About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Next Gen Programme 2027: Mentorship and Research Development Opportunity for Young Researchers
Are you an early-career researcher passionate about peace, conflict studies, and international security? The Next Gen Programme 2027, organised by the PEACE Action network, invites applications from Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) interested in advancing their research careers through mentorship, professional development, and international collaboration.
Running from January to October 2027, the programme offers opportunities to connect with experienced researchers, participate in specialised workshops, and undertake a short-term research visit at a host institution.
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026, at 23:59 CET
Results Announcement: 7 December 2026
Programme Period: January–October 2027
About the Next Gen Programme
The Next Gen Programme supports early-career researchers working in peace and conflict studies by strengthening their academic skills, professional networks, and engagement with the European peace research community.
The programme does not provide a salary or direct funding for research activities. However, eligible participants can receive reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses associated with programme activities.
Programme Benefits
Successful applicants will participate in three main activities:
1. Two In-Person Workshops
Participants will attend workshops featuring training in peace research theories and methodologies, professional development, and networking.
Kick-off workshop: 25–26 February 2027, hosted by the CEES Hub at Tallinn University, Estonia.
Closing workshop: 20–21 September 2027, hosted by the Peace Research Centre Prague at Charles University, Czechia.
Travel and accommodation expenses for these workshops are covered by PEACE Action, subject to its applicable rules.
2. Individual Research Mentorship
Participants will be matched with a senior researcher from the PEACE network for individual mentorship. Applicants may suggest potential mentors through the application form.
3. Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM)
Selected participants can undertake a research visit lasting up to two weeks at a host institution between January and September 2027. An STSM grant of up to €1,500 is available to support the visit.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from:
PhD students and early-career researchers working on topics relevant to peace research.
Candidates who have completed their Master's degree by the time of application. A PhD qualification is not required.
Researchers whose interests align with the PEACE Action network's research themes.
Applicants affiliated with COST Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs), who are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must also satisfy the programme's specific eligibility requirements to receive financial support.
Research Areas
Applicants should demonstrate research interests relevant to at least one of the following PEACE Action themes:
Peace and Climate
Feminist Peace
Local Peace
Peace and Emerging Technologies
Europe, Peace and Security
One position is also reserved for a CEES Hub fellow working on a critical-relational approach to security, with research aligned with the hub's agenda.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Institutional Affiliation
Applicants seeking financial support must have an institutional affiliation in a COST full member, cooperating member or partner member state, a European Research and Technology Development (RTD) Organisation, or a Near Neighbour Country, as defined by COST Association rules.
Applicants without an eligible institutional affiliation are not eligible to receive programme financial support.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 39 years old or younger, meaning they must have been born in 1987 or later at the time of application.
3. Relevant Research Background
Applicants should have completed a Master's degree and be engaged in research relevant to peace and conflict studies.
4. Commitment to PEACE Action
Selected participants are expected to join the PEACE Action network and actively engage in its working groups and other activities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the official PEACE Action website to review the research themes, eligibility conditions, and application instructions.
Official website: https://www.peaceresearchnetwork.eu/
For enquiries, contact Merel Selleslach, YRI Outreach Coordinator, at merel.selleslach@vlaamsparlement.be.
Applicants should consult the official website for the application form and submission procedure.
Final Thoughts
The Next Gen Programme 2027 offers an opportunity for eligible young researchers to strengthen their research skills, build international connections, receive mentorship, and collaborate with specialists in peace and conflict studies.
If your academic interests align with the programme's themes and you meet the eligibility requirements, consider preparing your application before the deadline.
Apply before 31 October 2026.
Disclaimer: Applicants should verify all eligibility conditions, funding rules, and application instructions on the official PEACE Action website before applying.
How to apply