Apply Now: Next Generation Scholars on India and the Indo-Pacific

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Next Generation Scholars on India and the Indo-Pacific programme supports early-career researchers, journalists, and government officials from Europe who want to deepen their expertise in India and the Indo-Pacific region. The programme combines expert-led training, mentorship, research funding, editorial support, and professional networking to develop substantive, interdisciplinary, and policy-relevant regional expertise. A pan-European cohort of 25 emerging experts will participate in four in-person workshops in Hamburg between December 2026 and August 2028. Participants will also receive travel and accommodation support for the required workshops, along with additional funding opportunities for individual field research in India and/or the Indo-Pacific.

About the Next Generation Scholars Programme

The programme is designed for early-career professionals who have a strong interest in India and the Indo-Pacific and want to develop knowledge that can contribute to European policy and public understanding. It brings together researchers, journalists, and officials from across Europe to create a diverse professional network focused on the region.

Participants will benefit from

- Four expert-led workshops in Hamburg - Direct engagement with leading practitioners - Mentorship - Editorial support for publications - A pan-European professional network - Funding for individual field research - Advisory support for research stays - Opportunities to participate in additional CEIPE events - Opportunities to participate in policy dialogues What Training Does the Programme Provide? Selected participants will take part in four in-person workshops over a two-year period. Each workshop will last two days and will provide opportunities to learn from experts and practitioners working on India and the Indo-Pacific.

The workshops are intended to build:

- Regional expertise - Interdisciplinary understanding - Policy-relevant knowledge - Research and analytical skills - Connections with European and regional experts - Understanding of contemporary issues affecting India and the Indo-Pacific The first workshop is scheduled for December 7–8, 2026. The full programme requires participation in four workshops taking place between December 2026 and August 2028. Research Funding and Fieldwork Opportunities In addition to the workshops and mentoring, the programme provides funding and advisory support for individual field research.

Participants may receive additional funding for research stays in

- India - Other parts of the Indo-Pacific region This component allows scholars and professionals to deepen their understanding through direct research and engagement in the region. However, the programme does not provide salaries. Travel and Accommodation Support Travel and accommodation costs for the required workshops in Hamburg are fully covered. This support allows selected participants from across Europe to attend the in-person programme without having to bear the workshop travel and accommodation costs themselves. Additional funding may also be available for individual research stays in India and/or the Indo-Pacific. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to early-career professionals from Europe working in research, journalism, or government.

Eligible applicants include:

- Early-career postdoctoral researchers - Doctoral researchers - Journalists - Officials from European government ministries - Officials from EU institutions Applicants must reside in one of the following: - EU member states - United Kingdom - Norway - Switzerland Is Previous Expertise on India Required? No. Applicants do not need to have pre-existing expertise on India.

However, applicants should demonstrate:

- A strong interest in India and the Indo-Pacific - Motivation to deepen regional expertise - Potential to contribute to European policy discussions - Potential to improve public understanding of India and the Indo-Pacific - Interest in developing substantive and interdisciplinary knowledge The programme is therefore suitable for promising early-career professionals who want to build deeper regional knowledge even if India is not already their primary area of specialization. Programme Timeline The programme runs over approximately two years.

Key dates include:

- First workshop: December 7–8, 2026

- Workshop period: December 2026 to August 2028

- Number of workshops: Four

- Workshop format: In person

- Workshop location: Hamburg

- Workshop duration: Two days each

- Cohort size: 25 emerging experts

- Working language: English

Applicants should be prepared to participate in all four required workshops. Application Requirements Applications must be submitted as one PDF file.

The PDF must contain:

- A CV without a photograph - A motivation letter of no more than two pages The motivation letter should explain the applicant’s interest in: - India - The Indo-Pacific region - The programme - Developing regional expertise - Contributing to European policy and public understanding Applicants should use the motivation letter to demonstrate why participation would be valuable for their professional development and how they could contribute to the programme’s objectives. How to Prepare a Strong Application Show a Clear Interest in the Region Previous India expertise is not required, but applicants should demonstrate genuine and well-defined interest in India and the wider Indo-Pacific. Connect the Programme to Your Career Explain how the programme’s workshops, mentorship, research opportunities, and professional network would strengthen your work. Highlight Policy Relevance Applicants should demonstrate their potential to contribute to European policy discussions or public understanding of India and the Indo-Pacific. Keep the Motivation Letter Focused The motivation letter is limited to two pages. Applicants should therefore prioritize their strongest arguments and clearly explain their motivation rather than providing a lengthy