We are proud to welcome 14 new fellows to the 2026–2027 Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship, bringing together an exceptional group of professionals working at the forefront of cybersecurity, technology policy, diplomacy, and research across Europe.

This year’s cohort reflects the diversity that defines today’s cybersecurity landscape –from threat intelligence analysts and security architects to diplomats, researchers, policy experts, and engineers working to strengthen Europe’s technological resilience, cyber defence, and digital sovereignty. Together, they represent the interdisciplinary expertise required to address today’s complex cyber and technology challenges.

The 2026–2027 fellows are:

Anne Blickhan, Tom Blue, David Backovsky, Elisa Chiapponi, Joel Christoph, Valon Dauti, Bernhardt Fourie, Julia-Silvana Hofstetter, Fee-Marie von der Brelie, Ema Odra Raščan, Christina Rupp, Mattia Sguazzini, Sveva Vittoria Scenarelli, Verena Wingerter.

Led by Merle Maigre, Fellowship Senior Advisor at Virtual Routes and Program Director of Cybersecurity at Estonia’s e-Governance Academy, and Max Smeets, Co-Director of Virtual Routes, the fellowship aims to support young professionals in developing both deep subject-matter expertise and strong professional networks across the European cybersecurity community. 

We look forward to working with this outstanding cohort over the coming year and to the ideas, collaborations, and insights that will emerge from the fellowship.

For more information about the 2026-2027 Fellowship cohort, see here.

If you would like to support the Fellowship program please contact us at fe********@************es.org.