Stanford CISAC Fellowships 2027–2028: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for International Security Scholars and Professionals

The Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) Fellowships 2027–2028 offer an exceptional opportunity for scholars and professionals interested in international security, emerging technologies, geopolitics, nuclear security, artificial intelligence, natural sciences, engineering, and other complex global security challenges to spend an academic year conducting research at Stanford University.

Hosted by the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) within Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), the fellowship program brings together researchers, academics, scientists, and policy professionals in an interdisciplinary environment designed to encourage rigorous research, collaboration, and innovative solutions to international security problems.

The application for the 2027–2028 academic year opens on October 7, 2026, making this an important opportunity for eligible applicants who want to advance their research while working alongside leading scholars and researchers at one of the world’s most respected universities. About the Stanford CISAC Fellowship

 About the Stanford CISAC Fellowship

The Stanford CISAC Fellowship is an in-residence research fellowship designed to support excellence in research and provide scholars and professionals with an opportunity to dedicate an academic year to investigating important international security questions.

Rather than being limited to a single academic discipline, CISAC brings together researchers from different fields. This interdisciplinary structure allows fellows to approach major security challenges from scientific, technological, political, policy, and strategic perspectives.

During their time at Stanford, fellows are expected to devote the academic year to:

• Research and scholarly work
• Writing and developing research outputs
• Participating in CISAC seminars
• Engaging with Stanford faculty
• Collaborating with researchers and other fellows
• Exploring complex international security problems
• Developing innovative approaches to security challenges
• Connecting academic research with relevant policy questions

The fellowship provides an environment where scholars can develop their ideas while benefiting from interaction with experts working across different areas of international security.

What Makes the CISAC Fellowship Unique?

One of the distinguishing features of the Stanford CISAC Fellowship is its interdisciplinary approach.

International security problems are increasingly connected to developments in science, technology, artificial intelligence, geopolitics, military competition, nuclear capabilities, international law, and global policy. CISAC therefore creates a research environment where experts from different backgrounds can interact and contribute different perspectives.

The program provides fellows with an opportunity to explore questions that may not fit neatly into a single academic discipline.

For example, research involving artificial intelligence and international security could involve perspectives from:

• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• International relations
• International law
• Military studies
• Public policy
• Political science
• Ethics
• Technology governance

Similarly, research on nuclear security can involve scientific, technological, strategic, political, and policy dimensions.

This interdisciplinary structure makes CISAC particularly relevant to researchers interested in understanding how emerging technologies and global political developments are changing the international security landscape.

Fellowship Opportunities Available for 2027–2028

CISAC currently lists several fellowship opportunities. Applicants are considered for all fellowships for which they are deemed eligible, meaning applicants may potentially be considered across relevant fellowship categories rather than being restricted to a single option.

The current fellowship opportunities include the following:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Laws of Armed Conflict Fellowship

This fellowship focuses on the intersection between artificial intelligence and the laws governing armed conflict.

The rapid development of AI technologies has created new questions concerning warfare, military decision-making, autonomous systems, international humanitarian law, accountability, and the appropriate legal frameworks for emerging technologies.

Researchers interested in the relationship between AI and armed conflict may therefore find this fellowship particularly relevant.

Potential research areas can include questions surrounding:

• Artificial intelligence in military operations
• Autonomous weapons and decision-making
• International humanitarian law
• Accountability for AI-enabled military systems
• Legal and ethical challenges associated with emerging technologies
• Governance of AI in armed conflict

2. Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Stability and Military Competition Fellowship

This fellowship examines the implications of artificial intelligence for strategic stability and military competition.

AI is increasingly influencing military capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, decision-making, cyber operations, and strategic competition between states.

Researchers working in this area can investigate how advances in AI may affect:

• Military competition
• Strategic stability
• National security
• Defense technologies
• Decision-making
• Deterrence
• Relations between major powers

The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers examining how emerging technologies could change traditional concepts of security and strategic competition.

3. Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence Fellowship

The Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence Fellowship focuses on the growing relationship between AI and global political power.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed not only as a technological development but also as a strategic and geopolitical issue.

Research in this area can examine questions involving:

• International competition in AI
• Technology and geopolitical influence
• National AI strategies
• Global technology governance
• AI and international relations
• Competition between major technological powers
• The implications of AI development for international security

This opportunity may be particularly attractive to researchers interested in understanding how technological leadership can influence global politics and international security.

4. India-U.S. Security Studies Fellowship

The India-U.S. Security Studies Fellowship focuses on security-related issues involving India and the United States.

Research may explore aspects of the bilateral relationship and broader regional and international security dynamics.

Applicants interested in areas such as geopolitics, strategic relations, defense policy, international cooperation, and regional security may find this fellowship particularly relevant.

