Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme: Call for Applications

The UK Cyber Effects Network seeks to build and strengthen a community of interest focused on cyber effects issues. The Network aims to generate new thinking on the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations, and help develop the next generation of UK experts. The Network is administered by RUSI and funded by the National Cyber Force.

This 10-month programme is for early-career professionals from all sectors who are keen to deepen their knowledge and engage with the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations. Fellows will enhance their networks with like-minded researchers and practitioners, enhance writing and policy skills, and engage with practitioners from the UK cyber effects community.

We welcome applications from UK citizens or citizens from NATO member states working or studying in the UK.

Fellows will deepen their knowledge on offensive cyber operations and cyber conflict by engaging with a range of perspectives. Successful applicants will investigate contemporary issues and debates on cyber operations in competition, crisis and conflict, and will build practical skills in debate and analysis.

The fellowship also provides an opportunity for Fellows to connect with senior officials and top international experts, participate in scenario-based discussions and exercises, and receive professional development support. Fellowship programming will include:

At least two in-person workshops and one social event, with the potential for additional in-person activities, such as a field trip. Eight online professional development seminars.

Opportunities to showcase research and expertise to RUSI’s network and community.

Development of policy ideas, with the option to write short-form Cyber Effects Perspectives, related to the UK Cyber Effects Network areas of focus.

Mentorship from the RUSI cyber and tech team and senior cyber effects experts in developing skills.

Last year’s cohort of (publicly listed) fellows can be found here. Their activities included a range of online seminars ranging from lessons learned from Ukraine to offensive cyber operations for law enforcement, in person mentoring sessions on developing and communicating policy ideas and participation in interactive workshops as well as the UKCEN research symposium, where some fellows presented their ideas to the UK’s leading cyber effects experts.

The UK Cyber Effects Network will cover reasonable travel costs for the programme’s in-person engagements.

Eligibility criteria:

The Fellowship is primarily open to British citizens, as well as citizens of other NATO member states currently residing or studying in the United Kingdom.

Fellows must be highly proficient in English (reading, writing and speaking).

Fellows must have 3-7 years of professional experience (this can include time spent on a postgraduate degree). We interpret this requirement with discretion, e.g. to include those who have taken breaks for care work, but stress that this is a fellowship designed for early career professionals.

Fellows must be UK-based – with willingness to travel to London and one other UK location for in-person meetings (at least three). Please note we are not able to cover travel expenses for anyone living outside the UK.

It is possible to be a fellow without a public profile if you are a practitioner or have other restrictions. Please reach out if you have questions how we can make this work.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of colour, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment where diverse perspectives are valued and welcomed. Fellows will represent a broad range of viewpoints and backgrounds and must therefore embrace an open mindset and voice disagreements respectfully.

Please submit your application in the form below. The deadline is 23:59 BST, 05 June 2026. We will not be able to consider any incomplete or late submissions.

If you have any question about the programme please consult our FAQ at the bottom of this page, if they do not answer your question you can contact us through the RUSI website.

Application Form

Title ^* (required)

Full Name ^* (required)

Current Organisation ^* (required)

Current Role ^* (required)

Email address ^* (required)

Upload your CV/resume (max. 3 pages) ^* (required)

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Upload your personal statement (max. 2 pages) on why you want to participate, what you will bring to the Fellowship and your expectations for the programme. ^* (required)

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List up to three topics of interest and/or areas of expertise that are relevant to the Fellowship ^* (required)

Is there anything else we should know about you?

Confirm your citizenship ^* (required)

Please tick this box to confirm that you are a UK citizen or a citizen of a NATO member state working or studying in the UK.

Commitment to meeting attendance ^* (required)

Please tick this box to confirm your commitment to to try and attend all in-person and virtual meetings

Commitment to written contribution ^* (required)

Please tick this box to confirm you are committed to making a written contribution to the UKCEN, e.g. in form of a cyber effects perspective article (subject to editorial and employer approval where required).

Commitment to decorum ^* (required)

Please tick this box to confirm your commitment to embrace an open mindset and voice disagreements respectfully.

Updates from the UK Cyber Effects Network

Please tick this box if you agree to be contacted via email with updates about outputs and upcoming events by the UK Cyber Effects Network

By ticking this box you agree to RUSI's Privacy policy. For more information please go here: https://www.rusi.org/privacy-policy

In alignment with data privacy regulations, we will delete submitted documents once the selection process is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you looking for?

We are looking for early-career professionals who are interested in the theory and practice of offensive cyber and other cyber effects operations (e.g. cyber-enabled information operations). It is our aim to broaden the field of people working on this topic and engage new voices and perspectives.

How much time commitment is expected from fellows?

The fellowship is designed and intended for young professionals and is compatible with a full-time position. However, we require participants to attend six online and at least two in person events (taking place in London) over the course of seven months. Activities will be spread throughout the period of activity. In addition, participants have the opportunity to develop and publish a short (approx. 1200-1500 words) written piece with the help of RUSI’s Cyber and Tech team.

Do I need to live in London?

No, but you should be willing to travel to London for at least two in-person sessions. Support is available for reasonable travel costs occurring to take part in in-person sessions.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship runs until April 2027 with possibility of extension. Fellows are not obliged to commit beyond April 2027.

Do I need to be a UK citizen?

No, but you need to be a citizen of a NATO member state and live or reside in the UK.

Do I need to be an academic researcher?

No, you don’t need to be an academic or have specific academic qualifications or have published on offensive cyber operations. We expect fellows to have some level of experience in relevant fields (e.g. government cyber policy, cyber conflict or cyber security academic research, cyber threat intelligence etc.) and to demonstrate a willingness to learn more about cyber effects issues.

Can I participate anonymously?

If you are a professional working in a sensitive area and would like to participate in the fellowship but do not wish to enhance a public profile, we are keen to find a solution that works. Please be in touch and we can discuss options for discrete participation.

How do you calculate 3-7 years work experience?

This requirement should be loosely interpreted. If you have taken time off, for example due to parental leave, sickness or other personal circumstances, or have been working part-time, please use a generous interpretation of the requirement and indicate so in your letter of intent. The requirement is also inclusive of time devoted to conducting a postgraduate research degree.