Call for Applications: Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) Fellowship Programme 2026-2027

The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS), hosted by the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin, offers competitive fellowships for the 2026–2027 funding cycle. The programme targets postdoctoral researchers, think tank experts, and practitioners working on Turkey-related issues, while also welcoming advanced PhD candidates with a strong research track record.

The fellowship aims to promote policy-relevant research and foster collaboration between scholars and decision-makers. Selected fellows will contribute to academic and policy debates through high-quality publications and engagement with the CATS research network.

Research Themes and Priority Areas

The fellowship programme is structured around four key thematic areas reflecting Turkey’s evolving political, economic, and geopolitical landscape.

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence

Digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence are reshaping governance, economies, and societies globally. Turkey has made digitalisation a strategic priority, yet its capabilities lag behind major global actors such as the United States of America and China.

Key research questions include:

• The structure and goals of Turkey’s digital and AI strategy
• The role of AI in defence, cyber resilience, and hybrid warfare
• Impacts of digitalisation on governance, political authority, and state control
• The relationship between AI, economic growth, and labour market transformation

Critical Raw Materials (CRMs)

Critical raw materials are essential for industries such as renewable energy, defence, and digital technologies. Turkey’s significant rare-earth deposits and participation in international initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership position it as an emerging player in global supply chains.

Relevant research areas include:

• Turkey’s governance and capacity for CRM extraction and processing
• The intersection of CRM policy with foreign and domestic strategies
• Geoeconomic competition and Turkey’s positioning between global powers
• Opportunities and challenges for cooperation with the European Union

Energy Transition and Climate Change

Energy transition and climate policy are increasingly central to Turkey’s national agenda, especially in the context of global climate commitments such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP31.

Key topics include:

• Turkey’s energy transition roadmap and institutional framework
• Tensions between energy security and climate commitments
• Climate change impacts on governance, society, and development
• Water scarcity as a growing environmental, political, and security issue

Foreign and Security Policy in a Changing Geopolitical Context

Turkey occupies a strategic position between Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East. As a member of NATO and a candidate for European Union membership, its foreign policy reflects a balance between alliances and strategic autonomy.

Priority research questions include:

• Turkey’s geopolitical strategy and policy drivers
• Maritime security and regional threat perceptions
• Relations with Black Sea and South Caucasus states
• The role of energy corridors and infrastructure in European energy security

Fellowship Structure and Benefits

The CATS Fellowship provides both financial support and institutional engagement. Key features include:

• Fellowship duration of six to twelve months
• Start date from September 2026 onwards
• Mandatory residence in Berlin during the fellowship period
• Monthly stipend of €3,000
• Additional funding for research trips
• Coverage of travel costs to and from Berlin

Fellows with accompanying children may also receive additional support, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity.

Research Output and Collaboration

Fellows are expected to actively engage with researchers at CATS and SWP. Their work will contribute to:

• Peer-reviewed publications under CATS and SWP
• Policy-relevant research outputs
• Public discourse and outreach activities

The working languages of the programme are English and German, ensuring accessibility to a broad international audience.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application in a single PDF document. Required components include:

• Cover letter
• Research proposal (maximum five pages) outlining:
  • Research topic and objectives
  • Academic and policy relevance
  • Literature review and state of research
  • Theoretical and methodological framework
  • Bibliography
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
• Academic transcripts and diplomas

All materials must be submitted in either English or German.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by a committee composed of experts from the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, and partner institutions. Key evaluation criteria include:

• Academic and professional merit
• Relevance to the programme’s research themes
• Coherence and feasibility of the proposed project
• Contribution to public engagement and policy discourse

Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously received CATS funding in cases of equal merit.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications for the 2026–2027 fellowship must be submitted via email as a single PDF document. Important details include:

• Application deadline: 30 April 2026
• Submission via designated application email
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included and formatted according to the specified guidelines.

Conclusion

The CATS Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for researchers and practitioners to contribute to in-depth analysis of Turkey’s evolving role in global affairs. Through its interdisciplinary focus, financial support, and integration into a leading policy research environment, the programme enables fellows to produce impactful research that informs both academic debates and policy decisions.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.