The XLab Nuclear Risk Working Group is a multidisciplinary research group for undergraduate and graduate students focused on nuclear weapons and global catastrophic risk. Guided by XLab staff and university faculty, nuclear risk fellows will undertake individual and collaborative projects with direct applications to national security, existential risk, and the nuclear field.
Each quarter, 6-10 students are selected as nuclear risk fellows, conducting original research on understudied topics while honing interdisciplinary investigation skills. Fellows engage with graduate-level scholars and field experts, participate in workshops to develop research and briefing skills and access professional development opportunities. Their final papers are published on XLab’s website and shared with policymakers and researchers, with additional support to adapt findings for broader audiences. Examples of projects can be found here.
This program helps students build expertise and skills early in their academic careers, supporting future success in master’s and PhD programs or careers in policy, analysis, consulting, intelligence, diplomacy, and energy. XLab aims to empower students to produce impactful research that advances the field of nuclear risk.
Please email mberzak@uchicago.edu with questions. To apply for a nuclear risk working group fellowship, express your interest here.