The Diplomatic Academy of the Future

We bring together the world’s leading scholars and practitioners to equip diplomatic leaders with the insight, expertise, and network needed to shape 21st century statecraft

Where experience fosters leadership

The Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy aims to be the world’s premier Centre of Excellence dedicated to international diplomacy. Uniquely based in both Oxford and Cambridge, we convene thought leaders on issues of the highest importance in global affairs to share leading-edge insight, expertise, and experience with diplomats and internationally focused professionals. 

Our Flagship programme is the annual ODA Summer Academy. The 2026 Summer Academy will be held at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, July 5th-10th. The programme brings early- and mid-career diplomats from around the world together to learn from the world’s leading scholars and veteran practitioners.

Global Advisory Board

  • Kateryna Yushchenko

    First Lady of Ukraine (2005-10)

  • Amr Moussa

    Secretary-General of the Arab League (2001-2011)

  • Ann Linde

    Foreign Minister of Sweden (2019-2022)

  • Danilo Turk

    President of Club de Madrid, President of Slovenia (2007-2012)

  • George Papandreou

    Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011)

  • Boris Tadic

    President of Serbia (2004-2012)

  • Thant Myint-U

    Author of ‘Peacemaker’ and Honourary Fellow, Trinity College

  • Mary Hockaday

    Controller of BBC World Service (2014-2021)

  • Egils Levits

    President of Latvia (2019-2023)

  • Bernardino Léon Gross

    Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (2014-2015)

  • Baroness Catherine Ashton

    European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs (2009-14)

The 2026 Summer Academy will be held July 5-10, 2026

at Trinity Hall, Cambridge 

  • Applications on considered on a rolling basis. Given the highly competitive nature of the programme and limited number of places, we encourage candidates to apply early.

    10 April, 2026 (Gathered Field 1)
    15 May, 2026 (Gathered Field 2)
    5 June, 2026 (Gathered Field 3)

  • We invite the rising stars in the diplomatic field to the 2026 Diplomatic Academy. While in the programme, participants will gain the insights and expertise to take their careers to the next level, acquiring the tools and network necessary for effective leadership on the world’s stage. 

  • Our curriculum is crafted by leading scholars and veteran diplomats, ensuring a balanced approach that covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This structure not only grounds participants in the theoretical underpinnings of international relations, but also equips them with practical skills essential for navigating the complex realities of global diplomacy. It is this blend of academic depth and practical application that supports participants as they excel in their careers.


    Fellows undertake four-hours of intensive instruction per day in addition to talks by distinguished practitioners and academics over lunch and dinner . In addition, Fellows will engage in discussion sessions, workshops, and events.

  • Dr Tristen Naylor is a Non-Resident Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. Formerly, he served as the Assistant Professor of International Relations and History at the University of Cambridge. Dr Naylor also previously served as the Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies at the University of Oxford and held academic posts at the London School of Economics, NYU Abu Dhabi and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. Prior to his academic career, Dr Naylor was a Foreign Policy Advisor to the Government of Canada. He is the author of dozens of publications, a regular commentator on international media, and recipient of the Canadian Public Service Award of Excellence


    Manas Chawla is the Chief Executive Officer of London Politica, the world’s largest political risk advisory for social impact. He has specialist expertise in AI policy, corporate diplomacy, and crisis management; and has advised the United Nations, Red Cross, and numerous C-suite executives at Fortune 500 companies. His PhD research at the LSE explores the geopolitics of emerging technology and AI. Manas is a regular commentator for international news programmes including BBC, CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg.

  • A provisional schedule for the 2026 Summer Academy will be released in January 2026.

  • The 2026 Summer Academy will be held at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

Applications for the 2026 Summer Academy will open in January, 2026. Given the highly competitive nature of the programme, applicants are strongly advised to apply early and to ensure that their submission materials are complete. We cannot consider incomplete applications. Candidates are considered on a rolling admissions basis.

Get in touch.