{"id":8870,"date":"2026-03-23T11:03:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:03:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nonproliferation.eu\/hcoc\/?p=8870"},"modified":"2026-03-23T11:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:32:26","slug":"hcoc-youth-group-second-edition-call-for-applications-now-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nonproliferation.eu\/hcoc\/hcoc-youth-group-second-edition-call-for-applications-now-open\/","title":{"rendered":"HCoC Youth Group second edition – Call for Applications now open"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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HCoC Youth Group second edition -
Call for Applications now open<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Application opens: 23\/03\/2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Application deadline: 31\/07\/2026<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The HCoC Youth Group<\/strong> is an initiative of the Fondation pour la Recherche Strat\u00e9gique (FRS), implemented with the support of the European Union as part of its project supporting the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC).
The first edition (2023\u20132025) brought together seventeen fellows from around the world for a programme of webinars, workshops, and collaborative research, culminating in a collective report. The second edition builds on this experience and responds to a rapidly evolving strategic environment marked by the active use of ballistic missiles, the progressive collapse of arms control frameworks, and the dissemination of missile technologies worldwide.
The programme offers 15 selected fellows an 18-month learning experience combining virtual and in-person activities, direct engagement with leading experts and diplomats, and individual research work culminating in an edited collection of research contributions.<\/span>
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2. WHAT THE PROGRAMME OFFERS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Expert dialogue<\/strong><\/span>
Four thematic webinars (November 2026, February 2027, April 2027, June 2027) to promote dialogue: 30-40 minutes of expert presentations followed by 60 minutes of moderated discussion built around questions submitted by fellows in advance. Speakers will include researchers, diplomats, and practitioners from leading institutions working on missile non-proliferation.<\/p>\n

Virtual caf\u00e9s<\/strong><\/span>
Optional one-hour informal sessions held throughout the programme, with no fixed agenda. These are designed to maintain group cohesion, allow free exchange on current events, and provide a space to discuss research progress.<\/p>\n

In-person workshop: Plok\u0161tin\u0117, Lithuania (September 2027) [TBC]<\/strong><\/span>
A three-day residential workshop at the Cold War Museum in Plok\u0161tin\u0117, a former Soviet R-12 ballistic missile launch base located within \u017demaitija National Park. The workshop will combine expert briefings, working sessions for each member to exchange on their final research papers, a simulation exercise (war game \/ negotiation scenario) and a visit to the original launch silos and command post. Travel and accommodation costs for fellows will be covered by the programme.<\/p>\n

Individual research and publication<\/strong><\/span>
The central deliverable of the programme is a collection of individual research papers, one per fellow, compiled and edited by FRS into a single published document. Each fellow will select one research topic or propose their own analytical angle.<\/p>\n

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3. THEMATIC PILLARS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The programme is structured around thematic pillars, designed to guide the programme and structure the fellows’ research work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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PILLAR 1<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Technical: New vectors of missile proliferation, Dual-use Space & Cross-cutting dynamics<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This pillar focuses on monitoring trends, assessing drivers, and understanding the convergence between civilian space launch and military ballistic missile capabilities, alongside its implications for arms control.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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PILLAR 2<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Diplomatic: The HCoC in a multipolar world<\/strong><\/h4>\n

This pillar focuses on evaluating the international response, analysing the Code’s achievements and gaps, and developing actionable recommendations to strengthen its membership and implementation.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Applicants are asked to indicate their primary thematic interest (technical or diplomatic) in the application form.<\/p>\n

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4. WHO SHOULD APPLY<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The programme is open to young professionals, graduate students (equivalent to master\u2019s level or above), and early-career researchers who meet the following conditions:<\/p>\n

Academic and professional background<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:<\/p>\n