Securing research grants for international relations projects is a pivotal step for scholars specializing in political risk analysis. The 2026 CATS Fellowship offers a €3,000 stipend, providing a unique bridge for academics to conduct high-level field research while building a professional portfolio in global policy and strategic consultancy.
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The geopolitical landscape surrounding Turkey is evolving rapidly, creating a critical need for high-level academic and policy-oriented insight. The 2026/2027 Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) Fellowship at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin offers researchers a prestigious platform to conduct Geopolitical Risk Analysis. By providing a stable monthly grant and a home in Germany’s leading think tank, the program allows experts to bypass traditional Foreign Policy Consulting roles to focus on independent, impactful scholarship that shapes international security and trade.
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2026/2027 CATS Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) / SWP |
| Target Audience | Post-docs, Think Tankers, and Practitioners |
| Primary Benefit | €3,000 Monthly Grant + Travel Budget |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Focus Topics | AI, Raw Materials, Energy, Foreign Policy |
| Application Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
About the CATS Fellowship Initiative 2026/2027
The CATS Fellowship is hosted by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), a premier institution advising the German government and parliament. The 2026-2027 funding period focuses on four pillars: Digitalisation and AI, Critical Raw Materials, Energy Transition, and Foreign Security Policy. This initiative serves as a bridge for specialists to contribute to a Digital Transformation Strategy for Turkey-EU relations, ensuring that academic rigor meets practical political relevance in the heart of Berlin.
Key Benefits of the CATS Research Grant
- Competitive Stipend: Fellows receive a monthly grant of €3,000 to support their residence and research in Berlin.
- Research Mobility: Access a dedicated budget for research trips and have your initial/final travel to Berlin fully covered.
- Family Support: If you are accompanied by children during the fellowship, additional support is available.
- Institutional Access: Work within the SWP, gaining access to elite Political Strategy Networks and library resources.
- Public Outreach: Benefit from the CATS Network’s platform to disseminate your findings to high-level policy-makers and global media.
Eligibility and Priority Research Topics
The 2026 fellowship is open to post-doctoral researchers, think tank members, and practitioners. Specifically, CATS is looking for projects addressing:
- Digitalisation and AI: Exploring Turkey’s role in the global Artificial Intelligence Governance landscape.
- Critical Raw Materials (CRMs): Analyzing supply chain security and mining policies.
- Energy Transition and Climate Change: Researching Renewable Energy Consulting frameworks and decarbonization.
- Foreign and Security Policy: Examining Turkish diplomacy amid current geopolitical turmoil.
Application Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
To secure this Berlin-based Fellowship, applicants must demonstrate:
- Professional Merit: A strong track record of publications and relevant work experience.
- Policy Relevance: The project must offer clear insights for political decision-making in the EU and Turkey.
- Feasibility: A coherent research design that can be completed within the 2026–2027 timeframe.
- Public Dimension: A plan for outreach that moves research from the desk to the Public Discourse.
Required Documents for the CATS Application
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document (in English or German) containing:
- A professional cover letter.
- A written proposal (max 5 pages, 1.5 spaced, 12pt Times New Roman).
- A complete bibliography and overview of methodological approaches.
- A CV including a list of academic publications.
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts or diplomas.
5 Phase Step-by-Step Application Guide for CATS 2026
Phase 1: Topic Selection and Alignment
- Carefully review the four CATS priority research pillars. Your project must clearly fit into a category such as Critical Raw Materials or Geopolitical Security.
- Research the current work of the CATS Network and SWP experts. Successful candidates often propose projects that fill a specific gap in current Strategic European Policy discussions regarding Turkey.
Phase 2: Drafting a Compliant Proposal
- Follow the strict formatting guidelines: 5 pages maximum, 2 cm margins, 1.5 spacing, and 12pt Times New Roman font.
- Structure your proposal to include: a clear discussion of research questions, an overview of the current state of research, your theoretical and methodological approach, and a comprehensive bibliography.
- Emphasize the Policy Outreach dimension—how will your work reach decision-makers in Berlin and Brussels?
Phase 3: Document Compilation and Formatting
- Consolidate all required documents into one single PDF in this specific order: 1. Cover Letter, 2. Research Proposal, 3. CV & Publication List, 4. Academic Transcripts/Diplomas.
- Ensure all files are high-resolution and readable. Note that translations of diplomas are not required, which simplifies the Administrative Preparation.
Phase 4: Verification of Eligibility
- If you are a practitioner or a researcher without a PhD, ensure your CV explicitly details a “solid track record” of high-impact research related to Turkey.
- Confirm your ability to reside in Berlin for the duration of the 2026–2027 cycle, accounting for the Monthly Stipend living arrangements.
Phase 5: Final Submission and Quality Check
- Perform a final proofread for coherence and academic rigor. Ensure your cover letter addresses the CATS selection committee directly.
- Email the single PDF to CATSapplication@swp-berlin.org with a clear subject line. Submit well before the April 30, 2026 deadline to avoid technical issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
- Multiple Attachments: Sending files separately instead of a Single PDF will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Ignoring Margins: Failure to follow the 2 cm margin and 1.5 spacing rules may reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
- Lack of Policy Focus: Research that is purely academic without a Policy Outreach dimension often scores lower.
Expert Advice for Turkey-Related Researchers
- Network with SWP: Mention how your work complements the existing research of the CATS Network partners.
- Focus on Berlin: Clearly state your willingness to reside in Berlin, as this is a mandatory requirement for the Monthly Stipend.
- Highlight AI and Energy: These technical fields are currently high-priority for Strategic European Funding.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About CATS 2026
- What is the monthly stipend for CATS Fellows? Selected fellows receive a monthly grant of €3,000.
- Must I reside in Berlin for the fellowship? Yes, fellows are expected to reside in Berlin for the duration of the 2026–2027 period.
- Can I apply if I don’t have a PhD? Yes, researchers without a PhD may apply if they have a solid track record in Turkey-related research.
- Are travel costs to Germany covered? Yes, travel costs to and from Berlin at the start and end of the fellowship are covered by CATS.
- What are the four priority research topics? Digitalisation/AI, Critical Raw Materials, Energy Transition, and Foreign/Security Policy.
- How should I submit my application? Applications must be sent as a single PDF document to CATSapplication@swp-berlin.org.
- What is the maximum length for the research proposal? The research proposal must be a maximum of five pages.
- Is there support for fellows with children? Yes, additional support is available if a Fellow is accompanied by children.
- When is the application deadline? The deadline for the 2026–2027 cycle is April 30, 2026.
- In what language can I apply? Applications are accepted in either English or German.
