CTBTO Research Fellowship 2026: Call for Applications

As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) opening for signature in 2026, the Treaty’s objectives have turned even more relevant than ever. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions and renewed concerns about the possibility of nuclear testing, the urge for thoughtful research, creative ideas, and international engagement in support of the global norm against nuclear testing has never been greater.

This is your opportunity to step forward! The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) invites applications for the CTBTO Research Fellowship 2026.

The program, implemented in cooperation with the Center for Energy and Security Studies (CENESS), is designed to empower the next generation of professionals in nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control by offering a unique opportunity to engage with prominent international experts in the field, connect with like-minded peers from all around the world, and strengthen research and writing skills in the field. Across five previous Fellowship cycles, around 150 emerging experts from about 45 countries have benefited from the program.

The CTBTO Research Fellowship is structured around two core components. One is a virtual webinar series featuring sessions on key CTBT-related topics with leading international experts: from the “founding fathers” of the Treaty and senior practitioners who shaped states policies to those at the forefront of current international expert discourse on nuclear issues. The course will address issues such as the Treaty’s role within the broader global nonproliferation regime, pathways to facilitate the CTBT’s entry into force, national experiences with ratification, regional perspectives on CTBT-related challenges, among others.

In addition to the webinar series, another core component of the Fellowship is a group research project. Under the mentorship of the organizers, selected participants will work in multinational research teams to explore critical CTBT-related issues. The papers will be published in the CTBTO’s annual electronic magazine. The collection of papers prepared by the 2025 cohort can be found here.

The series of webinars is scheduled to run from September to December 2026, with regular sessions typically held on Mondays at 3:00 PM CET (in some exceptional cases, the start time may be adjusted due to the speaker’s time zone). An Introductory Working Session for selected participants, which will present the program and its outline, is scheduled for 7 September.

The CTBTO Research Fellowship 2026 will be officially launched at a High-Level Opening Session with CTBTO Executive Secretary Dr. Robert Floyd, taking place on 9 September (Wednesday), at 3:00 PM CET.

More than a learning experience, the Fellowship provides a journey of building connections and a gateway to a worldwide network of experts and peers passionate about nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control.

Do not miss your chance to become part of it! Apply for the CTBTO Research Fellowship by 19 July 2026 using this link.

Due to the limited spots available, applications will be subject to review by the organizers. It is expected that applicants will be informed of the results of the selection process no later than 10 August.