Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship
Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship supports postdoctoral scholars conducting original research at CFR to advance policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security and develop creative policy solutions.
Funder: Council on Foreign Relations
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (Application deadline) | November 30, 2026 (Online application window closes)
Funding Amounts: $110,000 stipend for twelve months in 2027–28; 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: U.S. citizenship required; fellows must 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 postdoctoral scholars undertaking original research that advances policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security. The program seeks new thinking and creative policy solutions amid the erosion of arms control, emerging technologies such as AI in nuclear systems, great-power rivalry, proliferation, and nuclear coercion.
Fellows spend twelve months at CFR’s New York or Washington, DC, office, leading projects of their own design and contributing to the Council’s nuclear security work. Research topics include nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, deterrence and force posture, and nuclear energy as it relates to nuclear security. Each fellow receives mentorship from a senior CFR researcher.
