Programme · Summer School

NetSec Early-Career Scholars Summer School

Training and mentoring for Early-Career Researchers in European security · 9 — 11 June 2026, Stockholm.

About

About the Summer School

The NetSec Early-Career Scholars Summer School (ECS³) aims to provide training and mentorship to Early-Career Researchers (ECR) in order to foster the next generation of European security scholars.

It is organised jointly by the European Initiative for Security Studies (EISS) and Stockholm University, under the framework and financial support of the COST Action NetSec.

The long-term ambition of the Summer School is to contribute to promoting academic excellence in Europe and to nurture the development of a new generation of scholars that engage on international & European security issues with their counterparts across the globe. It is an excellent opportunity for early career researchers to receive feedback on their work, expand their networks, and engage with leading scholars in the field.

The first NetSec Summer School will take place at Stockholm University, from 9 to 11 June 2026, in the lead-up to the European Security Conference.

Applications have closed.

Previous edition

Participants of Euro-SWAMOS 2023 at the Hertie School in Berlin, the previous EISS event dedicated to the training and mentoring of early-career researchers.

Euro-SWAMOS 2023 scene.
Euro-SWAMOS 2023 scene.
Euro-SWAMOS 2023 scene.
Euro-SWAMOS 2023 scene.

Applications FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements and selection criteria?

Applicants should be graduate students with a Ph.D. proposal, current Ph.D. candidates, or Post-Doc researchers (max. 1 year since Ph.D. defence) working on strategic and security studies, international security, global governance, and related disciplines. Alumni of SWAMOS or Euro-SWAMOS are eligible.

What financial support do you provide?

Travel and hotel costs will be reimbursed for 15 PhD students. Additionally, all participants will enjoy free entrance to the European Security Conference.

What is the application process and required material?

To apply, please send the following material to ecs.netsec@eiss-europa.com:

  • A letter of motivation
  • A CV (max. 2 pages)
  • An abstract (max. 500 words)*

*At the latest one week before the workshop, you will share a draft of the scholarly text on which your abstract is based. This could take any form you feel would benefit from feedback — a conference paper, a chapter of your dissertation, a memo, or any other work in progress. The draft does not need to be polished; even a very preliminary version would suffice. Our goal is to facilitate a more productive discussion and provide you with detailed and constructive input during the session.

Applications need to be submitted by 1 March 2026.

Who are the lecturers and mentors?

List to be communicated soon. Please check back at a later date.