Research School for War and Defence

Once a year, the Research School organises a conference for military officers currently enrolled as well as for soldier-scholars who have completed their doctoral education. The conference is mandatory for the doctoral students and provides an opportunity to present their research for other military doctoral students, soldier-scholars, member universities and the armed forces. The conference also offers workshops and activities for supervisors (to exchange knowledge and experiences of pedagogical aspects of soldier-scholar research education).

More information about the Soldier-Scholar Conference 2025

The Research School offers at least two elective courses each year. The courses will be open for all military doctoral students of the Research School. Additional places will be offered to civilian doctoral students at member universities. Initially, two courses will be offered each year by the Swedish Defence University. Additional courses will be offered when available, organised by member universities (by themselves or together with the Swedish Defence University). Courses will be selected each year by the steering committee.

More about doctoral courses and sign up for 2026.

Member universities can offer seminars and workshops as a part of the Research School. Seminars and workshops will be selected by the steering committee.

The Research School also offers workshops and activities for supervisors. The Steering Committee can decide on additional activities within the Research School.

Doctoral students who are not enrolled at the Swedish Defence University can apply for a visiting scholarship. The Swedish Defence University has a well-developed PhD program and a research environment within several subjects (War Studies, Political Science, Military History and Leadership and Command and Control). The scholarship can be awarded for one to two terms (one term is 20 weeks), and includes access to the library and a working station (all travel costs are covered by their own university). The doctoral student is expected to participate in research seminars and other activities at the Swedish Defence University during the scholarship.

The Research School has a network of soldier-scholars. This is a great opportunity for soldier-scholars to be involved with the Research School. It also offers the option of becoming a mentor for one of the doctoral students enrolled in the Research School.

The main purpose of the mentorship programme is to connect soldier-scholars and the doctoral students at the Research School in a meaningful way, thereby creating mutual benefits and cementing a stronger relationship between all parties involved: the doctoral student, soldier-scholars and the Research School. The network and mentorship programme are open to military officers with a doctoral degree.