UK Nuclear Deterrence Futures Fellowship

The UK Nuclear Deterrence Network is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of its Deterrence Futures Fellowship.

📖 About UK Nuclear Deterrence Futures Fellowship

This 18-month programme is designed for early- and mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of relevant professional or academic experience. It aims to deepen participants' knowledge and engagement with the evolving concept and practice of deterrence and its role in UK and international security.

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: June 20, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 02, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Opportunity Location: United Kingdom
• Sponsor Organisation: Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)

Target Audience

Applications are welcomed from citizens of NATO member states working across:

• Academia
• Think tanks
• NGOs
• Governments
• Armed forces
• Private sector

📚 Fellowship Themes

Fellows will engage analytically with the following thematic areas:

• Foundations of UK and Allied nuclear deterrence
• Nuclear, conventional, and integrated deterrence, including emerging and disruptive technologies
• The politics of nuclear deterrence and its interaction with disarmament efforts and platforms
• Escalation management and strategic communications
• Evolving capabilities of Russia and China and the changing nuclear order

🗓 Fellowship Programming

The programme includes:

• Five in-person meetings
• Two site visits (one in the UK, one elsewhere in Europe)
• Regular online professional development seminars, meetings with experts, and tailored programming
• Development of policy briefs, with the option to write short-form policy articles related to the UK Nuclear Deterrence Network's three areas of focus

🎁 Benefits

• Opportunity to connect with senior officials and top international experts
• Participation in scenario-based discussions and exercises
• Professional development support
• Travel and accommodation costs for in-person engagements covered by the UK Nuclear Deterrence Network

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The Fellowship is open to:

• British citizens
• Citizens of other NATO member states currently residing in the United Kingdom
• A limited number of spaces are reserved for citizens of any NATO member state residing in other European NATO states

Additionally:

• Individuals of all backgrounds, including people of colour, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply
• Fellows must embrace an open mindset and voice disagreements respectfully

📅 Application Process

• Apply here
• Application Deadline: 02 July, 2025

For more details, visit the UK Nuclear Deterrence Futures Fellowship Application Portal.

• The fellowship provides an opportunity for Fellows to connect with senior officials and top international experts, participate in scenario-based discussions and exercises, and receive professional development support.
• The UK Nuclear Deterrence Network will, however, cover all travel and accommodation costs for the programme’s in-person engagements.