Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028 at Hertie School in Berlin, Germany

Spread the love

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028 at Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, offer an exceptional research opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members seeking to advance their expertise in nuclear security, international relations, security policy, engineering, physics, and related disciplines. Funded by the Stanton Foundation, the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program supports independent, interdisciplinary research designed to strengthen policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security challenges and develop the next generation of thought leaders in the field.

Applications are open for the 2027/2028 academic year, with eligible researchers invited to submit their applications before the 30 November 2026 deadline. Selected fellows will undertake a year-long period of independent research at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany. The fellowship offers a substantial financial stipend, with postdoctoral researchers receiving $110,000 and junior faculty members receiving $130,000, subject to the programme’s stated payment arrangements.

For researchers interested in the intersection of international security, nuclear policy, technological developments, and global governance, the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships provide an opportunity to conduct meaningful research in an environment focused on addressing contemporary international security challenges.

About the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program is an annual research fellowship supported by the Stanton Foundation and hosted by the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany.

The programme was established to encourage the development of emerging thought leaders who can contribute to the understanding and management of nuclear security issues. Nuclear security remains an important area of international policy because of its implications for international peace, strategic stability, arms control, non-proliferation, technological development, and the prevention of nuclear threats.

Addressing these challenges requires more than expertise in a single academic discipline. Nuclear security intersects with political science, international relations, public policy, engineering, physics, law, and other fields. The fellowship therefore welcomes applicants whose academic and professional backgrounds can contribute to a broader understanding of nuclear security issues.

Through the programme, selected fellows will conduct independent research intended to advance policy-relevant knowledge. This means that research should contribute not only to academic discussions but also to a clearer understanding of the policy questions, institutional challenges, and strategic decisions associated with nuclear security.

The programme also seeks to support the next generation of researchers and academics who can influence future debates, research agendas, and policy responses in this field.

About Hertie School and the Centre for International Security

The fellowship is hosted by Hertie School, a university based in Berlin, Germany, known for its focus on public policy, governance, and international affairs.

The host institution’s Centre for International Security provides the research environment for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program. Its focus on international security makes it a relevant setting for examining questions involving strategic competition, international cooperation, emerging security threats, and the policies developed to address them.

Selected fellows will be based at the Centre for International Security for the duration of their fellowship. This provides an institutional setting in which to pursue an independent research agenda focused on nuclear security while contributing to a broader research community.

For academics working on security-related questions, the fellowship offers an opportunity to concentrate on a substantial research project in a location that brings together scholarship and policy-oriented discussions.

Learn more about the host institution through the official Hertie School website and explore its research activities.

Objectives of the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program has a specific intellectual and policy-oriented purpose. It aims to stimulate the development of future thought leaders by supporting interdisciplinary research that improves understanding of nuclear security issues.

The programme’s major objectives include the following:

1. Advancing nuclear security research

The fellowship supports research that contributes to a deeper understanding of nuclear security. Fellows are expected to undertake independent projects that examine relevant questions, challenges, or developments in the field.

Depending on an applicant’s background and proposed research, relevant subjects may include nuclear policy, international security, strategic stability, non-proliferation, security technologies, or other issues connected to nuclear security.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed projects clearly relate to the fellowship’s central purpose.

2. Encouraging interdisciplinary research

Nuclear security is influenced by political, technological, scientific, legal, and institutional factors. The programme recognises the importance of bringing different areas of expertise together to understand these challenges.

Researchers from disciplines such as international relations, political science, engineering, physics, and law may be well positioned to contribute different perspectives to nuclear security research.

The interdisciplinary emphasis means that applicants should demonstrate how their expertise and proposed research can contribute to the wider understanding of the subject.

3. Supporting policy-relevant understanding

An important objective of the fellowship is to advance policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security issues. Research should therefore be capable of informing discussions about the challenges faced by policymakers, governments, international institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.

Applicants should explain the significance of their proposed research and how it could contribute to a better understanding of nuclear security policy.

4. Developing future thought leaders

By supporting researchers and junior academics, the programme seeks to strengthen the next generation of experts who will contribute to nuclear security scholarship and policy discussions.

The fellowship gives selected researchers a year-long period to focus on independent research, develop their ideas, and produce work that advances understanding of important security questions.

Eligibility Criteria for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship has a specialised eligibility profile. It is designed for researchers who have progressed beyond the undergraduate and ordinary postgraduate study stages and are pursuing postdoctoral research or an academic career.

Applicants should carefully review the following eligibility information before preparing their applications.

