Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences - Romain Yakemtchouk Prize for International Relations Studies

What the prize gives you

You will receive a one-off award of 2,500 EUR for an outstanding doctoral thesis in the field of International Relations or Peace Studies. This is a one-off cash prize, not a monthly scholarship, and it cannot be shared between two people. The funds come from the Royal Academy of Overseas Sciences in Brussels, a Belgian scientific society which has established a special fund in honour of the late political scientist Romain Yakemtchouk. The laureates will also be awarded the title of laureate. Should the award-winning thesis still be unpublished, the Academy may publish it.

Who can apply

• Your work: You wrote a doctoral thesis on international relations or peace questions. Work on developing and emerging countries is especially welcome.
• Timing: You defended your doctoral thesis less than three years before submitting your application.
• Language: Your final dissertation is written in English, French, Dutch or Spanish.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• University: It doesn’t matter where you did your PhD.
• One exclusion: Members of the Royal Academy of Overseas Sciences are excluded from taking part.

How to apply

Please submit your thesis to the Academy’s secretariat in Brussels by 1 February of the year in which the prize is awarded. The next deadline is 1 February 2027. Please enclose an abstract of no more than 1,200 words, a CV and a cover letter. An assessment panel will review the submitted theses, and the winners will be determined by a vote in May.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is awarded only once every three years and goes to a single individual from among all researchers who have recently completed their doctorates in this field. The committee may even decide not to award the prize if no doctoral thesis meets its standards. If your work is compelling, fits the focus on international relations or peace, and deals with developing or emerging economies, you have a genuine chance. Expect fierce competition for this single place.