Next-Geo Program 2027: Pan-European Research and Training Fellowship in Geoeconomics for PhD Students and Early Postdocs
The Next-Geo Program 2027 invites advanced PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers in economics and quantitative fields to apply for a one-year pan-European fellowship in geoeconomics.
Overview
The Next-Geo Program 2027 is a specialized one-year pan-European research and training fellowship designed to support the next generation of researchers working at the intersection of economics and geopolitics. Coordinated by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in cooperation with CEPR, Bocconi University, and the Oxford University Department of Economics, with funding from Stiftung Mercator, the program brings together a competitive cohort of approximately ten junior scholars each year. Participants receive advanced training, senior mentoring, networking opportunities, and practical research support while remaining enrolled or employed at their home institutions.
Benefits
- Advanced academic coursework, lectures, and research training delivered by renowned scholars and Kiel Institute experts.
- Feedback and mentoring on individual research or policy projects from leading experts in geoeconomics.
- Access to student research assistants for promising research projects.
- Funding for project-specific data purchases and subscriptions to frontier AI tools and language models.
- Travel and accommodation support for participation in required in-person modules and workshops.
- Opportunities to present research at international conferences and publish work as working papers or policy briefs.
Eligibility
- Be advanced PhD students or early postdoctoral researchers.
- Conduct research in economics or closely related quantitative fields with a focus on geoeconomics.
- Generally be enrolled or employed at a European university or research institution (European nationals at overseas institutions may be eligible in selected cases).
- Possess excellent English language skills.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their documentation through the designated online application system. The application package must include:
- A curriculum vitae detailing academic and research background.
- A cover letter explaining motivation and alignment with geoeconomics.
- A one-page research project sketch outlining the proposed project.
- A writing sample, such as a third-year paper or job market paper.
- Names and contact information for two potential references.
Deadline
Applications submitted by October 31, 2026, are guaranteed full consideration for the 2027 cohort. Selection of successful candidates is scheduled to be finalized by the end of November 2026.