The Institute for Future Conflict (IFC) at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) has officially opened applications for its highly competitive Nonresident Research Fellowship Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This prestigious fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for researchers, academics, military professionals, policy experts, and strategic thinkers interested in the future of warfare, security, technology, and strategic competition.

The fellowship is designed to bring together emerging and established experts whose work contributes to understanding how future conflicts may evolve and how nations can better prepare for rapidly changing security environments. Through research, collaboration, professional engagement, and thought leadership, fellows will play an important role in advancing discussions on future warfare and statecraft.

Applications are currently open and will close on June 30, 2026.

About the Institute for Future Conflict

The Institute for Future Conflict (IFC) is based at the United States Air Force Academy and exists to advance understanding and preparation for future conflict through research, education, leadership development, and external engagement.

The institute focuses on helping develop adaptive military leaders capable of responding effectively to evolving global security challenges. Its work examines a wide range of topics, including:

Emerging technologies and warfare
Strategic competition among nations
Adversary doctrine and military innovation
Force design and military modernization
Operational adaptation
Defense policy and strategy
The relationship between military power and society
Future operational environments
National security challenges

Through its partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, military organizations, and industry leaders, the institute seeks to develop innovative approaches to future security challenges.

About the Nonresident Research Fellowship

The Nonresident Research Fellowship is an annual program that runs alongside the academic year and lasts for one calendar year.

The fellowship brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common interest in understanding and shaping the future of conflict and strategic competition.

Rather than following a rigid structure, the fellowship is designed to be flexible and tailored to each fellow’s expertise, research interests, and professional goals.

Successful applicants will work closely with the Fellowship Director to create individualized engagement plans that maximize their contributions while supporting their own professional development.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive several valuable benefits throughout the fellowship period.

$2,000 Honorarium

Each fellow receives a $2,000 honorarium for active participation in the program and contributions to the intellectual life of the Institute for Future Conflict.

Travel Support

The institute covers travel expenses associated with required fellowship events and workshops.

Access to High-Level Networks

Fellows gain access to a unique network of:

Military leaders
Government officials
Policy professionals
Academic researchers
Defense experts
Industry innovators
Former and current fellows

Research and Publication Opportunities

Participants have opportunities to:

Publish original research
Develop policy analysis papers
Produce strategic commentary
Contribute to ongoing debates on national security and future warfare

Professional Development

The fellowship provides valuable opportunities to:

Refine research agendas
Expand professional networks
Engage with defense audiences
Develop publication pipelines
Collaborate with leading experts

Fellowship Activities

The fellowship offers flexibility in how participants contribute.

Examples of fellowship activities include:

Research and Writing

Fellows may:

Conduct original research
Produce policy papers
Write strategic analyses
Publish commentary on future conflict topics

Collaborative Projects

Participants can collaborate with IFC-affiliated scholars on:

Research projects
Publications
Applied defense initiatives
Strategic studies

Presentations and Public Engagement

Fellows may:

Deliver lectures and presentations
Engage military audiences
Brief policymakers
Speak to industry stakeholders
Participate in public discussions

Cadet Mentorship

Participants can contribute to educational initiatives by:

Supporting cadet research projects
Advising student researchers
Participating in Future Conflict Minor activities

Workshops and Wargames

Fellows are encouraged to engage in:

Strategic workshops
Wargaming exercises
Speaker series
Research forums

Required Fellowship Deliverable

Each fellow must produce at least one written product for publication on the Institute for Future Conflict website.

This publication may include:

Research articles
Policy analysis
Strategic commentary
Defense-focused essays
Future warfare assessments

Fellowship Timeline

August 21, 2026

Selected fellows will attend a kickoff workshop at the United States Air Force Academy.

This workshop serves as an opportunity to:

Present project ideas
Receive feedback from peers and experts
Establish research goals
Set publication deadlines

Summer 2027

Fellows will reconvene to present their completed research and share insights gained during the fellowship year.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applicants from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Early-Career Scholars

Doctoral candidates and emerging researchers can use the fellowship to:

Build academic networks
Strengthen research portfolios
Develop publication opportunities

Mid-Career and Senior Scholars

Experienced researchers may use the fellowship to:

Engage defense audiences
Influence policy discussions
Expand professional collaborations

Practitioners and Professionals

Military personnel, government officials, analysts, and industry professionals can leverage the fellowship to:

Connect practical experience with research
Contribute operational insights
Shape future defense thinking

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:

Citizenship Requirement

Be a United States citizen

Education Requirement

Applicants must possess:

A master’s degree or higher; OR
Equivalent professional experience

Research Focus Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a strong focus on:

Future conflict
Strategic competition
National security
Defense studies
Military innovation
Related fields

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A comprehensive CV outlining educational background, research experience, publications, and professional accomplishments.

2. Cover Letter

A one- to two-page cover letter explaining:

Professional background
Alignment with the Institute for Future Conflict
Proposed fellowship project
Expected contributions to the program

3. Writing Sample

Applicants must provide a previously published writing sample demonstrating their research, analytical, and communication abilities.

The Institute emphasizes originality and expects all submitted materials to accurately reflect the applicant’s own work.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email.

Send application materials to:

Dr. Kerry Chávez
kerry.chavez@afacademy.af.edu

CC:

Dr. Layne Hancock
cary.hancock@afacademy.af.edu

Apply Here

Application Deadline

June 30, 2026

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before the close of business on the deadline date.

Why This Fellowship Matters

As emerging technologies, geopolitical competition, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and evolving military doctrines continue to reshape the global security landscape, understanding future conflict has become more important than ever.

The Institute for Future Conflict Nonresident Research Fellowship offers a unique platform for experts and emerging leaders to contribute meaningful research, influence strategic thinking, and engage directly with military and policy communities shaping the future of national and international security.

For scholars, practitioners, and professionals interested in the future of warfare and strategic competition, this fellowship represents a valuable opportunity to advance both personal expertise and broader discussions on global security.

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Institute for Future Conflict Nonresident Research Fellowship 2026–2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for Researchers, Scholars, and Strategic Thinkers @2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for Researchers, Scholars, and Strategic Thinkers