Applications are now open for the AIA NRW Fellowship Programme 2027/28 in Bonn, Germany. This program welcomes scholars, researchers, and professionals from around the world to work on projects about international politics, security, and global challenges. If you have ideas on building resilience in a changing world, this fully funded opportunity could be a great fit.
About the AIA NRW Fellowship Programme
The Academy for International Affairs NRW, or AIA NRW, runs this fellowship to spark new ideas on global issues. It brings together people from different fields, such as researchers, policy experts, and practitioners. They work in Bonn to discuss topics like security, governance, and technology.
The program creates a space for teamwork. Fellows join events, share research, and publish their work. It focuses on real-world problems, like how countries can stay strong amid conflicts and changes. AIA NRW supports projects that offer fresh views on international politics.
Fellowship Theme for 2027/28
This year’s theme is “Comprehensive Security for a Changing World: Building Strategic and Technological Resilience.” Europe faces big shifts, including wars, competition between nations, shaky alliances, tech changes, and security risks. These issues make resilience a key topic in politics.
The program looks at security in a wide way. It covers defense, democracy protection, economic strength, tech rules, infrastructure safety, supply chains, and planning for risks. Fellows use mixed approaches from various fields to tackle linked problems.
Fellowship Tracks Available
You can apply to one of two tracks: Academic or Practitioner’s. Each fits different backgrounds.
1. Academic Track
This track suits scholars with a PhD and strong publications. Your project must add to academic talks on international politics. It needs solid methods, new ideas, and clear ties to today’s issues.
Expect to show your research skills through past work. The goal is to deepen knowledge in areas like security or governance.
2. Practitioner’s Track
This path is for professionals in government, diplomacy, NGOs, security, think tanks, or policy roles. Draw from your job experience to offer practical advice.
Projects should link to current events and help shape policies. No PhD required, but real-world expertise matters.
Research Areas and Topics of Interest
The AIA NRW Fellowship 2027/28 covers many areas. These include security teamwork, defense studies, strong democracies, governance systems, tech rules, new technologies, supply chain safety, economic strength, future planning, risk checks, diplomacy, global rules, crisis handling, and world shifts.
Projects can mix fields like politics, tech, and economics. The program likes ideas that connect sectors for better solutions.
Why This Fellowship Matters
This chance lets you do research in Germany, team up with experts, join talks, and build networks. You attend events, publish in their series, and share ideas publicly. It’s ideal for those who want to shape security and resilience policies.
Bonn offers access to European groups and a lively research scene. Fellows gain visibility and links that last beyond the program.
Expectations from Fellows
Once selected, you must live in Bonn from April 2027 to March 2028. Stay active with few long trips away. Join research meetings, events, and colloquia often.
You will help with publications, public outreach, and social media. The focus is on working together and sharing knowledge.
Fellowship Period
The AIA NRW Fellowship 2027/28 runs for 12 months, from April 2027 to March 2028. You reside in Bonn full-time during this window.
Required Application Documents
Everyone submits these basics:
- Completed application form
- Letter of motivation
- Project proposal (up to five pages)
- Short CV
Academic Track Additional Documents
PhD holders add:
- Certified PhD certificate
- Full list of publications
- Copies of 2-3 recent English journal articles
Details of the Project Proposal
Keep your proposal to five pages. Include an abstract, main questions, current research summary, work plan with dates, expected results, and why AIA NRW in Bonn fits best.
Explain how your work adds to talks on security and politics. Make it clear and tied to the theme.
Selection Process
The Academic Board reviews all entries. They check proposal quality, theme fit, your skills, cross-field value, and impact on debates.
Winners hear by mid-September 2026.
Application Deadline
Submit by 15 June 2026. Late entries might not count.
How to Apply
Use the online form on the AIA NRW site. Upload all documents there. For questions, contact Dr. Katja Freistein, Academic Coordinator.
Learn more at the official call page. This program stands out for its focus on real global needs and strong support in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme for the AIA NRW Fellowship 2027/28?
The theme is ‘Comprehensive Security for a Changing World: Building Strategic and Technological Resilience.’ It covers topics like defense, democracy, technology, and economic strength.
What are the two fellowship tracks available?
The Academic Track is for PhD holders with strong publications, while the Practitioner’s Track is for professionals from government, NGOs, or policy roles with real-world experience.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 June 2026. Late entries may not be considered.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Use the online application form on the AIA NRW website and upload your documents. For questions, contact Dr. Katja Freistein, the Academic Coordinator.
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