The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 offers a top chance for young people to dive into UK counter-terrorism and security work. Hosted by the Counter Extremism Group, this fully funded program brings together sharp minds in London for a week of talks and insights. If you care about fighting extremism and building a career in national security, this could be your path forward.
About the Fellowship
This program runs under the guidance of Lord Carlile of Berriew, a key figure in UK counter-terrorism policy. It lasts one week in person and focuses on real-world security issues. Fellows get close access to experts like former spy leaders, government officials, reporters, and scholars.
Key Topics Covered
Participants explore pressing challenges such as changing terrorism risks, how extremist ideas grow, and reasons people join such groups. The sessions also cover balancing security with free speech rights, building counter-terrorism plans, the UK’s defense approach, and global threats. You will learn how media reports on these topics too.
Program Benefits
Everything is fully funded with no fees. This includes travel help inside the UK, six nights in a London hotel, and a daily allowance for meals. Seminars happen at major spots like Parliament and government buildings. You will meet top decision-makers face to face.
Dates and Location
The fellowship takes place in central London from September 7 to 11, 2026. Online interviews occur in late June 2026, during the last two weeks.
Featured Speakers
Expect talks from big names like Sir Alex Younger and Sir David Omand, past intelligence heads. Senior leaders such as Lord David Blunkett and Lord Michael Gove will share views. Other guests include counter-terrorism pros, lawyers, journalists, academics, and people who left extremism behind to help others.
Who Can Apply
This fits students, recent grads, and early-career workers with a passion for national security and counter-extremism. It welcomes varied backgrounds. Organizers look for people with strong curiosity, sharp analysis skills, and real drive to tackle these issues.
How to Apply
Send your current CV and a cover letter by email. In the letter, explain your reasons for applying, name one article, book, or thinker that shaped you (up to 200 words), and discuss Britain’s top extremist threat (up to 300 words). Add a signed note that your work follows the group’s AI rules and is all your own. No AI-generated entries allowed.
Application Deadline
Submit by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Late or missing parts mean no review.
Reasons to Join
This fellowship gives rare inside looks at UK security work. You build contacts with field leaders, gain deep knowledge on counter-terrorism, and set up for future roles in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026?
It is a fully funded one-week program in London hosted by the Counter Extremism Group. The fellowship focuses on UK counter-terrorism and security topics with talks from top experts.
When and where does the fellowship take place?
The program runs from September 7 to 11, 2026, in central London. Seminars happen at places like Parliament and government buildings.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Students, recent graduates, and early-career workers with a passion for national security and counter-extremism can apply. It welcomes people from varied backgrounds with strong curiosity and analysis skills.
What is the application deadline and how do I apply?
Submit your CV and cover letter by June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM via email. Include why you want to join, one influence on your thinking, and Britain’s top extremist threat, with no AI-generated content.
Conversation
0 Comments