Training · Technical skills

HCOC Youth Group

An 18-month research and learning programme on ballistic missile non-proliferation, open to 15 fellows worldwide.

HCOC Youth Group Second Edition

1. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The HCoC Youth Group is an initiative of the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), implemented with the support of the European Union as part of its project supporting the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC).

The first edition (2023–2025) brought together seventeen fellows from around the world for a programme of webinars, workshops, and collaborative research, culminating in a collective report. The second edition builds on this experience and responds to a rapidly evolving strategic environment marked by the active use of ballistic missiles, the progressive collapse of arms control frameworks, and the dissemination of missile technologies worldwide.

The programme offers 15 selected fellows an 18-month learning experience combining virtual and in-person activities, direct engagement with leading experts and diplomats, and individual research work culminating in an edited collection of research contributions.

2. WHAT THE PROGRAMME OFFERS

Expert dialogue

Four thematic webinars (November 2026, February 2027, April 2027, June 2027) to promote dialogue: 30-40 minutes of expert presentations followed by 60 minutes of moderated discussion built around questions submitted by fellows in advance. Speakers will include researchers, diplomats, and practitioners from leading institutions working on missile non-proliferation.

Virtual cafés

Optional one-hour informal sessions held throughout the programme, with no fixed agenda. These are designed to maintain group cohesion, allow free exchange on current events, and provide a space to discuss research progress.

In-person workshop: Plokštinė, Lithuania (September 2027) [TBC]

A three-day residential workshop at the Cold War Museum in Plokštinė, a former Soviet R-12 ballistic missile launch base located within Žemaitija National Park. The workshop will combine expert briefings, working sessions for each member to exchange on their final research papers, a simulation exercise (war game / negotiation scenario) and a visit to the original launch silos and command post. Travel and accommodation costs for fellows will be covered by the programme.

Individual research and publication

The central deliverable of the programme is a collection of individual research papers, one per fellow, compiled and edited by FRS into a single published document. Each fellow will select one research topic or propose their own analytical angle.

3. WHO SHOULD APPLY

The programme is open to young professionals, graduate students (equivalent to master’s level or above), and early-career researchers who meet the following conditions:

Academic and professional background

Demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:

Ballistic missile technology, arms control, or strategic studies
WMD non-proliferation and disarmament
Space policy and dual-use technology governance
International law, diplomacy, or confidence-building measures
Regional security studies – particularly in areas of proliferation concern

Language

Full working proficiency in English is required. All programme activities and written deliverables will be conducted in English.

Availability

Fellows are expected to participate in all four thematic webinars, attend the in-person workshop in September 2027, and contribute actively to their individual research paper throughout the 18-month programme. The estimated time commitment is approximately 4–6 hours per month during the virtual cycle, with additional time during report drafting and workshop preparation phases.

Selection priorities

The selection committee will give particular attention to:

Geographic diversity
Gender balance
Disciplinary diversity : a mix of technical, scientific, legal, diplomatic, military and social science backgrounds
Quality and specificity of the application
Be under the age of 40 at the time of applying.