Stiftung Internationaler Karlspreis zu Aachen - Charlemagne Prize Academy is hiring a Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025/26

We are seeking junior researchers and policy experts under 35 who want to drive groundbreaking research on future-proofing Europe. The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is a one-year, non-residential programme sponsored by the Charlemagne Prize Academy. Each Fellowship provides a €20,000 stipend for an independent research project. **We are looking for innovative research ideas and creative approaches to Europe's challenges of tomorrow!** ## Tasks **About the Programme:** As a catalyst for European integration and knowledge exchange within 'Generation Europe', the Academy aims to identify future challenges and develop solutions through annual research fellowships. Innovative approaches will be linked with decision-making and supported by a €20,000 grant. In line with the Charlemagne Prize objectives, the programme promotes European unity, mutual understanding, and embedding the European idea across society. **Annual Focus Topic: Shield or Share: How to Navigate Europe in Times of Division?** Europe stands at a critical crossroads, facing shifting geopolitical alliances, economic volatility, resource scarcity, and urgent demands for digital sovereignty and sustainability. We invite bold, cross-disciplinary research proposals exploring how Europe can strategically "shield" its foundational interests while responsibly "sharing" values, alliances, resources, and objectives under complex pressures. The following points are intended to inspire and stimulate research projects we're eager to support in the upcoming academic year: - **New Global Landscape:** How can Europe recalibrate its foreign and economic partnerships across the EU, NATO, the "Global South", and other strategic blocs to balance autonomy and alliance? - **Economic Resilience and Resource Security:** In the face of inflation, supply chain fragility, and global competition, how can European economic systems distinguish themselves and buffer the continent? What strategies can ensure innovation, production, and access to critical raw materials—such as rare earths, semiconductors, or green energy components—without compromising values or creating dependency? - **Digital and Ecological Transformation:** How can resilience be embedded in digital and environmental frameworks? What infrastructure—from cyber capabilities to data platforms—must Europe build to preserve democratic integrity in an AI-driven world? How can Europe lead actions towards sustainability and nature conservation? - **Preparing for the Next Crisis:** How might Europe respond to escalating ideological pressure, future pandemics, or demographic shifts? Which emerging vectors warrant immediate attention and research? - **Cutting-Edge Research:** How does your research endeavour position Europe as a top-tier research haven? How can Europe, amid current transformations, tangibly create to outcompete on the global stage and lead through innovation? The Fellowship programme welcomes research projects from all disciplines offering concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to addressing complex European challenges. We strongly encourage young scholars, professionals, and employees from scientific, political, or public institutions to submit research proposals for the 2025/26 research year by August 17. **Application and Selection Process:** The Fellowship programme is open to all projects and disciplines offering concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to addressing the annual focus topic. You will need to upload the following documents [in English]: - Your CV (pdf) - mandatory - Your Research Proposal (pdf) - mandatory - Your Cover Letter (pdf) - mandatory - Supporting documents, references, and certificates (as one pdf file) - optional After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation email. Applications will be checked for completeness and criteria fulfillment before review by our high-level, diverse selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to brief (approx. 10-15 minutes) online interviews. The Foundation Board will make the final decision in October, after which all applicants will be informed. If selected, a grant agreement and mentoring contract will be drawn up before the official stipend award ceremony in autumn. ## Requirements - Postgraduate degree (preferably Master's or equivalent) - Younger than 35 years of age - Professional English language skills (minimum C1) - Citizen of an EU member state or resident in Europe during project implementation - Submission of an innovative research proposal, compatible with the annual focus - Current and prospective relevance of the proposed research question - Proposal of a host institution for the Fellowship duration **Profile:** - University graduates, young professionals, and employees of scientific, political, economic, or cultural institutions/organisations - Individuals or groups interested in researching a specified topic within 12 months - Reliable personalities with previous research experience ## Benefits **What do we offer?** - **Expanding your network:** Engage with Fellows, alumni, and impressive personalities through networking events, the Charlemagne Prize Summit, and award ceremony. Connect with specialists at academic and professional levels. - **Financial support:** A grant to implement your creative, individual research project independently. - **Administrative and scientific support:** A mentor expert in your research field will guide your implementation and help you achieve milestones. - **Time for your thoughts:** Implement an individual project before entering professional world or academia, offering a unique opportunity for scholarly engagement. - **Global stage acclimatisation:** Present your work and engage with international decision-makers, building confidence and skills in promoting ideas. - **Standing out:** An exceptional opportunity to distinguish your CV and align with individual career ambitions. **Application deadline:** 17 August 2025 We only accept applications submitted via our **online application portal!** We look forward to receiving your application!