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EPIS ThinktankEst. 2018 — Munich

Connecting students to practice

EPIS was founded with one goal: to give engaged students of political and economic sciences direct access to the world of foreign and security policy — through professional publications, expert events, and high-level delegations.

Core Mission

Why EPIS exists

EPIS's primary objective is to provide engaged students of political and economic sciences visibility to experts at the start of their careers — through professional publications, events, and direct connections with practitioners.

The organisation conducts thorough scientific research as the foundation of all its outputs, ensuring that every publication meets the standards expected of professional policy analysis. EPIS takes no political position: all publications reflect individual research and are fact-based, neutral, and independently produced.

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International flags — EPIS global reach
History

From Munich to Europe and the world

EPIS was founded in Munich in 2018 by a group of students who wanted to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world policy engagement. What began as a small research circle underwent a significant structural overhaul in 2022, expanding from 16 to over 700 Fellows.

Today, EPIS is one of Europe's largest student-organised think tanks, with 700+ Fellows across five branches: the EPIS Network, the Thinktank for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy (FASP), the Thinktank for Business Strategy & Corporate Affairs (BSCA), the Thinktank for International Law & Comparative Jurisprudence) and EPIS Consult. The organisation's ambition is to become the largest student-organised think tank in Europe by 2027.

Track Record

Key milestones

Years of sustained growth, award-winning research, and ever-closer access to the highest levels of European policy-making.

March 2023

New content formats launched

EPIS Magazine relaunch alongside new format groups — TenTalks, Basics, and Academics — expanding the publication offer beyond the flagship magazine.

June 2024

Partnership with EuroDefense

Strategic partnership formalised with EuroDefense, Europe's leading network of security and defence associations, connecting EPIS Fellows to practitioner communities across the continent.

August 2024

First meeting with a Head of State

An EPIS delegation attended a formal engagement with a Head of State — a milestone marking the organisation's growing access to the highest levels of political decision-making.

August 2024

Advisory Board established

The EPIS Advisory Board was constituted, bringing experienced practitioners, academics, and policy professionals into a formal advisory role for the first time.

October 2024

European Security Award

EPIS received a Special Commendation at the European Award for Citizenship, Security and Defence — recognition of outstanding civic responsibility and awareness since the Award's founding in 2011.

Roadmap

Where EPIS is heading

The organisation has set ambitious targets for the years ahead, anchored in a commitment to institutional excellence and growing reach across Europe and beyond.

2026

Expanded Internship Programme

A structured internship matching service connecting EPIS Fellows with policy organisations, think tanks, and government bodies across Europe.

2026

EPIS App Launch

A dedicated mobile platform bringing publications, events, Fellow profiles, and working group collaboration into a single unified experience for all EPIS Fellows.

2027

Europe's Largest Student Think Tank

Reaching 1,000+ active Fellows across all branches, with representation in every major European capital and formal recognition as a leading youth policy institution.

Be part of the mission

Help build Europe's next generation of foreign policy experts.

Join EPIS as a Fellow and contribute to professional publications, delegations, and expert discussions that shape the European security debate.

Apply for Fellowship
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