The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is now accepting applications for its inaugural Congressional fellowship cohort. The fellowship will gather a select group of current Congressional staffers with an interest in national security, defense policy, and strategic posture, to include nuclear, missile, and space defense policy. The fellowship is designed to provide early- and mid-career professionals with an opportunity to develop the skills needed for effective bipartisan Congressional leadership on defense issues and to absorb practical insights from senior practitioners, allied partners, and technical experts. Fellows will leave the program equipped to contribute meaningfully to the policy debates shaping U.S. nuclear strategy, strategic deterrence, and arms control. Over the course of the nine-month program, fellows will engage in a variety of in-person activities on the Hill and at CSIS, including day-long workshops, dinners with leading experts, and a table-top exercise. The cohort will also participate in a two-day visit to a national security site to gain firsthand exposure to U.S. strategic programs and modernization efforts. Eligibility Early and mid-career staff working on defense, foreign policy, strategic forces issues, or other national security issues. Prior experience in nuclear or strategic forces issues is welcome but not required. Applicants can come from either personal offices or committees in either chamber. Programming The tentative schedule includes: Spring 2026: Arms Control Workshop with a negotiation simulation, briefings, and a dinner discussion with former negotiators (1 day) Summer 2026: Modernization and Deterrence Workshop with briefings from Strategic Posture Commission members and a dinner discussion with former National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Defense leadership (1 day) Summer 2026: National security site visit (location TBD) (2 days) Fall 2026: Crisis Decision-Making Workshop with a novel table-top exercise simulating a nuclear crisis and dinner discussion with researchers developing the wargame (1 day) Winter 2026: Report Launch Event on Congressional leadership amid nuclear crises held at CSIS with a keynote speaker (1 day) Unless communicated in advance, fellows are expected to attend all of these sessions. PONI will provide meals at workshops and cover the costs associated with travel and accommodation. All meals, activities, and travel as a part of this fellowship are in accordance with House and Senate Ethics guidelines. Application Information The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies is now accepting applications for its inaugural Congressional fellowship cohort. Please complete the following application form, which requires completing background and short questions, and uploading a resume/CV. Applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on February 11, 2026. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Bailey Schiff (bschiff@csis.org). APPLICATION FOR THE PROGRAM HERE