We have two exciting new opportunities for 18-35 year olds interested in international peace and security.
European Student / Young Pugwash Conference 2026
The inaugural European Student / Young Pugwash Conference (EuSYPC), is taking place from 25–27 September 2026 at the University of Pisa, Italy.
Europe is confronting a rapidly deteriorating security landscape. Debates over the future of European security, strategic autonomy, nuclear weapons and other evolving risks are becoming increasingly urgent. In this context, the Student Young Pugwash (SYP) network has created a forward-looking, policy-relevant dialogue on the challenges shaping Europe’s future. Our aim is to put the next generation of European decision-makers at the centre of the conversation. We hope you will join us at the inaugural EuSYPC!
You can find all the information about the conference, including: the programme; venue; and how to apply to attend, or be a presenter here.
Training Programme 2026/27
Student and Young Pugwash (SYP-UK) has created a new training programme. We want to help you develop your knowledge and skills by working with experts, and help us improve our research and education projects.
Participation in the programme is voluntary and requires a minimum 6-month commitment. The work schedule is negotiable but we would prefer a minimum of 5-7 hours a week.
It would be ideal if the programme associates are UK-based so they can attend some meetings and events in person. We will facilitate remote working where possible. The associates should be under-35.
Programme overview
The programme focuses on:
- Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation involving nuclear weapons / other WMD.
- The use of emerging and disruptive technology to support peace and security; the geopolitical impact of scientific research; the governance of military applications of science.
The exact focus of the work can be interpreted by the associates as they wish and include different aspects of nuclear weapons / WMD policy. For example, you may like to explore international agreements and treaties, nuclear modernisation programmes, or the impact of emerging and disruptive technology on security policy. The aim of the programme is to build associate’s knowledge of key debates from an ethical and socially responsible standpoint, and to enable them to pursue a career in a related field e.g. academia, civil society, or government.
We are looking for people with a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) background and a non-STEM (e.g. Arts and Humanities) background.
We encourage a full range of diverse and talented candidates to apply for a position.
The role can be adapted to your level of experience, whether you are new to this field, or have worked in it for a few years before.
We are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.
Activities and outputs
The programme will consist of:
● Mentoring: The associate will be mentored and supervised by the coordinator of SYP, who has experience and knowledge of nuclear weapons / peace and security issues from an academic, governmental and civil society perspective. You will gain regular feedback on your work so you can identify areas for improvement.
● Skill shares: The associate will receive a bespoke package of skills training as appropriate to their subject choice. The main focus will be on writing, research and developing policy-focused outputs. Practical advice will also be provided on writing grant / job applications; networking; advocacy work with decision-makers. This will include one-to-one meetings with British Pugwash experts and introductions to other subject specialists from NGOs, universities and government as appropriate.
For STEM associates, the focus will be on developing their understanding of politics and international relations in relation to nuclear weapons / other WMD.
For non-STEM associates, the focus will be on developing their understanding of scientific concepts in relation to nuclear weapons / other WMD.
Both roles will be centred around the importance of ethical science and social responsibility.
● Training: Associates will be supported to attend relevant training events (which may include meetings and conferences) to develop the specific skills or knowledge that they need. British Pugwash will also provide networking opportunities and access to its members.
● Collaborative working: There will be opportunities for associates to work together to exchange ideas and information based on their respective specialisms.
The main outputs of the programme will be:
● Presentations: Associates will develop a 10 to 15-minute presentation which they will present at the SYP annual conference in Spring 2026. There will be other opportunities to present at meetings or events.
● Publications: Associates will have the opportunity to be published on the British Pugwash website, for example in the annual SYP article collection. The focus will be on developing policy recommendations on nuclear weapons / other WMD.
What we are looking for
- Enthusiasm for and some experience in writing, research and presenting.
- A commitment to, and knowledge of, British Pugwash’s aims and values.
- An interest in international peace and security, and some familiarity with the main issues concerning arms control and disarmament involving nuclear weapons / other WMD.
- Experience in administration and event organisation would be an advantage in order to provide assistance convening SYP-UK’s annual conference.
To apply
There are up to three places available on the programme.
To apply, send your CV, with a maximum of 500 words explaining why you would like to take on this role, to Tim Street (SYP-UK Coordinator): syp@britishpugwash.org. Please state whether you have a STEM or non-STEM background.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss anything about the role, please do get in touch.
The deadline to apply for the 2026/27 programme is December 31st 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and filled as soon as the right candidates are found, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About us
Pugwash is an international network of scientists concerned with the social impacts of science and technology, specifically aiming for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and, ultimately, war itself. Pugwash supports young people to use their skills to make progress towards a more just and peaceful world, be that within Pugwash or more widely.
Student and Young Pugwash (SYP) is a branch of British Pugwash. SYP encourages students and young professionals to take an interest in and contribute to international security, peace and disarmament, with a focus on ethical outcomes and social responsibility. SYP’s multidisciplinary events and trainings give young scholars and ‘emerging experts’ the confidence to take part in public debates on emerging and disruptive technology, conflict and arms control / disarmament. We believe that having an engaged, educated cohort of younger people contributing to these debates increases the likelihood of better regulation and policies in the future, which benefits everyone.