Women In International Security (WIIS) is pleased to open applications for the 2019 Next Generation Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) Symposium. The Next Generation GPS Symposium will convene an international cohort of 20-24 graduate students and young professionals for an intensive 5-day program examining international security challenges from a GPS perspective.

The symposium is scheduled to take place November 10-15, 2019 in Washington, D.C. The 2019 Next Gen Symposium is a part of a larger WIIS initiative to bridge existing divides between the traditional security community and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) community.  Through this initiative, we seek to (1) advance knowledge about the gender dimensions of international security challenges; and (2) support a community of international security experts that is both diverse and knowledgeable about gender dynamics of complex international security challenges.

WIIS is grateful to Carnegie Corporation of New York for its generous support of the 2019 GPS Symposium.

Approximately two-thirds of the Symposium will be devoted to knowledge base development. Fellows will lead and participate in substantive discussions through interactive panel discussions, presentations, break-out sessions, and dialogue with expert speakers.

An important part of the symposium will be devoted to substantive discussions of great power competition, nuclear security and the gender dimensions of these international security challenges.  We will also examine the state of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Next Generation Fellows are invited to present research and writing projects. Furthermore, fellows will have the opportunity to engage with experts on their projects and the overall themes of the symposium.

One-third of the symposium will be devoted to professional development and skills training, such as how to effectively communicate with the media, writing for policymakers, and leveraging social media. Participants will also gain exposure to government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks.

In the year following the Symposium, Fellows are required to produce at least one blog post. Fellows are also invited to submit (individual and/or joint) writing projects around the themes of the symposium in the form of policy briefs and brief monographs. Written materials by the Fellows will be widely distributed through the broad international WIIS network and partner networks.

In conjunction with the Next Generation GPS Symposium, participants will also join a mentorship and networking platform that connects them with former Fellows.

Benefits

WIIS will cover economy-fare travel to and from Washington, D.C. as well as local accommodation.

Eligibility requirements

• Young professionals with an MA or higher academic degree; or graduate students currently enrolled in a Masters or Ph.D. program in international affairs, security studies, gender studies, anthropology, or a related discipline. (Recent graduates, as well as individuals who will be enrolled in a graduate program within the next academic year, will also be considered.)
• Be between the ages of 25 and 40; and
• Fluent in both spoken and written English.
• Available to participate in all days of the symposium.
• All genders are encouraged to apply.

Participants are required to present a research or writing project during the symposium and publish a blog and/or policy piece after the program.

The research or writing project should relate to either one of the following topics: great power politics, a great power’s foreign policy, nuclear security issues, gender dimensions of international security challenges, or the WPS agenda.

How to Apply

Candidates must provide the following application materials:

• The complete application form
• Resume
• Letter of interest which should clearly address the following:
  • Why the applicant is interested in participating in the symposium;
  • How the applicant’s experience, education, and general background would contribute to the Next Generation Symposium (list 2-3 potential contributions);
  • Description of the applicant’s research and writing interests; and
  • A specific explanation of how the symposium would enhance the applicant’s future career goals.
• Summary of the research or writing project the candidate would like to present (250-500 words).
• Two letters of reference submitted directly to WIIS at [email protected]. References should include the applicant’s name in the subject line.

All materials should be uploaded and submitted within the application form. Applications without all of the above material will not be considered.