Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship
Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship supports postdoctoral scholars conducting original nuclear security research at CFR to advance policy-relevant understanding and develop creative policy solutions.
Funder: Council on Foreign Relations
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Applications open) | October 30, 2026 (2027–28 application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $110,000 stipend for twelve months; one fellowship awarded annually
Summary: Supports postdoctoral scholars conducting original, policy-relevant nuclear security research at CFR in New York or Washington, DC.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. citizens; fellows work on-site at least four days per week.
Description
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, administered by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and sponsored by the Stanton Foundation, supports twelve months of original, policy-relevant research. It responds to challenges including the erosion of arms control, the integration of emerging technologies such as AI into nuclear systems, escalating great-power rivalry, and growing risks of proliferation and nuclear coercion.
Fellows lead projects of their own design and contribute to CFR’s nuclear security work. Research may address nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, deterrence and force posture, or nuclear energy as it relates to nuclear security. A senior CFR researcher provides mentorship throughout the fellowship, helping fellows advance policy-relevant understanding and develop creative policy solutions.
