Next-Geo Program 2027 in Geoeconomics

About the opportunity

The Next-Geo program is a pan-European research and training initiative for junior researchers focusing on geoeconomics, coordinated by the Kiel Institute in cooperation with CEPR, Bocconi University (IEP), and the Oxford University Department of Economics, and funded by Stiftung Mercator. Bringing together a competitive cohort of around 10 junior scholars annually, the 1-year add-on program complements training at participants’ home institutions with specialized academic lectures, research training, project mentoring, policy advisory training, and networking opportunities. Research topics span economic security, trade fragmentation, industrial policy, sanctions design, global financial flows, climate transition, and defense economics. Participants retain their home positions while gaining access to dedicated student research assistants, data purchases, AI tokens, and fully covered travel and accommodation for in-person modules across Europe.

Funding and benefits

• Rigorous coursework and lectures on the research frontier in geoeconomics from internationally renowned experts and Kiel Institute researchers.
• Project mentoring and feedback from leading senior scholars to improve research or policy projects.
• Research support via access to a dedicated pool of four student research assistants hired at the Kiel Institute.
• Funding for data purchases and AI tool subscriptions (such as Claude or OpenAI) to support research projects.
• Full coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for all in-person modules and workshops.
• Opportunities to engage with policymakers, think tanks, and practitioners at events and workshops.
• Potential publication of top research or policy projects as working papers or policy briefs by the Kiel Institute or CEPR.
• A certificate of program participation upon successful completion.

Who can apply?

• Advanced PhD students and early Postdocs in economics, or exceptionally in closely related quantitative fields.
• Enrolled or employed at a European university or research institution (program start up to 2.5 years post-PhD). European nationals at overseas institutions may also be eligible in selected cases.
• Demonstrated excellent CV, academic track record, and active research in geoeconomic topics.
• Excellent command of the English language.

Required documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover letter
• 1-page research project sketch
• Writing sample (e.g., third-year paper or job market paper)
• Names of two potential references (contact information in CV suffices)
• Proof of enrollment or employment and written employer permission to participate (required upon acceptance)

When to apply

• Applications submitted by October 31, 2026, are guaranteed full consideration.
• Selection of the 2027 cohort is finalized by the end of November 2026.
• The program kicks off in winter with an online session, followed by spring and summer in-person workshops, and concludes in autumn at the Kiel-CEPR Conference on Geoeconomics.

How to apply

• Prepare all required application documents in PDF format (maximum 5 MB each).
• Complete the official online application form on the Kiel Institute website before the deadline.
• Submit your CV, cover letter, research project sketch, writing sample, and reference details through the portal.

Additional information

• The program is an add-on fellowship and does not provide an employment contract, stipend, living expense allowance, or formal degree.
• Participants remain fully enrolled or employed at their home institution throughout the program duration.
• The Kiel Institute is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female researchers.