HCSS Datalab Internship (start October-November 2026)
The HCSS Datalab Internship, starting in October–November 2026, offers an opportunity to apply quantitative and programming skills to global security and policy challenges. The role involves conducting data-driven research, analyzing structured and unstructured data, developing analytical tools, and applying statistical, machine learning, and generative AI methods. Candidates should demonstrate strong Python skills, quantitative aptitude, clear communication, independence, and an interest in policy research. The internship is full-time, on-site in The Hague, preferably for six months.
Jesse Kommandeur: Why a think tank needs a Datalab
HCSS Datalab Manager Jesse Kommandeur on “Why a think tank needs a Datalab.” In this blog, Jesse talks about the evolving role of data and AI in policy research and strategic decision-making. He reflects on how the HCSS Datalab has evolved, the value of combining quantitative methods with deep subject-matter expertise, and the challenges of applying data science to defence, security and geopolitics. Looking ahead, Jesse shares his perspective on emerging AI methods and the future of data-driven geopolitical analysis.
GENOME: A New Geopolitical Event Methodology and Dataset using Large Language Models
HCSS has won an Honorable Mention at ACL 2026 in San Diego, the world's leading Natural Language Processing conference, for GENOME, a new method that uses Large Language Models to map geopolitical events from global news, capturing both conflict and cooperation with unusual precision. Developed by the HCSS Datalab, the award-winning method is the foundation for what comes next: later this year, HCSS will launch the GENOME platform, a public interface turning global news into a living map of how states interact. Sign up for early access.
