Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Academy Fellowship Program at Chatham House is a 10-month fully funded fellowship in London for early-to-mid-career professionals from Greece interested in international affairs, policy research, and leadership development. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,565, relocation and visa support, research funding, and the opportunity to complete an independent research project while building global networks and professional skills.
About the Program
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellowship Program offers a unique professional development opportunity for early-to-mid-career researchers, practitioners, and policy professionals.
Hosted by Chatham House, the fellowship allows selected participants to spend ten months working full-time in London on research, leadership development, and international engagement.
This programme is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in international affairs, strengthen their ability to contribute to public policy and global debates, and expand their international professional network.
What Is the Fellowship Designed For?
The fellowship is structured around three core pillars:
- Independent research project
- Contribution to Chatham House research
- Leadership development and international networking
Together, these elements create a comprehensive learning experience that combines policy research, professional training, and global exposure.
Fellowship Duration and Format
- Programme Length: 10 months
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Host Institution: Chatham House
- Commitment Type: Full-time
- Work/Study Restriction: Fellows cannot undertake other work or studies simultaneously
This is an intensive fellowship and requires full engagement throughout the programme.
Key Fellowship Components
1. Personal Research Project
A major part of the fellowship is the completion of an individual research project.
Each fellow designs their own project and develops it with guidance from experts at Chatham House.
What this includes:
- Working full-time on a self-designed research project
- Receiving expert guidance and institutional support
- Building subject-matter expertise in a chosen field
- Developing policy-relevant outputs and insights
- Strengthening research communication and analytical skills
This makes the programme highly valuable for professionals interested in policy research, global governance, diplomacy, international development, security studies, or public affairs.
2. Contribution to Ongoing Research Activities
In addition to their personal project, fellows also contribute to the institute’s broader research agenda.
They engage with existing research priorities, collaborate with teams, and gain practical exposure to how a leading international affairs institute operates.
Fellows may be involved in:
- Supporting ongoing research initiatives
- Collaborating across different research teams
- Participating in policy discussions and institutional activities
- Contributing knowledge aligned with Chatham House’s mission
This practical involvement helps fellows understand how research is translated into policy influence, international dialogue, and public engagement.
3. Leadership Masterclass Programme
The leadership programme is a central part of the fellowship and is designed to strengthen professional skills needed in international affairs and policy leadership.
It begins with an intensive induction week that introduces fellows to the programme structure, expectations, and working environment.
Leadership programme elements include:
- Thematic sessions on major global challenges
- Discussions with experts in international affairs
- Active participation through peer discussion and session leadership
- Exposure to multidisciplinary perspectives and global policy debates
Leadership skills workshops focus on areas such as:
- Policy impact
- Crisis management
- Stakeholder mapping
- Negotiation
Leadership briefings include:
- Interactions with global leaders
- Insights from professionals across sectors
- Real-world lessons on leadership journeys and decision-making
Professional Development and Career Support
The fellowship includes strong professional development support beyond research.
Fellows receive:
- Regular research presentations
- To improve public speaking and research communication
- To receive peer and expert feedback
- One-on-one personal development coaching
- To build self-awareness
- To support professional growth and goal-setting
- Media training
- For effective communication on television and radio
- To strengthen public-facing communication skills
- Optional career mentoring
- To help shape long-term career direction
- To support transitions in policy, research, academia, media, or international institutions
This makes the fellowship especially strong for applicants seeking both research depth and leadership visibility.
Funding and Financial Support
The SNF Academy Fellowship Program is a funded opportunity that covers living, relocation, and research-related costs.
What the Fellowship Covers
Monthly Stipend
- £2,565 per month
This stipend is intended to support:
- Accommodation in London
- Food
- Utilities
- Local transportation
- General living expenses
Relocation and Visa Support
The fellowship also covers:
- Travel to the United Kingdom
- Visa fees
- Accommodation support related to relocation
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge
Research Support
Additional eligible research-related expenses are supported, including:
- Fieldwork costs
- Outreach activities
- Events
- Publications
This funding structure makes it a strong option for professionals who want to undertake serious research in London without self-funding the full cost.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellowship stands out because it combines:
- Independent research
- Institutional policy exposure
- Leadership development
- Global networking
- Financial support for living and research
It is especially valuable because fellows do not simply attend workshops—they become part of the research ecosystem at Chatham House, one of the world’s most respected institutions in international affairs and public policy.
