The AIA NRW Fellowship 2027/28 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for researchers and practitioners working in the field of international politics, security studies, and global resilience. The program will take place in Bonn, Germany, and brings together scholars, policy experts, and professionals to explore emerging challenges in global security and governance.
This fellowship is designed around the concept of “Comprehensive Security for a Changing World: Building Strategic and Technological Resilience”, focusing on how modern geopolitical shifts are reshaping international stability, economic systems, and democratic institutions.
Europe is currently facing rising geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and shifting alliances. In this context, the fellowship encourages participants to develop forward-looking research that contributes to policy innovation and strategic thinking.
WhatsApp ChannelFellowship Host and Location
Host Institution: Academy of International Affairs NRW
Program Location: Bonn, Germany
Fellowship Period: April 2027 – March 2028
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
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Focus Areas of the Fellowship
Applicants are encouraged to design projects around key global and regional challenges, including:
- International security and defence cooperation
- Democratic resilience and governance systems
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Technological governance and digital security
- Global supply chain stability
- Strategic foresight and risk analysis
- Economic and political resilience in modern conflicts
The program encourages interdisciplinary thinking, combining political science, economics, technology studies, and strategic policy research.
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Academic Track and Practitioner Track
The fellowship offers two distinct pathways depending on professional background:
Academic Track
This track is designed for researchers and academics working on international politics and security-related disciplines. It requires a strong research foundation and contribution to ongoing academic debates.
Practitioner’s Track
This track is designed for professionals with field experience in policy, governance, security institutions, or international organizations. It focuses on real-world insights and applied perspectives.
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Fellowship Benefits and Environment
Selected fellows will work in a highly interactive research environment in Bonn. The program emphasizes academic exchange, policy discussions, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Participants will benefit from:
- Full residency in Bonn during the fellowship period
- Access to research seminars and academic colloquia
- Opportunities to publish and present work
- Engagement with policy and academic networks
- Exposure to interdisciplinary security research
The fellowship also encourages public engagement, including social and digital knowledge sharing.
Eligibility Criteria of AIA NRW Fellowship
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic or professional engagement in international politics or related fields. Requirements vary slightly depending on the track:
For both tracks:
- Relevant academic or professional background
- Strong project proposal focused on international politics or security themes
- Ability to commit to full-time residency in Bonn
For Academic Track:
- PhD certificate (required)
- List of publications
- 2–3 recent academic publications
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file including:
- Motivation letter
- Research or project proposal (max 5 pages)
- CV (max 2 pages)
Academic track applicants must also include:
- Certified PhD documentation
- Publication list
- Sample academic papers
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official fellowship system. Candidates are expected to clearly define their research objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.
Applicants should also highlight how their work contributes to the broader theme of comprehensive security and global resilience.
Important Deadline
Last date to apply: 31 May 2026
Fellowship decisions will be announced by mid-September 2026
Conclusion
The AIA NRW Fellowship 2027/28 is a strong opportunity for individuals working on international politics, security policy, and strategic research. With its focus on real-world global challenges, it provides a platform to connect academic research with practical policy impact in one of Europe’s key research hubs.
