Queen Elizabeth II Academy Fellowships 2025-2026: A Prestigious Opportunity for Emerging Leaders

The Queen Elizabeth II Academy Fellowships at Chatham House offer a unique and prestigious opportunity for early- to mid-career professionals seeking to elevate their research and leadership in international affairs. Hosted by Chatham House, a globally recognized policy institute, this 10-month fellowship provides a platform for independent research, leadership development, and collaboration with a network of experts, policymakers, and practitioners.
Why Apply for the Queen Elizabeth II Academy Fellowships?
The fellowship is designed to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including academia, NGOs, business, government, civil society, and the media. Fellows will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, contribute to Chatham House’s events and publications, and participate in a specialized Leadership Masterclass Programme aimed at developing global policy leadership skills.
In addition to research and leadership training, the program provides:
- A monthly stipend of £2,565 to cover living expenses in London
- Research funding and relocation support, including visa sponsorship
- Health surcharge coverage (excluding dental, optical care, and prescriptions)
- Access to mentorship, media training, and networking opportunities
- A Chatham House membership upon completion of the fellowship
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Applications are open to professionals with expertise in international affairs who are committed to advancing policy-driven solutions. Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience conducting independent research and a strong academic or professional background
- Proven or potential leadership skills
- Alignment with Chatham House’s mission and values
- Proficiency in spoken English
Fellowship Tracks and Research Areas
Several fellowship opportunities are available for 2025-2026, including:
- Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship (for citizens of any African country)
- Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship (for mid-career professionals worldwide)
- Schwarzman Academy Fellowship (for Schwarzman Scholars completing their degree in 2025)
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellowship (for Greek citizens or dual nationals)
Applicants should align their research proposals with one of Chatham House’s priority areas, which include themes such as:
- International security, NATO’s evolution, and emerging technologies
- Climate change policy, energy security, and sustainable resource management
- Democratic resilience, European security, and economic competitiveness
- Global health diplomacy and medical supply chain security
- Regional studies focusing on Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Eurasia, the UK, and the US
Application Process and Deadlines
The application deadline is March 19, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are strongly encouraged. Candidates will be notified of their application status within six weeks of the closing date.
Chatham House screens applications anonymously, meaning personal information will not be reviewed until after the initial selection stage. To ensure fairness, applicants are advised not to include any identifiable details in their responses.
An Opportunity to Shape Global Policy
The Queen Elizabeth II Academy Fellowships offer a rare opportunity to contribute to international policy while developing essential leadership skills. By engaging in high-level research, networking with global leaders, and receiving mentorship from experts in the field, fellows will be equipped to drive meaningful change in their respective fields.
For those passionate about global affairs and eager to advance their expertise, this fellowship serves as an ideal platform. Applications are now open, and those interested should seize this opportunity to become part of a distinguished network of international leaders and policymakers.
For more details and to apply, visit: https://careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/5608610-2025-2026-queen-elizabeth-ii-academy-fellowships