The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) invite students of engineering disciplines to apply for an intensive introductory course on the proliferation of nuclear weapons, mechanisms to control their further spread, the security of nuclear materials and installations, and pathways to disarmament. The course will take place 28–30 November 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden.
The course has two main objectives:
- to enable students of engineering disciplines to use their knowledge and expertise to build their future careers in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament, including by addressing the risks of nuclear proliferation through technological developments; and
- to raise awareness among the students of proliferation risks associated with engineering disciplines.
The course will cover the fundamentals of nuclear weapons, as well as of missiles and other means of delivery of nuclear weapons; threats associated with the military and potential terrorist use of radioactive and nuclear material; arms control treaties; non-proliferation treaties and their means of verification; export controls; financial expenditure associated with developing and maintaining nuclear weapons, and mechanisms aimed at achieving disarmament.
The course will also examine gender perspectives on armament and disarmament and cover potential career paths in these disciplines. Course instructors will include renowned experts on nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, other European research centres, think tanks and international organizations.
Eligibility and application
The course is open to all students currently enrolled in a European university, pursuing a graduate or postgraduate degree in any engineering discipline. Applications from qualified women and underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The language of instruction is English. There is no tuition fee, and SIPRI will cover accommodation and economy class roundtrip costs for students travelling from Europe upon request. The deadline for applications is 23 October 2023.
Twenty applicants will be selected for participation in the course. As space is limited, we recommend that applications be submitted as early as possible. Participants will be given access to preparatory materials and are expected to read them in advance of the course.
Applications should be submitted in English via the form in the vacancies section of SIPRI’s website. Please note that applicants will be asked to upload a cover letter and a curriculum vitae, as well as a letter confirming enrolment in a graduate/postgraduate programme.
Selections will be finalized by 30 October 2023, and applicants will be informed thereafter.