Intensive online course for students and early-career professionals

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) are pleased to announce an intensive online course on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) non-proliferation and disarmament. The course will take place virtually 30 November–3 December 2026. Sessions will run for approximately four hours per day.

The course will examine the scientific, technical and political foundations of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; the international treaties, institutions and verification mechanisms that govern them; and the ways in which emerging technologies and changing security environments are affecting WMD-related risks and responses.

Particular attention will be given to technological convergence, including developments in artificial intelligence, outer space capabilities, biotechnology and autonomous systems, and to the challenges these developments create for risk assessment, verification, governance and international cooperation.

The course is designed for graduate and postgraduate students in technical or natural science disciplines, as well as early-career professionals working in relevant fields. One of its aims is to help bridge the gap between scientific and technical education and the policy, legal and institutional dimensions of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.

Course overview

The programme will introduce participants to:

the scientific and technical foundations of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons;

the major international treaties and institutions governing WMD non-proliferation and disarmament;

verification, compliance and the practical limits of existing governance mechanisms;

the impact of emerging technologies and technological convergence on WMD-related risks;

export controls, national implementation and other practical tools for non-proliferation;

decision-making under conditions of technical and political uncertainty;

the role of the European Union and other international actors in non-proliferation and disarmament; and

professional pathways in WMD non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament.

Sessions will combine expert presentations with moderated discussion, case-based examples and opportunities for participants to engage directly with instructors.

Course instructors will include experts on non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, verification, export controls and emerging technologies from SIPRI, other European research centres, universities, think tanks and international organizations.

This course is conducted in English without the possibility of interpretation or translation and requires a high-level of English language proficiency.

Eligibility

The course is open to:

Graduate students: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme in the natural sciences, engineering or technological disciplines.

Early-career professionals: Applicants must

Have recently graduated (within the past 3 years) from a Master’s or PhD (or equivalent) programme in the natural sciences, engineering, or technological disciplines. Degree must have been completed in January 2023 or later; and

Be currently working in a professional role related to the course topics (e.g. research, policy, regulation, industry, or international organisations). Professional experience should involve substantive responsibilities. Internships, traineeships, or volunteer roles may be considered if they demonstrate clear relevance and responsibilities.

Please note that as this course is conducted in the context of the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, preference will be given to those who have strong EU ties, are pursuing their studies at a university based in the EU and/or reside in an EU member state at the time of the course's convening. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

Former participants in previous EUNPDC or SIPRI online or in-person courses are not eligible to participate again.

Approximately 20 applicants will be selected as course participants. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

Due to the course’s popularity and online format, a limited number of applicants who do not meet the participant eligibility criteria may be invited to attend as observers. Observers will have access to the course sessions and materials but will not receive participation certificates.

Selected participants and observers will receive access to preparatory materials and are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on:

Academic or professional merit

Relevance of background and current work to course topics

Clarity of motivation and expected contribution to the course

Diversity of disciplinary background, gender, and geographic representation - Applications from qualified women and underrepresented communities are highly encouraged.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 19 October 2026, 23:59 CET

Applications must be submitted in English through the online application form. Applicants are asked to provide:

Curriculum vitae;

Motivation letter, not to exceed 1-page, explaining their interest in the course and its relevance to their academic or professional development;

Recommendation letter from a current or past professor/supervisor

Selected applicants will be notified no later than 13 November 2026.

Further information on the final course dates, schedule and instructors will be provided to selected applicants.

All inquiries regarding the course should be directed to EUNPDC@sipri.org.

WMD Non-Proliferation & Disarmament in an Era of Technological Convergence

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