines.
5. Collaborative Working Style
The successful candidate should have a collaborative approach and be capable of building positive working relationships with people at different levels, both within and outside the organization.
Research at a major policy institute frequently involves collaboration among researchers, policy experts, event teams, external partners and other stakeholders.
6. IT Skills
Applicants should have good IT skills and familiarity with the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including:
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
Familiarity with these tools will help the student contribute effectively to research, communication, meetings, document preparation and collaborative work.
Placement Duration and Location
The placement will run for approximately three months.
Start date: 1 October 2026
End date: 8 January 2027
Duration: 3 months
Working arrangement: Full-time
Location: St James’s Square, London
Work model: Hybrid
Onsite requirement: At least 2 days per week in the London office
Applicants should therefore consider the practical implications of undertaking a full-time placement in London and meeting the required onsite attendance.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
Monday, 7 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications. Preparing a strong application can require time, particularly when applicants need to demonstrate how their doctoral research connects with the selected Chatham House programme and proposed research themes.
Important Warning About the Use of AI
Chatham House has issued a specific instruction to applicants regarding artificial intelligence.
Applicants are asked not to use AI for their application.
The organization wants to hear the applicant’s genuine answers and states that it can distinguish between authentic responses and AI-generated applications.
According to the application guidance, using AI creates a risk that an application may be disqualified.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their application reflects their own experiences, research interests, ideas, writing and understanding.
Rather than attempting to generate application answers with AI, applicants should focus on presenting their genuine academic and professional background and explaining clearly why they are interested in the selected Chatham House research programme.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Eligible PhD students can strengthen their preparation by carefully considering the relationship between their doctoral research and their chosen Chatham House research programme.
Before applying, applicants should:
- Confirm their DTP eligibility.
Make sure they are affiliated with one of the three specified Doctoral Training Programmes. - Select one research programme carefully.
Applicants may apply to one of the five available Chatham House programmes, so their choice should be well aligned with their academic and research interests. - Study the proposed research themes.
Review the topics listed under the selected programme and identify where your existing research experience and interests connect. - Review the placement responsibilities.
Understand that the role involves research, writing, interviews, events, collaboration, research monitoring and potentially grant proposal development. - Demonstrate research ability.
Be prepared to show that you can analyze and synthesize complex information. - Show policy relevance.
Explain how your academic interests connect to foreign policy and international affairs. - Highlight communication skills.
Policy research requires the ability to communicate complex findings to different audiences. - Demonstrate collaboration.
Give genuine examples of working effectively with others where relevant. - Consider the practical requirements.
The placement is full-time and hybrid, with at least two days per week onsite in London. - Use your own words.
Because Chatham House specifically warns applicants against using AI in their applications, applicants should ensure that their submitted responses genuinely represent their own thinking and writing.
Keep a Copy of the Job Description
Chatham House has also advised applicants to keep a copy of the job description for their own records.
The job description will not be available once the application closing date has passed.
Applicants should therefore save the relevant information before the deadline so they can refer back to the responsibilities, requirements and research themes later.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host organization | Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs |
| Programme | Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation |
| Opportunity | PhD Research Placement |
| Eligible applicants | PhD students affiliated with one of three specified DTPs |
| Available research programmes | Europe, Global Health, International Law, International Security, US and North America |
| Start date | 1 October 2026 |
| End date | 8 January 2027 |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Work arrangement | Full-time, hybrid |
| Location | St James’s Square, London |
| Onsite requirement | At least 2 days per week |
| Application deadline | 7 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT |
| AI application policy | Applicants are instructed to avoid using AI |
Why This Placement Could Be Valuable for PhD Researchers
A doctoral degree provides extensive academic research experience, but a policy institute environment can offer a different perspective on how research is developed, communicated and used.
Through this placement, the selected student can gain exposure to:
- Policy-oriented research
- Research publication development
- Literature reviews and desk research
- Research interviews
- Policy briefs
- Research roundtables
- High-level workshops and conferences
- International affairs monitoring
- Grant proposal development
- Project reporting
- Budget-related work
- Event planning
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Leadership development
- Professional networks
- Expert discussions and policy events
The combination of research responsibilities and leadership training makes the placement particularly relevant to PhD students considering careers that connect academic research with policy and international affairs.
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Conclusion
The Chatham House PhD Research Placement 2026–2027 provides an opportunity for eligible doctoral researchers to gain practical experience within a leading London-based international affairs think tank while contributing to research on major global challenges. The placement spans five research areas: Europe, Global Health, International Law, International Security, and US and North America. Depending on the selected programme, students may contribute to research examining European defence and strategic autonomy, global biosecurity, international law and multilateral institutions, changing security and alliance dynamics, or the evolving roles of the United States and North America in global affairs. Beyond research work, the placement includes participation in the Queen Elizabeth II Academy’s weekly Leadership Masterclass Programme, as well as access to Chatham House’s networks, library and events. However, prospective applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. The opportunity is only open to PhD students affiliated with the UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Programme, London School of Economics Doctoral Training Programme, or London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme.
The application deadline is Monday, 7 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT.Most importantly, applicants should follow Chatham House’s instruction concerning artificial intelligence and ensure that their application genuinely reflects their own ideas, experiences, research interests and writing. They should also save a copy of the job description before the deadline because it will no longer be available after applications close.
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