Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2027–28 at Hertie School: $110,000–$130,000 Stipend for Research in Berlin
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program 2027–28 at Hertie School offers a year-long opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty to conduct independent research on nuclear security issues in Berlin, Germany.
- Funding$110,000
- Duration1 year
- Application feeFree
Overview
The fellowship is designed to support the next generation of thought leaders working on nuclear security, particularly issues relevant to the European theatre. Selected fellows will begin their independent research in September 2027 and receive a substantial stipend for the fellowship year.
Apply by: 30 November 2026
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program at Hertie School aims to develop the next generation of thought leaders in nuclear security.
Fellows undertake a year-long period of independent research beginning in September 2027. The proposed research must have a non-US-centric focus and address nuclear security issues, particularly those relevant to the European theatre.
Research may focus on topics including:
- Nuclear war
- Nuclear terrorism
- Nuclear proliferation
- Nuclear weapons
- Nuclear force posture
- Nuclear energy, where related to nuclear security
The programme is particularly relevant for researchers interested in the intersection of nuclear security, international relations, policy, science, technology and security.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Research Fellowship
- Host institution
- Hertie School
- Location
- Berlin, Germany
- Duration
- 1 year
- Start date
- September 2027
- Fellowship
- Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows Program
- Eligible applicants
- Postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty
Funding
- Postdoctoral stipend
- $110,000
- Junior faculty stipend
- $130,000
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Research area
- Nuclear Security
Who can apply
The fellowship is specifically open to:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Tenure-track junior faculty members
- Junior faculty at law schools
- Researchers whose terminal degree is a law degree
Applicants should have relevant experience in areas connected to nuclear security.
Relevant disciplinary backgrounds may include:
- Nuclear policy
- Security
- International relations
- Engineering
- Physics
- Law
- Related fields
This is therefore a highly specialised research opportunity and is not intended for general master’s students, MBA applicants or early-career applicants without doctoral/postdoctoral or junior faculty status.
The proposed research must focus on non-US-centric nuclear security topics.
The fellowship particularly welcomes research connected to issues such as nuclear weapons, proliferation, nuclear terrorism, nuclear war, nuclear force posture and nuclear energy as it relates to nuclear security.
Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project contributes to understanding nuclear security beyond a primarily US-focused perspective.
Applicants are required to submit:
1. Current CV
A current curriculum vitae outlining your academic background, research experience, publications and relevant professional experience.
2. Two Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation.
The letters may also be submitted directly by the recommenders via email, according to the vacancy announcement.
3. Personal Statement
A personal statement of no more than 500 words.
The statement should explain:
- Your long-term career goals
- How those goals relate to the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship
- Why the fellowship is relevant to your academic or professional development
4. Research Project Proposal
Applicants must submit a project proposal of no more than 1,500 words.
The proposal should explain:
- The proposed research topic
- How the project relates to non-US nuclear security
- Research methodology
- Potential findings
- Possible policy recommendations
Applicants may also be asked to provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended since completing high school.
What you get
The fellowship provides a stipend to selected fellows.
According to the current vacancy announcement:
- Postdoctoral researchers: $110,000 stipend
- Tenure-track junior faculty: $130,000 stipend
The stipend will be paid in euros using a fixed conversion rate as of 5 November 2026.
The vacancy announcement does not specify a separate tuition component because this is a research fellowship rather than a degree programme.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online Apply button.
The vacancy announcement states that no other method of application submission will be accepted.
Applicants should prepare their CV, recommendation letters, personal statement and research proposal before submitting the application.
Final Takeaway
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2027–28 is a highly specialised research opportunity for established academic researchers working in nuclear security and related fields.
With stipends of $110,000 for postdoctoral researchers and $130,000 for junior faculty, it is particularly attractive for eligible researchers seeking a year of independent research in Berlin.
However, applicants should carefully check the eligibility criteria before applying because the fellowship is not a general scholarship or graduate programme. Applicants must fall within the stated postdoctoral or tenure-track junior faculty categories and propose research with a non-US-centric nuclear security focus.
Deadline: 30 November 2026
Official Application
Apply through the official Hertie School vacancy page and submit all required documents through the designated application system.
How Potenue Can Help You
Potenue helps you discover verified scholarships, fellowships, internships, research positions and other global opportunities. Explore more opportunities based on your eligibility, academic background and career goals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a substantial stipend of $110,000 for postdoctoral researchers and $130,000 for junior faculty members. The vacancy announcement does not describe the award using a specific “fully funded” label or provide a separate breakdown of other expenses.
How much is the Stanton Fellowship stipend?
Postdoctoral researchers receive a $110,000 stipend, while junior faculty members receive a $130,000 stipend. The stipend is paid in euros using a fixed conversion rate.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
The programme is open to postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members. Junior faculty at law schools and researchers with a law degree as their terminal degree are also eligible.
Can master’s students apply?
No. The stated eligibility is for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty members. This is not a master’s scholarship.
Can MBA students apply?
No, not based on the stated eligibility. The fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers and tenure-track junior faculty conducting specialised research on nuclear security.
What subjects can the research cover?
Research can address nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, nuclear force posture and nuclear energy when related to nuclear security.
Does the research have to focus on the United States?
No. The project must have a non-US-centric focus.
When does the fellowship begin?
The year-long research period begins in September 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 30 November 2026.
Is there an application fee?
The vacancy announcement does not specify an application fee.
Potenue newsletter
How many fully funded fellowships closed last month without you knowing?
Subscribe to Potenue to discover fully funded scholarships, fellowships, internships, grants and global programs worth applying to. Free, and only from official sources.