5. Natural Sciences or Engineering International Security Fellowship

CISAC also offers an opportunity for researchers in natural sciences or engineering whose work has relevance to international security.

This is particularly significant because many contemporary security challenges involve scientific and technological developments.

Researchers may have the opportunity to examine scientific and technical aspects of security issues while working with faculty members.

The fellowship therefore creates a bridge between scientific research and international security policy.

Potentially relevant areas may include:

• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Technology
• Emerging technologies
• Scientific security research
• Technical dimensions of international security

6. Nuclear Security Fellowship

The Nuclear Security Fellowship provides an opportunity to investigate issues surrounding nuclear security.

Nuclear technologies have profound implications for international peace and security, making research in this area important for policymakers, scientists, and security experts.

Research may involve scientific, technical, strategic, political, or policy perspectives on nuclear security.

7. International Security Fellowship

The broader International Security Fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers and professionals to investigate major international security challenges.

Unlike fellowships focused on a particular technology or regional relationship, this category provides a broader framework for research into international security issues.

Applicants with strong research interests in global security, international relations, strategic affairs, policy, or related areas may find this fellowship particularly relevant.

What Will CISAC Fellows Do?

CISAC Fellows spend the academic year primarily engaged in research and writing.

However, the fellowship extends beyond independent research.

Fellows are expected to become active members of the CISAC intellectual community and participate in activities that encourage discussion, collaboration, and exchange of ideas.

Key activities include:

Research and Writing

Fellows dedicate significant time to developing their research projects and producing written scholarly or policy-oriented work.

This allows fellows to move beyond preliminary ideas and develop more comprehensive research outputs.

Participation in Seminars

Fellows are expected to participate in CISAC seminars.

These seminars provide opportunities to:

• Present ideas
• Discuss research
• Receive feedback
• Learn from other researchers
• Engage with experts
• Explore different perspectives on security challenges

Collaboration

The fellowship encourages fellows to interact and collaborate with leading faculty and researchers.

This collaborative environment can expose fellows to new methodologies, perspectives, research networks, and potential future collaborations.

Engagement With International Security Issues

Fellows have the opportunity to investigate complex international problems and consider innovative approaches to addressing them.

The program is therefore suited to individuals who want their research to contribute to broader discussions surrounding international security and policy.

Faculty Mentoring at Stanford CISAC

A major feature of the fellowship is one-on-one faculty mentoring.

All fellows are mentored by CISAC and/or Freeman Spogli Institute faculty members during their time at Stanford.

Faculty mentors meet regularly with fellows to discuss areas such as:

• Research plans
• Policy interests
• Research progress
• Academic goals
• Development of research projects

This mentoring relationship can be particularly valuable for fellows seeking to strengthen their research methodology, clarify their research direction, develop publications, or connect their academic work with policy questions.

The mentoring structure also provides fellows with direct intellectual engagement with experienced Stanford faculty.

A Collaborative Research Environment

The CISAC Fellowship is designed around a collegial and collaborative environment.

Fellows do not simply conduct research independently. They become part of a broader community of scholars and professionals examining some of the world’s most difficult security challenges.

This environment allows fellows to:

1. Exchange ideas with researchers from different disciplines.
2. Discuss emerging international security issues.
3. Receive feedback on their research.
4. Develop interdisciplinary perspectives.
5. Build professional and academic networks.
6. Explore innovative approaches to complex problems.
7. Engage with Stanford faculty and researchers.

For professionals and academics working on emerging global challenges, this type of research environment can provide valuable intellectual and professional development.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The fellowship may be particularly relevant to individuals whose research, professional work, or academic interests relate to international security.

Potential applicants may include researchers and professionals working in areas such as:

• International security
• International relations
• Political science
• Public policy
• Geopolitics
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Natural sciences
• Nuclear security
• Military studies
• International law
• Technology policy
• Strategic studies
• Defense and security
• Emerging technologies

Applicants should, however, carefully review the official program requirements for the specific fellowship they are interested in because eligibility requirements can vary between fellowship opportunities.

Why Apply for the Stanford CISAC Fellowship?

Being selected for the CISAC Fellowship can provide researchers with an opportunity to spend an academic year within Stanford’s international security research community.

Some of the key benefits of the program include:

Access to a Prestigious Research Environment

CISAC is part of Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, providing fellows with access to a major academic environment focused on international affairs and policy.

Dedicated Research Time

Fellows spend the academic year focused on research and writing, providing valuable time to develop substantial research projects.

Faculty Mentorship

One-on-one mentorship from CISAC and/or FSI faculty gives fellows an opportunity to receive guidance on their research plans, policy interests, and academic goals.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The program brings together people working across different disciplines, creating opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration.

Exposure to Leading Researchers

Fellows interact with Stanford faculty and researchers working on international security and related fields.

Professional and Academic Networking

The fellowship provides an environment in which scholars and professionals can build relationships with researchers and experts working on major international security challenges.

