The fellowship is a visiting position for early and mid-career researchers that CISAC has established in honor of William J. Perry, the 19th U.S. secretary of defense and former CISAC co-director.

Perry fellows reside at CISAC for a year of policy-relevant research on international security issues. They join other distinguished scientists, social scientists, and engineers who work together on security problems that cannot be solved within any single field of study. CISAC researchers address overlapping issues in nuclear weapons policy and nuclear proliferation; regional tensions; biosecurity; homeland security; and effective global engagement.

The Honorable Dr. William J. Perry’s career is a model of scientifically informed, pragmatic and far-sighted problem solving in public policy. After receiving degrees in mathematics (Stanford University, BS ‘49 and MS ‘50, Pennsylvania State University, PhD ‘57), Perry founded the successful Silicon Valley electronics company ESL, built a thriving venture capital company, and went on to a distinguished career in public service including serving as the 19th U.S. Secretary of Defense from 1994 to 1997. Since 1997, Perry has been the Michael and Barbara Berberian Professor at Stanford University. At the heart of Perry’s work is a commitment to bring the rigors of science to international security issues. On his 80th birthday, Stanford University recognized Perry’s visionary leadership by establishing a set of fellowships in his name at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation, where he served as co-director from 1988 to 1993 and from which he currently co-directs the Preventive Defense Project.

The Fellowship

Perry Fellows spend the academic year at Stanford University, where they are expected to produce a publishable manuscript based on their research. They also have the opportunity to participate in seminars and to interact with faculty, researchers and other fellows.

The Selection Criteria

The William J. Perry Fellowships selection committee, chaired by CISAC co-director Siegfried Hecker, invites applicants with a record of outstanding work in natural science, engineering or mathematics, and who are genuinely interested in and dedicated to solving international security problems, to apply for a Perry Fellowship. The selection committee welcomes applicants from academia, the public and private sectors, national laboratories and the military, either from the United States or abroad.

Stipend

Stipends for candidates in the William J. Perry Fellowship will be awarded on a case-by-case basis and commensurate with experience. Health care and other benefits are also provided.

To Apply

Please visit CISAC's How to Apply page.