Navigating a Transforming World Order: Fellowships on Security and Technology
News about crises, conflicts, and the global security situation is coming in ever shorter intervals: we are all witnessing the transformation of a former world order - with an open ending. The foundation - with this funding program - would like to contribute to a better understanding of these fundamental changes and support the development of ways to deal with them. The focus is on a holistic understanding of security, a European perspective, and effective cross-sectoral exchange. Wanted: the next generation of security experts!
- area of research: all
- type of funding: postdoctoral fellowships
- amount: max. 450.000 EUR
- duration: max. 3 years (24 months for research and 12 months for outreach activities)
- target group: early career researchers up to 5 years after completing their PhD
- The foundation offers a coordinating program with external partners for the fellows and expects participation in respective activities.
Thu, 9 Apr 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Questions on our funding offer? Join our online Q&A session
Are you considering to apply for this scheme? In our online Q&A on 9 April at 10 a.m., we will give an introduction to the program and answer your questions. Registration is not required, the access link will be provided, here, prior to the event.
What is funded?
The call targets young postdoctoral researchers who do research on the nexus of security and technology with a distinct European perspective. Respective research projects may, for example, reflect on the role of artificial intelligence, new technologies, and the increasing importance of space in the context of security and defense, as well as address issues such as arms control, deterrence, and ethics.
We are looking for the security experts of the future who, on the basis of multi-perspective research approaches, theories, and methods, conduct research on security in a holistic understanding. At the same time they should overcome the boundaries between science, politics, and practice by developing evidence-based solutions for the global transformations of the security order – and to provide effective policy advice.
More information on the funding offer Guidelines (PDF, 183.0 KB)
The fellowship program is embedded in further activities:
- Research groups: Call for proposals for international, interdisciplinary, and, where appropriate, trans-sectoral consortia of established scientists (planned for 2026) on global security and peace architecture.
- Coordinating program: Various activities with European partner foundations, renowned scientific partners, and think tanks for grant recipients and external stakeholders to establish a European security forum.
How it works: From application to decision
1/ Terms and conditions
Please read the guidelines carefully and familiarize yourself with the application conditions.
2/ Prepare your application
Use the documents provided here when preparing your application.
3/ Submit application
Submit your application in electronic form via the Funding Platform.
4/ Review and decision
The assessment will be carried out in a two-stage process by an international and interdisciplinary expert panel. We strive to announce the results of the first stage in mid-August 2026. Successful candidates will then be invited to an in-person selection workshop in Hanover, Germany, which consists of different components focusing on a scientific and personal assessment.
5/ Additional funding opportunities
Within this funding initiative, the Volkswagen Foundation offers its grantees the additional funding opportunities listed here.
- Data Reuse – Additional Funding for the Preparation and Storage of Research Data
- Equal opportunity funds
Contact
Dr. Adelheid Wessler
+49 (0) 511 8381-282
wessler@volkswagenstiftung.de
