Academy

Fellowship

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Details

  • One-year fellowship program with scientific support
  • Exchange with European partner organizations & mentors
  • Annual summit in Aachen for dialog with decision-makers
  • Application phase in summer, start in November
  • The Academy connects young talents with leading players to develop innovative ideas for the future of Europe.
  • One-year fellowship program with scientific support
  • The Academy connects young talents with leading players to develop innovative ideas for the future of Europe.

As a contribution to European integration and for the exchange of the young generation in Europe, the Charlemagne Prize Academy aims to identify future challenges and problems of European society and, by awarding research fellowships annually, to develop approaches to solutions at an early stage, which are discussed in dialogue with representatives from science, politics, business, and the public to determine their feasibility and practicability.

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is an endowed one-year non-resident programme of the European Charlemagne Prize Academy, addressing European junior researchers, next-generation policy experts, innovators, and thought leaders that work toward a better European Union.

The Fellowship includes a stipend of 20,000 € per research project. With the grant, our Fellows are offered the opportunity to conduct an independent research project individually or in a group. We highly encourage applicants to look for a suitable host institution that could provide a work place and research facilities at the preferred location during the Fellowship. In addition, the Fellow can choose to implement their project with the help of a self-selected mentor. During the Fellowship programme, the Fellows are able to travel and network with experts and international and European decision-makers, and to present the research results in the final annual publication as well as in front of a large audience at the concluding conference summit. A unique aspect of the Fellowship is the connection with former Charlemagne Prize Laureates and the participation at the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in Aachen in spring.

Timetable

Application Period
10 July 2024 - 11 August 2024
Final section:
September 2024
Kick-Off Event:
4-5 November 2024
1st Research Quarter
December - February
Presentation of the 1st Milestone:
February
2nd Research Quarter:
March - May
Presentation of the 2nd Milestone:
May (second networking event during the side programme of the Charlemagne Prize)
3rd Research Quarter:
June - August
Completion of Research Results:
September - October
Final Presentation and Publication:
Summit (autumn 2025)

Who are we looking for?

We look for projects and research questions that go beyond current mainstream issues. These projects deal with visions and new ideas, analyse new developments, and provide solutions for current and future challenges.

Our Annual Focus Topic 2024/25

When contemplating the future, we often envision the transformation of existing spaces and structures, developing concepts and innovations that aim to expand and improve what already exists. This year, we seek inspiration on how we can utilise and shape the new spaces emerging from these innovations and transformations, whether within the broader European context or in more localised areas.

As part of our Fellowship programme, we invite project ideas that explore the scientific, creative, societal, political, economic, or sustainable use of various spaces in Europe. This includes questions ranging from how European architecture can align with goals for greater sustainability and security, how institutional and parliamentary spaces can further deepen democracy and transparency, how we can challenge existing spaces in the context of EU enlargement and integration, and extend beyond internal design to diplomatic and cooperative spaces that underscore Europe’s role as an international and competitive actor.

The following points are intended to inspire and stimulate research projects that we would be delighted to support with a research grant in the upcoming academic year:

  • Urban and Rural Spaces: How can we reimagine cityscapes and rural areas to foster sustainable growth, inclusivity, and resilience? How can we integrate green spaces, smart infrastructure, and community-centric designs that enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants?
  • Digital and Sci-Fi Spaces: With the rise of digital technologies and the exploration of the Metaverse and extraterrestrial spaces, how can Europe find its role in using the potential of this transformation? What will Europe’s future look like through pushing the boundaries of traditional concepts, for example, in the areas of smart cities, digital twins, or space habitats?
  • Sustainability Concepts: Addressing the climate crisis is imperative. How can architectural designs contribute to Europe's sustainability goals, f.e. through energy efficiency, sustainable materials, or eco-friendly planning? What else is needed to minimise environmental impact, promote green living, and reach globally defined ambitions?
  • Security Architecture: In a world facing increasing security threats, how can we shape resilient environments for our critical infrastructure? What institutional and military designs will be necessary to safeguard public, economic, and political stability?
  • Security Architecture: In a world facing increasing security threats, how can we shape resilient environments for our critical infrastructure? What institutional and military designs will be necessary to safeguard public, economic, and political stability?
  • The EU as an Integrative Space: Looking at and beyond European border spaces, what strategies can the EU employ to enhance its integrative capabilities? What role should Europe play in its neighbourhood and how do we address current external challenges? What approaches are still missing in the decades-long history of EU integration, and which models could balance further unification with the potentials and risks of additional enlargement into the European political, economic, and cultural space? And what discussions are there to be had regarding enlargement models within the EU, particularly concerning the forms of potential future memberships?
  • Room for Democracy: With populist, authoritarian, or anti-European movements on the rise, Europe’s major task for the near future will be to secure its democratic values. How can we make room for greater discourse, foster dialogue and participation, and create increased transparency within the EU’s internal structures, while simultaneously enhancing structures for international collaboration and diplomatic spaces?
  • The Fellowship programme is open to all research projects and disciplines that offer concrete, innovative, and feasible approaches to address the complex and interdisciplinary challenges in a European context. We highly encourage young scholars of all fields, young professionals, or employees of scientific, political, or public institutions to hand in their research proposals for the research year 2024/25 by August 11.

Application Process

We highly encourage graduates from all academic fields, young professionals, and employees of scientific, political or public institutions and organisations to hand in their research ideas for the research year. The next application period will begin in summer 2024.

You will need to upload the following documents in English:

  • Your CV (pdf) - mandatory
  • Your Research Proposal (pdf) - mandatory
  • Supporting documents, references, and certificates (as one pdf file) - optional

Your Research Proposal should include:

  • A maximum amount of 6,000 characters (max. 2 pages)
  • The research question and a brief description of your research idea (based on our annual focus topic)
  • Your motivation to research on this particular topic and its social/political relevance
  • First ideas about your personal timeline and possible milestones you want to achieve during the Fellowship programme
  • A first description for which audience groups (outside of academia) your research could be of special interest
  • A short explanation of what makes your research question unique and progressive in shaping Europe’s future

Selection Process

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.

All applications are then checked for completeness and fulfilment of all application criteria before they will be x by our high-level and diverse selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to short (approx. 10-15 minutes) online interviews.
The final decision will be made by the Foundation Board in October. Subsequently, all applicants will be informed about the final decision.

If selected, the grant agreement and mentoring contract will be drawn up and signed before the official stipend award ceremony will take place in autumn.

With accepting the Fellowship contract, the Fellow will agree:

  • to fulfil individually appointed milestones as part of the research progress (surveys, workshops, articles…)
  • to attend the kick-off event and the concluding summit in autumn each year
  • to cooperate with academic mentors and the Charlemagne Prize Foundation
  • that the individual research outcomes will be published during and after the research process

FAQs

Application

Uploads

Interviews and Selection

Programme Schedule

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via
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