Key benefits for fellows:
- Gain experience at a leading global policy institute
- Produce a substantive research project
- Build credibility in international affairs
- Learn directly from policy experts and global leaders
- Strengthen media, communication, and leadership skills
- Expand networks across academia, NGOs, government, business, and civil society
For professionals from Greece interested in global policy careers, this can be a highly strategic opportunity.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship has a clear nationality and academic background requirement.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Greece
- Or hold dual nationality that includes Greece
- Have completed a BA degree or equivalent
- Have research experience
- Be at an early-to-mid stage of their career
- Demonstrate interest in international affairs
- Show relevance to the fellowship’s research areas
Eligible Professional Backgrounds
The programme welcomes applicants from a wide range of sectors, including:
- Academia
- NGOs
- Business
- Government
- Civil society
- Media
This broad eligibility makes it suitable for both researchers and practitioners working on international issues.
Is There an Age Limit?
- No, there are no age restrictions
This is important because the fellowship evaluates applicants based on career stage, research potential, and professional relevance, not age.
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
A strong application will usually demonstrate:
- A clear interest in international affairs
- Relevant research experience
- A thoughtful and feasible research idea
- Evidence of professional achievement or leadership potential
- Strong motivation for full-time participation
- Ability to contribute to the Chatham House research environment
Strong applicants often show:
- Experience in policy analysis, advocacy, journalism, diplomacy, development, governance, or academic research
- A well-defined topic connected to current international issues
- A clear explanation of why the fellowship will advance their long-term goals
How the Fellowship Works
The programme is structured to balance independent work, collaboration, and leadership training.
Step-by-Step Fellowship Experience
1. Join the programme full-time in London
Fellows relocate to London and begin with an intensive induction week.
2. Develop and refine your personal research project
With expert guidance, fellows work on a self-designed project relevant to international affairs.
3. Engage with ongoing Chatham House research
Fellows contribute to institutional research priorities and collaborate with relevant teams.
4. Participate in the leadership masterclass programme
This includes thematic sessions, workshops, leadership briefings, and active discussion.
5. Present your work regularly
Fellows share research progress, receive feedback, and strengthen communication skills.
6. Build professional skills through coaching and training
Participants benefit from personal development coaching, media training, and optional career mentoring.
7. Complete the fellowship with stronger networks and policy capacity
By the end of the ten months, fellows leave with:
- A completed research project
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Greater visibility in international affairs
- Expanded professional networks
Tips for Applicants
If you plan to apply, focus on both research quality and professional fit.
Best Tips
- Propose a clear, policy-relevant research topic
- Show how your project aligns with international affairs
- Demonstrate prior research ability with concrete examples
- Explain why Chatham House is the right environment for your goals
- Show that you can commit fully for 10 months
- Highlight both subject expertise and leadership potential
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application mistakes:
- Submitting a vague or overly broad research idea
- Failing to show research experience
- Not connecting your work to international affairs
- Treating the fellowship like a short training instead of a full-time research commitment
- Ignoring the leadership and collaborative aspects of the programme
- Not explaining why your background fits the fellowship’s mission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellowship Program?
It is a 10-month funded fellowship at Chatham House in London for early-to-mid-career professionals from Greece focused on research, leadership development, and international affairs.
2. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts ten months and requires full-time participation.
3. What financial support is provided?
Selected fellows receive:
- £2,565 per month for living expenses
- Travel and relocation support
- Visa fee coverage
- Accommodation-related relocation support
- UK Immigration Health Surcharge coverage
- Research-related funding for fieldwork, outreach, events, and publications
4. Can fellows work or study at the same time?
No. The fellowship is full-time, and fellows cannot undertake other work or studies simultaneously.
5. Who can apply?
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of Greece
- Or dual nationals that include Greek nationality
They must also hold a BA degree or equivalent, have research experience, and show strong interest in international affairs.
6. Is there an age limit?
No. There are no age restrictions.
7. What kinds of professionals are eligible?
The fellowship welcomes applicants from:
- Academia
- NGOs
- Business
- Government
- Civil society
- Media
Final Thoughts
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellowship Program is an excellent opportunity for Greek early-to-mid-career professionals who want to deepen their expertise in international affairs, conduct meaningful research, and build leadership capacity in a globally respected institution.
With a 10-month full-time placement at Chatham House, a £2,565 monthly stipend, relocation support, and a strong mix of research and leadership training, this fellowship offers both professional credibility and practical career advancement.
For more information, visit Chatham House.
