The Swiss Existential Risk Initiative (CHERI) is excited to announce the launch of its 2023 Research Fellowship, an 8-week in-person program focused on global catastrophic risk research. 

The fellowship will take place from July 3rd to August 27th, 2023, in the beautiful city of Geneva, Switzerland. This year, we are particularly eager to host fellows interested in exploring governance issues related to global catastrophic risk mitigation, given our close connections with policy organizations in the field. That being said, we also warmly welcome and anticipate having several fellows engaged in more technical research questions.

Apply here before April 16th, 11:59PM CET.

By participating in the CHERI Research Fellowship, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Strengthen your research portfolio and test your fit for research in global catastrophic risks.
• Receive mentorship from experienced researchers who will provide valuable support and guidance.
• Network and collaborate with like-minded individuals and professionals in the field.
• Develop essential skills and knowledge to shape the future of global catastrophic risk research.

In addition to these benefits, the Research Fellowship offers:

• A $5,500 stipend, free accommodation, and travel expense support.
• Co-working in a shared office at a policy hub in Geneva with access to the UN library. 
• Learning opportunities through talks and workshops from various GCR researchers from all over Europe.
• A stimulating and socially enriching summer experience amidst the breathtaking Swiss landscape.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking proactive and motivated individuals from a diverse range of subject areas who have the potential to make a significant impact in the field of global catastrophic risk research. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, a genuine interest in understanding and mitigating existential risks, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be currently pursuing a Bachelor, Master, or PhD (in any discipline), starting their studies in 2023, graduating in 2023, or have graduated in the past year.
• Willing and able to spend July & August 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland (we can help with short-stay Schengen visas).
• Available to do research full-time over the 8-week period.

Application process

The first stage consists of a few short tasks, estimated to take 1 to 1.5 hours. Applicants who progress to the next stage will be invited for a 20-minute interview during the week of April 24th. We expect to send out final acceptance decisions by the 28th of April 2023. If you need a decision before the 28th of April, please reach out to us, and we will look for ways to speed up the process.

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, April 16th, 23:59 (CET)

To apply and learn more, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at help@xrisk.ch.

In our experience, many excellent candidates hesitate to apply. If you're unsure, we encourage you to err on the side of applying. We also encourage you to share this opportunity with others who may be a good fit. If you are a leader or organizer of relevant community spaces, we’d be thankful if you could share this post with your community members.