2027 Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship, Global Energy Center
Summary
A one-year, unpaid fellowship for veterans and military spouses to research energy security and defense policy, contributing to publications and events on national energy challenges.
The Atlantic Council’s Veterans Advanced Energy Fellowship is a one-year, unpaid fellowship program that highly values the contributions of veterans, reservists, and military spouses committed to shaping the future of US energy security and national defense. Hosted by the Global Energy Center’s Energy & Defense program, the fellowship supports experienced professionals committed to advancing energy-informed solutions to strategic defense challenges.
Fellows participate in high-level policy discussions, engage with senior leaders, and provide thought leadership on policy issues at the intersection of energy, defense, and national security. As part of the fellowship, participants will contribute to the work of the Energy & Defense program by collaborating on a research project aligned with one of the program’s four pillars:
- Installation Energy Security & Infrastructure Resilience
- Operational Energy for Future Warfighting
- Energy Logistics & Supply Chains in Contested Environments
- Allied Energy Interoperability & Coalition Readiness
Fellows will work closely with Council experts, contributing to publications, events, and strategic dialogues that shape the national energy security conversation. Fellows also join a growing network of peers working across energy, defense, and public service—building lasting connections that extend beyond the fellowship year.
Expectations for the program
Fellows are expected to:
- Participate in a virtual orientation in September 2026, as well as monthly webinars from October 2026 through September 2027.
- Travel to Washington, DC, for three in-person study tours: October 13-14, 2026; June 8-9, 2027; and October 2027 (airfare and lodging provided).
- Contribute to a collaborative research project aligned with one of the four pillars of the Energy & Defense program.
- Take initiative in advancing independent research, dedicating time outside of scheduled programming to develop analysis, support group deliverables, and engage substantively with their research team.
- Support Atlantic Council programming through written analysis, roundtable participation, and other forms of strategic engagement.