Stiftung Internationaler Karlspreis zu Aachen - Charlemagne Prize Academy

Education Administration Programs

1-10

Germany

We are seeking junior researchers and policy experts under the age of 35 who would like to conduct an independent research project on how to future-proof Europe.  
  
The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is a one-year, non-residential programme sponsored by the Charlemagne Prize Academy. Each Fellowship carries a stipend of €20,000 per research project. 

**We are looking for innovative research ideas and creative approaches to Europe’s challenges of tomorrow!**

## Tasks

**About the Programme:**

As a contribution to European integration and to promote knowledge exchange within the 'Generation Europe', the Academy aims to identify future challenges and, by awarding annual research fellowships, to develop solutions at an early stage. Innovative approaches are to be linked with decision-making as well as promoted through a financial grant of €20,000. In accordance with the objectives of the Charlemagne Prize, the programme aims to promote unity in Europe, mutual understanding between peoples and the rooting of the European idea in all areas of society.

**Annual Focus Topic: Shield or Share: How to Navigate Europe in Times of Division?**

Europe is confronting a historic juncture, marked by shifting geopolitical alliances, economic volatility, resource scarcity, and urgent demands for digital sovereignty and sustainability. We invite bold, cross-disciplinary research proposals that investigate how Europe can strategically “shield” its foundational interests while responsibly “sharing” values, alliances, resources, and objectives in times of combined pressure.

The following points are intended to inspire and stimulate research projects that we would be delighted to support with a research grant 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 is open to all research projects and disciplines that offer concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to address the complex and interdisciplinary challenges in a European context. We highly encourage young scholars of all fields, young professionals, or employees of scientific, political, or public institutions to hand in their research proposals for the research year 2025/26 by August 17.

**Application and Selection Process:**

The Fellowship programme is open to all projects and disciplines that offer concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to address 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 will receive a confirmation e-mail.

All applications are then checked for completeness and fulfilment of all application criteria before they will be analysed by our high-level and diverse selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to short (approx. 10-15 minutes) online interviews. The final decision will be made by the Foundation Board in October. Subsequently, all applicants will be informed about the final decision.

If selected, the grant agreement and mentoring contract will be drawn up and signed before the official stipend award ceremony will take place in autumn.

## Requirements

*   postgraduate degree (preferably Master's degree 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 duration of the Fellowship

**Profile:**

*   university graduates, young professionals and employees of scientific, political, economic, or cultural institutions/organisations
*   individuals or groups that would like to research a specified topic within a period of 12 months
*   reliable personalities with previous research experience

## Benefits

**What do we offer?**

*   Expanding your network: Together with a group of other Fellows and within a growing group of Academy alumni, the Fellowship within the Charlemagne Prize Network comprises exciting partner organisations and many impressive personalities that you will meet during networking events, the Charlemagne Prize Summit, and the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in spring. You will get the opportunity to engage with specialists on an academic as well as a professional level, depending on your career prospects.
*   Financial support for your creative and individual research project. The grant will help you to implement your ideas and formats independently.
*   Administrative and scientific support: You will be assigned a mentor, who is an expert in your research field and who will support you with the implementation of your ideas and research. By attending networking events and receiving support in achieving your milestones, you will have the chance to focus on your individual research progress.
*   Time for your thoughts: The Fellowship programme allows you to implement an individual project before entering the professional world or academia independently. This could be a step that was not possible during previous studies, and an opportunity for training and further engagement with scholarly work.
*   Acclimatisation to the global stage: Presenting your work and engaging with international decision-makers will train your confidence and skills to promote your ideas and work on constructive approaches.
*   Standing out from the crowd: The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship presents the opportunity to mark an exceptional path on your CV, suitable to individual plans and ambitions.

**Application deadline:** 17 August 2025

We only accept applications that are handed in via our **online application portal!**

We look forward to receiving your application!