1. Postdoctoral researchers

The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers. Applicants in this category should have completed doctoral-level training and be engaged in research appropriate to their academic background.

Postdoctoral researchers interested in nuclear policy, international relations, security studies, engineering, physics, or related disciplines may consider applying if their experience and proposed research are relevant to nuclear security.

Eligible applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their research background through their curriculum vitae, personal statement, project proposal, and other supporting documents.

2. Tenure-track junior faculty members

The programme is also open to tenure-track junior faculty members.

This category is intended for early-career academics pursuing university teaching and research careers. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their academic experience, research interests, and capacity to undertake an independent research project.

Junior faculty members from relevant academic disciplines may apply, provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

3. Junior faculty members in law

Junior faculty members at law schools are also eligible to apply. In addition, junior faculty members whose terminal degree is a law degree may qualify.

This provision recognises that nuclear security involves legal and regulatory questions as well as political and technical considerations.

Applicants with legal backgrounds may be particularly interested in research examining the legal dimensions of nuclear security, international security arrangements, or related policy questions, provided that their proposals align with the fellowship’s purpose.

4. Relevant academic and professional experience

The programme defines relevant prior experience broadly. Applicants may come from several disciplines, including:

Nuclear policy.
Security studies and international security.
International relations.
Engineering.
Physics.
Law and legal studies.
Other related academic or professional fields relevant to nuclear security.

Applicants should not assume that eligibility is limited to researchers with a degree specifically titled Nuclear Security. The published eligibility information identifies several related disciplines, reflecting the programme’s interdisciplinary approach.

Nevertheless, applicants must demonstrate a credible connection between their academic or professional experience and the proposed nuclear security research.

5. Country of citizenship or residence

The published eligibility information supplied for this opportunity does not specify a restricted list of eligible nationalities or countries of residence.

Prospective applicants should consult the official fellowship announcement and application portal for any additional requirements relating to citizenship, residence, work authorisation, or other administrative matters.

International applicants should not assume that they are ineligible simply because they are based outside Germany. However, any country-specific requirements should be confirmed directly with the programme administrators.

6. Educational qualifications

The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members, rather than applicants seeking an undergraduate scholarship or a conventional master’s degree programme.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic qualifications and current professional status fit one of the eligible categories.

The programme’s published information does not provide a separate list of minimum undergraduate grades, a required master’s degree classification, or a specified language-test score. Applicants should consult the official application portal if they need clarification about additional academic documentation or qualification requirements.

7. Who is this fellowship suitable for?

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships may be particularly suitable for:

Postdoctoral researchers seeking dedicated time to advance an independent nuclear security research project.
Junior academics pursuing a tenure-track university career.
Researchers in international relations or political science whose work directly addresses nuclear security policy.
Scholars in engineering or physics investigating issues relevant to nuclear security.
Eligible law academics researching the legal and policy dimensions of nuclear security.
Researchers seeking to connect interdisciplinary scholarship with practical policy questions.

Important: The programme is a specialised research fellowship. Applicants should evaluate their eligibility based on their academic or professional status, research experience, and the relevance of their proposed project, rather than relying on their general interest in international affairs alone.

Fellowship Benefits and Stipend

One of the most significant features of the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program is its substantial financial stipend.

The programme provides different stipend amounts according to the fellow’s professional category.

Fellowship category	Annual stipend
Postdoctoral researchers	$110,000
Junior faculty members	$130,000

According to the published announcement, stipends will be paid in euros using a fixed conversion rate as of 5 November 2026.

Applicants should refer to the official programme information for clarification about the applicable euro amounts, payment arrangements, and any additional financial conditions.

Financial support for postdoctoral researchers

Eligible postdoctoral researchers selected for the fellowship will receive a stipend of $110,000.

This financial support is intended for researchers undertaking the fellowship’s year-long independent research period. It makes the programme a substantial opportunity for scholars who want to dedicate time to a major research project.

Financial support for junior faculty members

Eligible junior faculty members selected for the fellowship will receive a stipend of $130,000.

The amount specified for junior faculty members is higher than the postdoctoral stipend. Applicants should ensure that they apply under the appropriate professional category and verify any documentation needed to establish their status.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

The published announcement confirms the stipend amounts for both eligible categories. However, it does not explicitly specify whether separate funding is available for relocation, accommodation, travel, health insurance, dependants, or other expenses.

Applicants should therefore confirm the full financial terms with the fellowship administrators rather than assume that every associated cost will be covered.

The programme is a research fellowship with a substantial stipend, but the precise scope of additional financial benefits should be verified through the official application information.

