Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 202425

We are seeking junior researchers and policy experts under the age of 35 who would like to conduct an independent research project on how to futureproof Europe.

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is a oneyear nonresidential programme sponsored by the Charlemagne Prize Academy. Each Fellowship carries a stipend of 20000 per research project.

We are looking for innovative research ideas and creative approaches to Europes challenges of tomorrow!

Tasks

About the Programme:

As a contribution to European integration and to promote knowledge exchange within the Generation Europe the Academy aims to identify future challenges and by awarding annual research fellowships to develop solutions at an early stage. Innovative approaches are to be linked with decisionmaking as well as promoted through a financial grant of 20000 . In accordance with the objectives of the Charlemagne Prize the programme aims to promote unity in Europe mutual understanding between peoples and the rooting of the European idea in all areas of society.

Annual Focus Topic: Innovating and FutureProofing Europe: Reimagining and Shaping Transformative Spaces

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 Europes 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 communitycentric designs that enhance the quality of life for all inhabitants
• Digital and SciFi 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 Europes 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 Europes sustainability goals f.e. through energy efficiency sustainable materials or ecofriendly 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
• Strategic Foreign Policy of the EU: The question of shifts in power alliances and coalitions for Europe remains pertinent extending beyond the G20 and including the Global South. Where can the EU position itself in the international arena and remain a powerful global actor
• 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 decadeslong 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 antiEuropean movements on the rise Europes 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 EUs 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 and Selection Process:

The Fellowship programme is open to all projects and disciplines that offer concrete innovative and feasible approaches to address the annual focus topic.

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

Within the application form you will also be asked about your thoughts on the biggest challenge(s) for Europes future. The main focus of our evaluation will be your research proposal.

After submitting your application you will receive a confirmation email.

All applications are then checked for completeness and fulfilment of all application criteria before they will be analysed by our highlevel and diverse selection committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to short (approx. 1015 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.

Requirements

• postgraduate degree (preferably Masters degree or equivalent)
• younger than 35 years of age
• professional English language skills (minimum C1)
• citizen of an EU member state or resident in Europe during project implementation
• submission of an innovative research proposal compatible with the annual focus
• current and prospective relevance of the proposed research question
• proposal of a host institution for the duration of the Fellowship

Profile:

• university graduates young professionals and employees of scientific political economic or cultural institutions/organisations
• individuals or groups that would like to research a specified topic within a period of 12 months
• reliable personalities with previous research experience

Benefits

What do we offer

• Expanding your network: Together with a group of other Fellows and within a growing group of Academy alumni the Fellowship within the Charlemagne Prize Network comprises exciting partner organisations and many impressive personalities that you will meet during networking events the Charlemagne Prize Summit and the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony in spring. You will get the opportunity to engage with specialists on an academic as well as a professional level depending on your career prospects.
• Financial support for your creative and individual research project. The grant will help you to implement your ideas and formats independently.
• Administrative and scientific support: You will be assigned a mentor who is an expert in your research field and who will support you with the implementation of your ideas and research. By attending networking events and receiving support in achieving your milestones you will have the chance to focus on your individual research progress.
• Time for your thoughts: The Fellowship programme allows you to implement an individual project before entering the professional world or academia independently. This could be a step that was not possible during previous studies and an opportunity for training and further engagement with scholarly work.
• Acclimatisation to the global stage: Presenting your work and engaging with international decisionmakers will train your confidence and skills to promote your ideas and work on constructive approaches.
• Standing out from the crowd: The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship presents the opportunity to mark an exceptional path on your CV suitable to individual plans and ambitions.

Application deadline: 11 August 2024

We only accept applications that are handed in via our online application portal!

We look forward to receiving your application!