The Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship 2026-2027, offered by the Center for Climate and Security (CCS), is a professional development opportunity designed for emerging professionals working at the intersection of climate change, environmental issues, and national or international security.
Named in honor of General Gordon Sullivan, a former U.S. Army leader and pioneering advocate for integrating climate and environmental considerations into national security planning, the fellowship cultivates the next generation of public servants and professionals addressing climate-security challenges. The programme combines virtual learning, expert engagement, structured discussions, and independent research from October 2026 through July 2027.
Table of Contents
- 1. Fellowship Overview
- 2. Quick Facts & Summary
- 3. Programme Structure & Focus
- 4. Eligibility Requirements
- 5. Fellowship Benefits
- 6. How to Apply
1. Fellowship Overview
The Center for Climate and Security, an initiative of the Council on Strategic Risks, recognizes that climate change represents one of the most significant threats to global stability and national security. Climate change drives environmental degradation, resource scarcity, mass migration, conflict, and state fragility. The Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship addresses the urgent need for professionals who understand both climate science and security policy, enabling them to develop integrated solutions at this critical intersection.
The fellowship provides emerging professionals with structured opportunities to deepen expertise, expand professional networks, and develop practical skills in climate-security analysis and policy. Rather than offering financial compensation, the programme emphasizes intellectual development, mentorship from leading experts, and access to a cohort of fellow professionals pursuing similar career paths. This approach creates a learning community where fellows support one another while engaging with sophisticated climate-security challenges.
General Gordon Sullivan’s legacy informs the fellowship’s mission. Sullivan was instrumental in bringing climate and environmental considerations into mainstream military and defense planning decades before these issues received widespread policy attention. The fellowship honors his foresight by preparing professionals to integrate climate analysis into security decision-making at all levels—from local governance to international policy institutions.
Read More:
2. Quick Facts & Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship |
| Offered By | Center for Climate and Security (CCS), Council on Strategic Risks |
| Programme Dates | October 2026 – July 2027 (10 months) |
| Fellowship Structure | Unpaid, part-time, virtual format |
| Time Commitment | Part-time (flexible hours based on fellow responsibilities) |
| Format | Virtual learning, expert engagement, structured discussions, independent research |
| Target Participants | Early and mid-career professionals, emerging leaders |
| Geographic Focus | Global, with emphasis on professionals from underrepresented regions |
| Application Status | Rolling admissions (applications reviewed continuously) |
| Final Deadline | September 14, 2026 |
3. Programme Structure & Focus
The Gordon R. Sullivan Fellowship combines multiple learning modalities to develop comprehensive climate-security expertise. The programme integrates virtual seminars led by leading experts in climate science, security policy, and environmental governance, allowing fellows to engage with cutting-edge research and policy debates. Structured discussions provide spaces for cohort learning, where fellows exchange perspectives and develop collaborative understanding of climate-security issues.
Fellows conduct independent research projects aligned with their professional interests and career goals. These projects may focus on climate-security policy analysis, regional climate security assessments, institutional capacity building, or advocacy strategy development. The independent component allows professionals to apply new learning directly to their work while building tangible outputs for their careers and organizations.
The curriculum addresses climate-security through multiple lenses including how climate change drives security challenges (state fragility, migration, resource conflict), integrating climate considerations into national security planning, adaptation and resilience strategies, just transition frameworks, and international climate-security cooperation. Fellows develop practical policy analysis skills while building networks with peers and mentors working across security, development, humanitarian, and environmental sectors.
4. Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Early-career professionals with relevant work experience
- Mid-career professionals seeking career transitions into climate-security
- Professionals from government, military, defense, security, or intelligence sectors
- Professionals from development, humanitarian, environmental, or climate organizations
- Academic researchers focused on climate-security topics
- Policy analysts and advocates working on climate and security
- Professionals from underrepresented regions and communities
Key Requirements
- Demonstrated professional experience relevant to climate and security
- Clear interest in and commitment to climate-security policy work
- Ability to participate in a 10-month, part-time virtual programme
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Professional resume clearly communicating relevant experience
- Written responses demonstrating focused interest in climate-security field
5. Fellowship Benefits
While the Gordon R. Sullivan Fellowship is unpaid, it offers substantial professional development value. Fellows gain access to leading experts in climate science, security studies, environmental policy, and related fields. The virtual format allows professionals to maintain their current positions while deepening expertise, making it accessible to those unable to take extended leave.
The fellowship provides structured environment for expanding knowledge of climate-security topics and developing relationships within the climate-security community. This networking aspect is particularly valuable, as fellows build connections with peers, mentors, and experts who can support their career development long after the fellowship concludes. Many professionals find that participation accelerates career advancement by positioning them as climate-security specialists in their organizations.
The independent research component allows fellows to produce tangible outputs—policy papers, analysis, or strategic recommendations—that strengthen their professional portfolios and contribute to their organizations’ work. Participation also provides credential value, signaling to employers and peers commitment to climate-security expertise and leadership.
6. How to Apply
Step 1: Review Fellowship Details
Visit the Center for Climate and Security website and thoroughly review fellowship documentation. Understand the programme structure, time commitment, learning outcomes, and application expectations. Assess how your professional background and career goals align with the fellowship’s focus on climate-security integration and policy development. Determine whether the virtual, part-time format fits your work schedule and professional situation. Email
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Develop a professional resume clearly highlighting relevant work experience, positions held, projects managed, and demonstrated expertise in climate, environment, security, or related areas. Draft a written response explaining your interest in climate-security, how this fellowship aligns with your career trajectory, and what you hope to accomplish through participation. Be specific and concrete about your professional goals and why this fellowship is essential to achieving them.
Step 3: Complete the Official Application Form
Access the Center for Climate and Security’s online application portal. Complete all required fields with accurate information. Provide a compelling written response that demonstrates genuine focus and commitment to climate-security work. Your narrative should show understanding of why this field matters, what specific issues within climate-security interest you most, and how you envision applying what you learn to your professional work.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application through the official Centre for Climate and Security portal before September 14, 2026. Late applications may not be considered, though the rolling-admissions process means earlier submissions may receive earlier consideration. Keep confirmation of your submission for your records and monitor your email for communication from the programme.
Step 5: Await Notification
The Centre for Climate and Security will review applications on a rolling basis. Selected fellows will be notified and provided with fellowship start details, orientation information, and expectations. If not selected, the Centre may provide feedback that can strengthen future applications or direct you to related opportunities in the climate-security field.
Application Tips:
Be specific about your professional experience and climate-security interest. Demonstrate understanding of why climate and security are interconnected. Show how this fellowship advances your career goals. Apply earlier rather than waiting until the final deadline, as rolling admissions favor early applications. Ensure your resume clearly shows relevant experience and expertise areas.
The Gordon R. Sullivan Climate and Ecological Security Fellowship 2026-2027 offers an exceptional professional development opportunity for emerging leaders committed to integrating climate considerations into security policy and practice. In a world where climate change increasingly drives security challenges, professionals with expertise at this intersection are critical to developing effective, integrated responses. Whether you work in government, defense, development, environment, or policy sectors, this fellowship can deepen your expertise, expand your network, and position you as a leader in climate-security work. Applications are open on a rolling basis through September 14, 2026—apply today to join a cohort of committed professionals shaping climate-security futures.