Fellowship Duration, Location and Research Structure

Duration

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program provides a year-long period of independent research.

The fellowship begins in September of each year. For the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants should consult the programme administrators for confirmation of the exact commencement date and any associated onboarding arrangements.

Location

Selected fellows will be based at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany.

Applicants should take this location into account when considering their availability, relocation arrangements, and ability to participate in the fellowship.

The published announcement identifies Berlin as the fellowship location but does not provide a detailed description of accommodation arrangements or relocation support.

Research structure

The programme centres on independent research. Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue a research project designed to advance policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security.

The research structure is particularly relevant for academics who already have a clear research interest and want dedicated time to develop it into a substantial scholarly contribution.

Applicants should prepare a proposal that explains the problem they intend to investigate, the importance of the research, and its relevance to nuclear security.

The programme’s interdisciplinary focus also makes it important for applicants to explain how their research relates to broader debates in nuclear security, even when their primary academic background is in a related discipline.

The published information does not specify a compulsory coursework schedule, a prescribed number of seminars, or a detailed list of research deliverables. Prospective applicants should seek clarification about any additional academic expectations from the Centre for International Security.

Application Requirements: Documents You Must Prepare

Applicants for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028 are required to submit several documents through the official online application portal.

Preparing these materials carefully is essential because they allow the selection committee to assess an applicant’s qualifications, research background, professional standing, and proposed contribution to nuclear security research.

1. Current curriculum vitae

Applicants must submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV).

The CV should provide a clear overview of the applicant’s academic background, research experience, professional appointments, publications, and other relevant achievements.

For a research fellowship, applicants should make their research expertise and experience easy to identify. Relevant publications, academic projects, research appointments, and experience connected to nuclear security or related fields may help demonstrate suitability.

Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and that the document reflects their current professional status.

2. Two letters of recommendation

Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation.

Recommendation letters can help the selection committee understand an applicant’s research capabilities, academic development, professional experience, and potential to contribute to the field.

Applicants should identify appropriate referees well before the deadline. Where possible, they should choose individuals who can provide detailed and credible assessments of their research ability and professional suitability.

Applicants should also check the application portal for instructions concerning the format, submission method, and any requirements that apply to referees.

3. Personal statement

A personal statement is another required component of the application.

Applicants should use this document to explain their academic and professional background, research interests, and reasons for applying to the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program.

A strong statement should establish a clear connection between the applicant’s experience, their proposed research, and the fellowship’s goal of advancing policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security.

Applicants should avoid relying exclusively on general statements about their interest in international affairs. Instead, they should explain what they hope to investigate and why the fellowship is an appropriate setting for that work.

4. Project proposal

Applicants must submit a project proposal outlining their intended research.

The project proposal is a central part of the application because the programme is designed to support independent research.

Applicants should clearly identify the research problem, explain why it matters, and demonstrate how the project could contribute to a better understanding of nuclear security issues.

A well-developed proposal should establish the relevance of the research to the fellowship’s objectives and show that the applicant has a credible plan for investigating the subject.

Researchers from interdisciplinary backgrounds should make the connection between their expertise and nuclear security explicit.

5. Academic transcripts, if requested

Applicants may also be asked to provide official undergraduate and graduate school transcripts from every institution attended since completing high school.

According to the published announcement, these transcripts are not necessarily required from every applicant at the initial submission stage; they may be requested as part of the application process.

Applicants should nevertheless be prepared to provide the relevant official documents if requested. Obtaining transcripts from multiple institutions can take time, so it is sensible to identify the necessary records before submitting an application.

How to Apply for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028

Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal. The programme explicitly states that applications submitted through other methods will not be accepted.

Follow these steps to apply.

Step 1: Review the official fellowship announcement

Begin by reading the information provided by Hertie School’s Centre for International Security. Confirm that your academic or professional status fits one of the eligible categories and that your research interests are relevant to nuclear security.

Step 2: Develop your research proposal

Identify a research question that aligns with the fellowship’s purpose. Explain the issue you want to investigate, why it matters, and how the proposed work could advance policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security.

Step 3: Update your curriculum vitae

Prepare a current CV that accurately presents your academic background, research experience, publications, professional appointments, and relevant achievements.

Step 4: Prepare your personal statement

Write a statement explaining your research interests, professional objectives, and reasons for applying. Make the relationship between your experience and the fellowship’s objectives clear.

Step 5: Request two recommendation letters

Contact your referees early enough to allow them to prepare the required letters. Confirm the programme’s instructions for submitting these documents.

