The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has opened applications for its Research Fellowship Program, inviting accomplished cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and scholars to participate in a national effort to advance Pakistan’s digital security and resilience. This strategic initiative seeks to foster impactful research in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, threat intelligence, and planning for digital resilience.
Designed to attract expertise from both academia and the cybersecurity industry, the fellowship program offers an opportunity for participants to directly contribute to national cyber defense through research and innovation. With cyber threats continuing to evolve in complexity and scale, the program aims to strengthen Pakistan’s readiness and response strategies by bringing in fresh perspectives and applied research that aligns with global best practices.
The fellowship duration ranges from six to nine months, providing a structured timeline for selected participants to develop and deliver actionable insights and recommendations. Research themes under the program will include emerging threat vectors, protection of national infrastructure assets, real-time intelligence collection frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and mitigation strategies against persistent digital threats.
Scholars and professionals who are selected will have access to institutional resources and will work closely with National CERT’s core technical teams. This hands-on environment is designed to bridge the gap between research and application, ensuring that the outcomes of the fellowship not only inform policy but also guide practical enhancements in Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
As part of its commitment to building a secure digital ecosystem, National CERT continues to explore and promote collaboration with academic institutions, research think tanks, and cybersecurity communities both nationally and internationally. The fellowship program is another step in that direction, focused on building capacity and expanding the knowledge base needed to secure national digital assets.
The application deadline for the Research Fellowship Program is July 30, 2025. Interested candidates can submit their applications online via the official fellowship portal available at https://lnkd.in/dc9tyfEN. A QR code has also been provided in the official program banner to facilitate access to detailed information regarding eligibility, research themes, and submission procedures.
National CERT encourages participation from diverse sectors including academia, public institutions, private cybersecurity firms, and independent researchers. The call for applications emphasizes a shared responsibility in national cyber defense and positions the fellowship as a platform for national service through digital innovation.
By investing in research and expert knowledge, National CERT aims to proactively identify and respond to the growing complexities in the cyber domain. The fellowship represents a deliberate move to integrate long-term strategic thinking into Pakistan’s broader digital defense architecture and to cultivate a pool of skilled contributors capable of addressing emerging and persistent cybersecurity challenges.
Source: LinkedIn
