Call for Applicants: 5th Early Career Nuclear Strategists Workshop, 21-23 June 2023

Objectives and Format

The ECNSW aims to foster a stronger understanding of nuclear issues amongst junior scholars from both sides of the Atlantic. Selected junior scholars will present independent research during a series of workshop sessions and receive feedback from senior scholars, policy practitioners (including senior NATO officials), and fellow presenters. Between these sessions, participants will also attend lectures by senior mentors on a wide variety of nuclear security issues, including lectures on technical subjects relating to nuclear weapons (from the physics of nuclear explosion to sensing and counter-sensing technologies). The workshop will conclude with a nuclear crisis simulation. 

Eligibility

Applicants must be nationals of a NATO member state. [Nationals of Finland and Sweden may also apply].

Applicants must be recent PhD graduates, current PhD students, or BA/MA degree holders with relevant research/professional experience.

Although there is no age limit, the ECNSW is committed to early-career development and will prioritize candidates under the age of 35. 

Submission Materials

Applicants may apply for one of three participation categories:

1. Junior scholars presenting their research:

Junior scholars can apply to present at the workshop by providing a one-page resumé/CV, a brief one-page cover letter explaining their anticipated contribution to the workshop’s proceedings (including research specializations and relevant work experience), and a 500-word paper proposal that includes a clearly stated research question and proposed methodology. The proposal must be analytical in nature (i.e., not purely descriptive) and deal with nuclear-related security issues, including nuclear deterrence, arms control, and non-proliferation/disarmament. Papers exploring interdisciplinary questions relating to nuclear issues are welcome. Accepted presenters will be required to produce a draft paper (minimum 2000 words) prior to the beginning of the workshop.

The NATO Defense College will provide funding for travel and accommodation to admitted junior scholars presenting their work.

2. Non-Presenting Participants

Those who wish to attend the workshop and provide substantive contributions without presenting may apply to do so by submitting a one-page Resumé/CV and a brief one-page cover letter explaining their motivation to attend the ECNSW and their anticipated contribution to the workshop, in particular their ability to substantively contribute/provide feedback to paper presentations.

The NDC cannot provide funding for non-presenting participants. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their parent organizations or other external sources.

3. Government Officials

Government officials who wish to attend the workshop may apply to do so by submitting a one-page Resumé/CV and a brief one-page cover letter explaining their motivation to attend the ECNSW and their anticipated contribution to the workshop’s proceedings.

The NDC cannot provide funding for government officials. Government officials are encouraged to seek funding from their national governments or corresponding institutions.

Application Process

All application materials must be received by 24 March 2023 (23:59 Central European Time; 17:59 Eastern Standard Time).

Accepted presenters will be required to submit draft papers no later than 14 June 2023.

Application materials should be sent via email to [email protected] as a single PDF. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

In the email subject line, please include your full name and the participation category you are applying for.

For further inquiries, please contact [email protected] .

NDC Public Affairs Office