Step 6: Prepare any additional academic records

Be ready to provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts if requested during the application process.

Step 7: Submit the application online

Access the official application portal using the link provided at the end of this article. Complete the application and submit the required documents through the portal’s designated process.

Do not rely on email or other submission methods as alternatives to the official portal.

Step 8: Submit before the deadline

Ensure that the application is submitted by 30 November 2026. It is advisable to complete the process well before the deadline to allow time to review your documents and address any technical or administrative issues.

Important Dates and Application Deadline

Applicants should pay close attention to the following dates for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program 2027/2028.

Important detail	Date or information
Fellowship cycle	Academic year 2027/2028
Application deadline	30 November 2026
Expected selection period	By February, according to the programme announcement
Fellowship commencement	September of each year
Fellowship duration	One year
Fellowship location	Hertie School’s Centre for International Security, Berlin, Germany

The deadline for applications is 30 November 2026. Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their materials, particularly because two recommendation letters and potentially additional academic records are involved.

The programme indicates that selection decisions will be made by February. Applicants should consult the official announcement for any updates to the timeline and for confirmation of the precise dates associated with the 2027/2028 fellowship cycle.

How Fellows Will Be Selected

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program awards up to two fellowships each year.

Candidates will be selected by a committee composed of Hertie School faculty members and distinguished external experts in nuclear security.

The committee structure brings together academic expertise and specialist knowledge of the field. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application presents a coherent research agenda and clearly establishes their suitability for the programme.

The published announcement does not provide a detailed scoring rubric or a numerical weighting for individual application documents. Nevertheless, applicants should take care to submit a strong, complete application that demonstrates:

Their eligibility for the fellowship.
Their academic and professional preparation for independent research.
The relevance of their research proposal to nuclear security.
The potential contribution of their proposed work to policy-relevant understanding.
The coherence of their research interests and the objectives of the fellowship.

Because only up to two fellowships are awarded annually, the opportunity is competitive. Applicants should give particular attention to the quality and clarity of their project proposals and supporting documents.

About the Stanton Foundation

The Stanton Foundation funds the Nuclear Security Fellows Program as part of its commitment to addressing nuclear security challenges.

The foundation was established by Frank Stanton, the former president of CBS, who is widely regarded as an influential executive in the history of electronic communications.

In 1954, Dwight Eisenhower appointed Stanton to a committee tasked with developing the first comprehensive plan for the survival of the United States following a nuclear attack.

The foundation’s support for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program seeks to perpetuate Stanton’s efforts to address the challenges associated with nuclear threats and security.

Through its support for research, the foundation contributes to the development of expertise and knowledge that can inform contemporary discussions about nuclear security.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships

1. Who can apply for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships?

The programme is open to postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members. Junior faculty members at law schools and those whose terminal degree is a law degree are also eligible. Applicants should have relevant experience in nuclear policy, security, international relations, engineering, physics, or related disciplines.

2. What is the deadline for the 2027/2028 fellowship?

The application deadline is 30 November 2026.

3. How much is the fellowship stipend?

Postdoctoral researchers will receive a stipend of $110,000, while junior faculty members will receive $130,000. The stipend will be paid in euros using a fixed conversion rate as of 5 November 2026.

4. Where will the fellowship take place?

Selected fellows will be based at the Hertie School’s Centre for International Security in Berlin, Germany.

5. How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship provides a year-long period of independent research, beginning in September of each year.

6. How many fellows are selected annually?

Up to two fellows are selected each year.

7. What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a current CV, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a project proposal. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts may also be requested.

8. Can I apply by email?

No. Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal. The programme states that applications submitted through other methods will not be accepted.

9. When will successful applicants be selected?

The programme states that selections will be made by February. Applicants should consult the official announcement for any further information about the notification timeline.

10. Where can I ask questions about the fellowship?

Questions can be directed to the programme administrators at stanton@hertie-school.org.

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships 2027/2028 at Hertie School offer a significant research opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members seeking to advance their work in nuclear security. With stipends of $110,000 for postdoctoral researchers and $130,000 for junior faculty members, a year-long independent research period, and a host institution based in Berlin, Germany, the programme supports interdisciplinary research with the potential to inform important policy discussions.

Eligible researchers should carefully prepare their CV, two recommendation letters, personal statement, and project proposal before submitting their applications through the official portal. With only up to two fellowships awarded annually, early preparation and a clearly articulated research agenda are particularly important.

Interested applicants should review the official fellowship information and submit their applications before the 30 November 2026 deadline.

Featured