Fellowship Research Areas

The range of available fellowships means that applicants can potentially explore diverse research questions.

The current portfolio includes research related to:

• Artificial intelligence
• Laws of armed conflict
• Strategic stability
• Military competition
• Geopolitics
• India-U.S. security relations
• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Nuclear security
• International security

This broad range reflects the changing nature of global security.

Contemporary security challenges increasingly involve the interaction between technological innovation, international politics, scientific developments, military capabilities, and international law.

Application Timeline

The application for the 2027–2028 academic year opens on October 7, 2026.

Important Date

Application opening date: October 7, 2026

The information provided does not state a final application deadline. Applicants should therefore consult the official CISAC fellowship application page once the application portal opens for the confirmed closing date and complete application requirements.

Because fellowship applications can require substantial preparation, prospective applicants should begin preparing early.

Click HERE for more information about Stanford CISAC Fellowships 2027–2028.

How to Prepare for the Application

Although applicants should follow the official application requirements, prospective candidates can begin preparing by considering the following:

1. Identify Your Research Area

Determine which CISAC fellowship most closely aligns with your research interests and professional background.

2. Develop a Clear Research Direction

Think carefully about the international security problem you want to investigate.

A strong research direction should clearly communicate:

• The problem you want to examine
• Why the problem matters
• The research questions you want to address
• The contribution your research could make
• How the research connects to international security

3. Consider the Policy Relevance

CISAC emphasizes both research and policy interests. Applicants should therefore consider how their proposed research could contribute to understanding or addressing a real-world international security challenge.

4. Review the Specific Fellowship Requirements

Because CISAC offers several fellowship categories, applicants should carefully examine the requirements associated with the specific fellowship opportunities for which they may qualify.

5. Prepare Early

Given the competitive nature of prestigious research fellowships, prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the final stages of the application period to prepare their materials.

APPLY HERE

Stanford CISAC and the Freeman Spogli Institute

The Center for International Security and Cooperation is part of Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

CISAC’s work focuses on major international security questions and brings researchers and professionals together to examine complex problems and develop innovative approaches.

The fellowship program reflects this broader mission by providing researchers with a structured environment for academic inquiry, collaboration, mentorship, and engagement with international security issues.

Meet the CISAC Fellows

CISAC also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about its current fellows.

The fellowship community represents the next generation of researchers and experts working on international security questions.

Prospective applicants can explore current fellows to gain a better understanding of the types of research and professional backgrounds represented within the program.

Where Is the Fellowship Based?

The fellowship is hosted at Stanford University in California, United States.

CISAC is located at:

Encina Hall
616 Jane Stanford Way
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6055
United States

Being based at Stanford provides fellows with the opportunity to participate in the university’s wider intellectual environment while being connected to CISAC’s international security research community.

Who Can Benefit From This Opportunity?

The CISAC Fellowship can be particularly valuable for people who want to develop careers involving:

• Academic research
• International security
• Government and public policy
• International affairs
• Strategic studies
• Technology policy
• Artificial intelligence governance
• Defense and security research
• Nuclear security
• International law
• Science and technology policy
• Research institutions
• Global policy organizations

For researchers seeking to connect academic work with real-world international security challenges, the fellowship offers an environment designed around that intersection.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Applicants should keep several points in mind.

First, CISAC offers multiple fellowship opportunities, and eligibility may differ depending on the fellowship.

Second, applicants are considered for fellowship opportunities for which they are deemed eligible, so it is important to present a strong application that clearly communicates one’s research background and interests.

Third, the fellowship is an in-residence program. Prospective applicants should therefore carefully consider the requirements associated with spending the academic year at Stanford.

Finally, applicants should rely on the official CISAC application information for the latest requirements, deadlines, and application instructions because these details can change.

Conclusion

The Stanford CISAC Fellowships 2027–2028 present a significant opportunity for researchers and professionals interested in some of the most pressing international security challenges facing the world today.

With fellowship opportunities covering artificial intelligence, laws of armed conflict, strategic stability, military competition, geopolitics, India-U.S. security, natural sciences, engineering, nuclear security, and international security, the program offers a broad platform for interdisciplinary research.

Beyond dedicated research and writing time, fellows benefit from one-on-one faculty mentoring, seminars, collaboration with leading researchers, and participation in a vibrant intellectual community at Stanford University.

The application for the 2027–2028 academic year opens on October 7, 2026. Since the information provided does not specify a final closing date, prospective applicants should check the official CISAC fellowship application portal for the confirmed deadline and detailed requirements when applications open.

For researchers and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, develop impactful research, and engage with leading thinkers on international security, the Stanford CISAC Fellowship represents an opportunity worth exploring.

 Discover more global Fellowship Opportunities on Opportunities For Youth.