Designed for professionals aged 20–30 at the start of their careers, this free initiative offers events, networking opportunities, and a supportive community to help young professionals grow their knowledge, expand their network, and engage in global issues.


Why Join RUSI NextGen?

  • Free membership – no cost to join, no hidden fees.
  • Networking opportunities – connect with peers and senior experts in international affairs, defence and security.
  • Exclusive events – attend panels, roundtables, and social events throughout the year.
  • Professional development – gain insights from RUSI’s world-leading research and thought leadership.
  • Monthly newsletter – stay informed about upcoming events, opportunities, and global affairs discussions.

👉 Apply now to join the RUSI NextGen community


Who Can Join?

RUSI NextGen is open to all young professionals aged 20–30, regardless of background, sector, or prior expertise. Whether you’re in government, business, academia, NGOs, or simply passionate about global affairs, you’re welcome to be part of the network.

Follow RUSI NextGen
Instagram

 

X

 

LinkedIn

 

 

Find out more about our NextGen initiative

Upcoming events 

 


 

 

 



 

Our Mission, Vision and Purpose

Our Mission

To build an inclusive, engaging community of early career professionals interested in defence, security, and international affairs. RUSI NextGen supports the next generation of thinkers and leaders as they build their careers and contribute to global security.

Our Vision

To grow a vibrant, international community that empowers young professionals to understand, engage with, and influence the most pressing global challenges.

Our Purpose

  • Provide a platform for young professionals to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other.
  • Offer free access to events, discussions, and networking opportunities.
  • Welcome community members from all sectors and backgrounds with an interest in global affairs.
  • Support RUSI’s charitable mission of building a safer, fairer, and more secure world.

NextGen Ambassadors

RUSI NextGen Ambassadors embody our mission and vision as representatives of the NextGen Community. Our ambassadors are the future leaders of tomorrow in the defence and security sector. They bring a wealth of experience in a variety of areas including public sector, corporate and government roles. As part of their ambassadorship, our cohort is focused on making the NextGen initiative the very best it can be for current and future generations.

Zoe Dharma Ciaccio

Zoe Dharma Ciaccio

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Ríoghnach Kearney

Ríoghnach Kearney

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Leila Laing

Leila Laing

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Tom Layhe

Tom Layhe

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Emma Lowden

Emma Lowden

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Ethan Sanderson

Ethan Sanderson

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

Tara Zammit

Tara Zammit

RUSI NextGen Amabassador

FAQs 

Who can join?

Anyone in the early stages of their career!

Does it cost anything to join?

It costs nothing! All our events and content are completely free to access.

Do I need to attend NextGen events regularly to continue being a members of the community?

No – engagement with the network is entirely flexible – you can attend however many (or few) events you like.

Do I need to have a background knowledge of global affairs to join?

No, you do not – the initiative is a community of like-minded young professionals who possess varying levels of expertise in the field.

Can I bring a friend to your event?

Please do, just make sure they register in time for the event!

 View past NextGen events 


Get in touch

Danielle Prieto

Danielle Prieto

RUSI NextGen Programme and Membership Account Manager, RUSI

Danielle Prieto is the RUSI NextGen Programme and Membership Account Manager. She previously held an Event Manager role at RUSI.

Before joining RUSI, Danielle worked in communications and administrative roles at the British Geriatrics Society, The Law Society, Touro College Berlin and The Princeton Club of New York.

She studied Public Relations and Communications at EU Business School Barcelona and holds a Masters in Human Rights Law from Birkbeck, University of London.

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.rusi.org/people/prieto