The Institute of Current World Affairs is accepting letters of interest for a two-year independent writing fellowship focusing on global nuclear disarmament education. Letters are due by April 30, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited to submit full applications by May 31, 2026.
The Rydell-Frisa Disarmament Education Fellowship is open to outstanding professionals under age 36 with a strong interest in disarmament. The fellow will conduct in-depth research in one or more countries, with professional mentoring designed to support emerging voices in this critical field.
About the institute
ICWA advances understanding of international cultures and affairs by sending fellows abroad to study countries, regions and globally important issues. The institute gives them the time and resources to explore the world through self-designed programs of research, travel and writing. They produce monthly dispatches and go on to make vital contributions to their fields.
About the fellowship
Nuclear disarmament remains one of the most critical priorities of our day, with incalculable stakes. Disarmament education aims to promote deeper global understanding and support across all levels of society.
The fellow will undertake independent research examining the most promising initiatives, and visit key institutions that have been most active in the field, in particular the United Nations and its affiliated agencies.
The fellow will examine the impact of nuclear disarmament education, broader challenges facing disarmament and how they are shaped by culture and society. Ultimately, the fellow would be expected to make recommendations for strengthening disarmament education.
Applicants are encouraged to propose the countries or regions in which to conduct their research. Strong candidates should present clear and compelling rationales for their plans. Please visit our website to learn more about the kinds of projects the institute has supported.
About you
We’re looking for candidates who show exceptional promise, curiosity and enthusiasm for building or continuing a career in disarmament, whether in international diplomacy, civil society, journalism or other fields.
About applying
Please fill out the form below and attach an initial letter of interest and resume or CV.
In your letter of interest, tell us what you would do if you had a two-year, self-designed writing fellowship overseas examining nuclear disarmament education and why you’re the right person to carry it out. There is no fixed length for the letter.
The deadline for submitting an initial letter of interest is April 30, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited to submit a full application. The final fellowship selection will be made in June 2026 and the new fellow will be expected to begin within six months.
We are unable to respond to all applications.
Please review all the information on the Apply page of our website before submitting your materials. The fellowship isn’t for everyone: It requires self-reliant fellows who are eager to conduct independent research and develop journalistic narrative writing skills. We strongly suggest candidates also acquaint themselves with the About and History pages for a full idea of the institute’s fellowship and its requirements.
Please fill out all fields below. Do not email your submission or additional materials; attach all materials at the end of this form.