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  • Applications for the 2026-2027 fellowship are open.
  • Applications for the 2026-2027 fellowship are closed.

Fellowship

The Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship is a year-long program for young European professionals, helping them develop and accelerate their careers in cybersecurity policy.

Fellows will participate in a series of online and in-person workshops and events with experts from the field. They will investigate issues and themes in contemporary cybersecurity and build practical skills in debate and analysis.

Fellows will also receive support in writing for policy, gain access to networking opportunities and linked events supported by Virtual Routes.

2026-2027 fellowship
Apply now for the 2026 -2027 fellowship

The 2026-2027 fellowship cohort started in April 2026.

“Becoming a Virtual Routes fellow connected me with a community of open yet critical thinkers, always ready to support and challenge each other. This broadened my perspectives, expanded my network, and permanently shaped my understanding of this field and how to navigate it.”
Max van der Horst
CSIRT Operations Lead, Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure
2024-2025 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The fellowship is a standout experience that links you with a diverse community of cybersecurity professionals, encouraging you to learn from them, grow with them, challenge your thinking, and dive into meaningful discussions.”
Kritika Roy
Senior Threat Intelligence Researcher, Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation
2025-2026 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“A fantastic community of passionate experts, forwarding the conversation on cyber conflict and European security and defence. “
Amy Ertan
Cyber and Hybrid Policy Officer, NATO HQ
2023-2024 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The fellowship has been a unique opportunity for me to connect with a diverse range of practitioners, scholars, experts, and peers. There is probably no better community for engaging in discussions and learning about cybersecurity in Europe. “
Fabiola Schwarz
Research Associate and PhD student, School of Politics and Public Policy / TU Munich
2024-2025 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“Becoming a fellow is a life-changing experience that opens doors to like-minded individuals and provides invaluable experience you can leverage to advance further in your career and accomplishments.”
Mamuka Kirkitadze
Digital Manager, Zinc Network
2023-2024 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The fellowship has been a truly unique journey, opening doors to invaluable insights from thought leaders in the field. What’s even more important is how it has brought together individuals with highly diverse cyber-related backgrounds, resulting in lifelong connections.”
Julian-Ferdinand Vögele
Threat Researcher, Recorded Future
2023-2024 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The European Cybersecurity Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn directly from top experts and practitioners, as well as from fellow participants with diverse multidisciplinary backgrounds. Connecting with peers through the Virtual Routes network provides an enriching and invaluable experience for any emerging professional or researcher in the field of cybersecurity.”
Brita Achberger
Cyber Project Manager, Swiss Ministry of Defence
2024-2025 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The Virtual Routes fellowship provides an invaluable platform to meet peers across government, the private sector and civil society. It gives you a unique view on cutting edge problems and welcomes your contributions. “
Joseph Jarnecki
Research Fellow for Cyber and Technology, RUSI
2024-2025 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“Doing this fellowship provided me the opportunity to contribute to the policy work being done in cybersecurity using my practitioner experience in threat intelligence. I was lucky to be part of the first cohort with other fellows who are talented experts in their fields. The staff created a great program to support our career development and intellectual interests, and I really enjoyed my year being involved in this community!”
Saher Naumaan
Principal Threat Intelligence Analyst, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
2022-2023 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“Being a Virtual Routes Fellow gives you the chance to learn from and connect with people who are truly the best in the field, and you become part of a community that is constantly growing and standing out.”
Isabella Neumann
PhD candidate in International Politics and Conflict Resolution, University of Coimbra
2025-2026 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“The fellowship was an extraordinary, action-packed year, involving regular opportunities to learn from and discuss timely issues with the luminaries of the cybersecurity field. It goes without saying that among these luminaries were my fellow fellows themselves; a formidable, multidisciplinary cohort of experts from whom I was grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much, and the first of hopefully many fellowship cohorts in a growing community that I’m delighted to be a part of.”
Jiro Minier
Lead, Threat Intelligence Research & Analysis, Deutsche Cyber-Sicherheitsorganisation
2022-2023 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“I am very grateful to have been part of the fellowship and to still be part of this vibrant and expanding network. I greatly enjoyed learning from each of the fellows and the comraderie of the group. Moreover, I can’t thank the organizers enough for facilitating regular exchanges with other leading practitioners and academics in the field of cyber security and internet governance.”
Cedric Amon
Research Associate, Multilateral Dialogue Geneva Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
2022-2023 European Cybersecurity Fellow
“Through my fellowship, I’ve had the privilege of delving deep into the ever-evolving world of cyber conflict, gaining valuable insights into the complex and dynamic landscape of cyber warfare, and learning from thought leaders in the field.”
Simona Autolitano
International Relations Officer, Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
2022-2023 European Cybersecurity Fellow

Alumni

2025-2026

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2024-2025

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2023-2024

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2022-2023

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FAQ

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Who can apply for the fellowship?

We are looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including government, civil society, the private sector, journalism and academia, with a strong interest in cyber security and a passion for driving change.

No, there are no application fees.

Applicants need to submit an essay and their CV. Essay topics will be announced during the call for applications.
The selection process is highly competitive as we receive applications from many talented professionals across Europe. We encourage applicants to thoroughly prepare and showcase their passion and expertise in cybersecurity policy.

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Residence: Must reside in a European country.
  • Age: Must be under 35 years old at the time of application.
  • Language Proficiency: Must be highly proficient in English.
  • Interest: Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in cybersecurity, European policy, and the role of technology in democracy. They should also showcase maturity, strong social skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
  • Academic & Professional Achievement: Must demonstrate high-level academic and/or professional achievement or potential.
  • Travel and Interaction: Candidates should be comfortable with travel and engaging with a multinational, co-ed group of participants from various parts of Europe.

Support

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

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