Apply for the Chatham House Research in Practice - PhD placement 2026/2027 - a three-month, full-time research placement at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, hosted by the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation.
Eligible PhD students join a Chatham House research team, contribute to policy-relevant analysis, and take part in the Academy’s Leadership Masterclass Programme every Thursday. The placement runs 1 October 2026 - 8 January 2027 at St James’s Square, London (hybrid; at least two days onsite each week).
Quick Facts - Chatham House PhD Placement 2026/2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Research in Practice - PhD placement |
| Organisation | Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) |
| Host academy | Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation |
| Location | St James’s Square, London (hybrid) |
| Duration | 1 October 2026 - 8 January 2027 (3 months, full-time) |
| Onsite requirement | At least 2 days per week in the London office |
| Who can apply | PhD students in one of three specified London DTPs only |
| Research programmes | Europe; Global Health; International Law; International Security; US & North America |
| Application deadline | 7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT |
| Official apply | Chatham House careers - Research in Practice PhD placement |
What Is the Research in Practice Placement?
Chatham House is a world-leading independent policy institute. This placement brings doctoral researchers into its research community so they can translate academic work into practical, policy-relevant analysis. Students work on a research project (paper, convenings, or similar), respond to live international developments, and gain access to Chatham House’s library, expert networks, and events programme.
Eligibility - Doctoral Training Programmes Only
This call is not open worldwide. You must be a PhD student affiliated with one of these DTPs:
- UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Programme
- London School of Economics Doctoral Training Programme
- London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme
Confirm affiliation with your DTP before applying. Nationality is not the eligibility filter - institutional DTP membership is.
Choose One Research Programme
Apply to one of five Chatham House programmes:
- Europe Programme - dual-use technologies & defence-industrial integration; Europe’s defence architecture; Europe’s engagement with India and the Gulf (trade, technology, critical minerals)
- Global Health Programme - medical-supply stockpiling for health emergencies; private-sector investment in biosecurity; the future of open-science cooperation
- International Law Programme - consensus on the international rule of law and multilateral institutions; adapting international regulation to a changing global order
- International Security Programme - changing security landscapes and alliances; rearmament and new military technologies; redefining peacemaking
- US and North America Programme - America’s evolving global role; policy shifts in Washington and Ottawa; transatlantic relations
What You Will Do
- Contribute to a research project (desk research, literature reviews, drafting, interviews, roundtables)
- Write briefs and monitor issues as international developments unfold
- Collaborate across regional and thematic research teams where appropriate
- Help develop research and grant proposals for governments, businesses, and foundations
- Support project reporting, budgets, and Chatham House events (topics, speakers, planning)
- Join the Academy Leadership Masterclass Programme every Thursday (skills workshops, thematic sessions, leadership training)
Skills Chatham House Looks For
- Strong research skills and ability to synthesise complex information
- Demonstrable interest in foreign policy and international affairs
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines
- Collaborative working style across seniority levels
- Good IT skills (Microsoft 365: Teams, Word, Outlook)
How to Apply
- Confirm you are affiliated with one of the three eligible DTPs.
- Choose one Chatham House research programme that matches your doctoral work.
- Read the full job description: Research in Practice - PhD placement (it is removed after the deadline - save a copy).
- Complete the official Chatham House careers application in your own words.
- Submit before Monday 7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT.
Do not use AI to write your application. Chatham House states that AI-generated answers risk disqualification.
Official Links
Apply - Chatham House Research in Practice PhD placement
Queen Elizabeth II Academy - Chatham House
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FAQs - Chatham House PhD Placement 2026/2027
Who can apply?
Only PhD students in the UCL/Bloomsbury and East London DTP, the LSE DTP, or the London Interdisciplinary Social Science DTP.
What is the deadline?
7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT.
When does the placement run?
1 October 2026 to 8 January 2027 - three months, full-time, hybrid in London (minimum two days onsite per week).
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
This is a professional research placement at Chatham House, not a tuition scholarship. Confirm pay, visa, and stipend details on the official careers listing before you apply.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
The call asks applicants to apply to one of the five listed research programmes.