Contract

We are seeking junior researchers and policy experts under the age of 35 who would like to conduct an independent research project on how to future-proof Europe. 
The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is a one-year, non-residential programme sponsored by the Charlemagne Prize Academy. Each Fellowship carries a stipend of €20,000 per research project. 
We are looking for innovative research ideas and creative approaches to Europe’s challenges of tomorrow!
<h2 id="tasks">Tasks</h2>
About the Programme:
As a contribution to European integration and to promote knowledge exchange within the &#39;Generation Europe&#39;, the Academy aims to identify future challenges and, by awarding annual research fellowships, to develop solutions at an early stage. Innovative approaches are to be linked with decision-making as well as promoted through a financial grant of €20,000. In accordance with the objectives of the Charlemagne Prize, the programme aims to promote unity in Europe, mutual understanding between peoples and the rooting of the European idea in all areas of society.
Annual Focus Topic: Shield or Share: How to Navigate Europe in Times of Division?
Europe is confronting a historic juncture, marked by shifting geopolitical alliances, economic volatility, resource scarcity, and urgent demands for digital sovereignty and sustainability. We invite bold, cross-disciplinary research proposals that investigate how Europe can strategically “shield” its foundational interests while responsibly “sharing” values, alliances, resources, and objectives in times of combined pressure.
The following points are intended to inspire and stimulate research projects that we would be delighted to support with a research grant in the upcoming academic year:
<ul>
<li>New Global Landscape: How can Europe recalibrate its foreign and economic partnerships across the EU, NATO, the &quot;Global South&quot;, and other strategic blocs to balance autonomy and alliance?</li>
<li>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?</li>
<li>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?</li>
<li>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?</li>
<li>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?</li>
</ul>
The Fellowship programme is open to all research projects and disciplines that offer concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to address the complex and interdisciplinary challenges in a European context. We highly encourage young scholars of all fields, young professionals, or employees of scientific, political, or public institutions to hand in their research proposals for the research year 2025/26 by August 17.
Application and Selection Process:
The Fellowship programme is open to all projects and disciplines that offer concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to address the annual focus topic.
You will need to upload the following documents [in English]:
<ul>
<li>Your CV (pdf) - mandatory</li>
<li>Your Research Proposal (pdf) - mandatory</li>
<li>Your Cover Letter (pdf) - mandatory</li>
<li>Supporting documents, references, and certificates (as one pdf file) - optional</li>
</ul>
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
All applications are then checked for completeness and fulfilment of all application criteria before they will be analysed by our high-level and diverse selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to short (approx. 10-15 minutes) online interviews. The final decision will be made by the Foundation Board in October. Subsequently, all applicants will be informed about the final decision.
If selected, the grant agreement and mentoring contract will be drawn up and signed before the official stipend award ceremony will take place in autumn.
<h2 id="requirements">Requirements</h2>
<ul>
<li>postgraduate degree (preferably Master&#39;s degree or equivalent)</li>
<li>younger than 35 years of age</li>
<li>professional English language skills (minimum C1)</li>
<li>citizen of an EU member state or resident in Europe during project implementation</li>
<li>submission of an innovative research proposal, compatible with the annual focus</li>
<li>current and prospective relevance of the proposed research question</li>
<li>proposal of a host institution for the duration of the Fellowship</li>
</ul>
Profile:
<ul>
<li>university graduates, young professionals and employees of scientific, political, economic, or cultural institutions/organisations</li>
<li>individuals or groups that would like to research a specified topic within a period of 12 months</li>
<li>reliable personalities with previous research experience</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="benefits">Benefits</h2>
What do we offer?
<ul>
<li>Expanding your network: Together with a group of other Fellows and within a growing group of Academy alumni, the Fellowship within the Charlemagne Prize Network comprises exciting partner organisations and many impressive personalities that you will meet during networking events, the Charlemagne Prize Summit, and the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in spring. You will get the opportunity to engage with specialists on an academic as well as a professional level, depending on your career prospects.</li>
<li>Financial support for your creative and individual research project. The grant will help you to implement your ideas and formats independently.</li>
<li>Administrative and scientific support: You will be assigned a mentor, who is an expert in your research field and who will support you with the implementation of your ideas and research. By attending networking events and receiving support in achieving your milestones, you will have the chance to focus on your individual research progress.</li>
<li>Time for your thoughts: The Fellowship programme allows you to implement an individual project before entering the professional world or academia independently. This could be a step that was not possible during previous studies, and an opportunity for training and further engagement with scholarly work.</li>
<li>Acclimatisation to the global stage: Presenting your work and engaging with international decision-makers will train your confidence and skills to promote your ideas and work on constructive approaches.</li>
<li>Standing out from the crowd: The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship presents the opportunity to mark an exceptional path on your CV, suitable to individual plans and ambitions.</li>
</ul>
Application deadline: 17 August 2025
We only accept applications that are handed in via our online application portal!
We look forward to receiving your application!

Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025/26

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