MANRS Fellowship: Boosting Routing Security
Discover how the MANRS Fellowship empowers emerging leaders to strengthen global Internet routing security through hands-on training, research, and policy work.
The Internet’s backbone relies on secure routing protocols to direct data packets efficiently across the globe. Yet, vulnerabilities in these systems expose networks to hijacking, disruptions, and malicious attacks. The Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) Fellowship steps in as a pivotal initiative to cultivate the next generation of experts dedicated to fortifying this critical infrastructure. Designed for ambitious individuals passionate about cybersecurity, the program provides structured opportunities to dive deep into routing security practices, collaborate with seasoned professionals, and contribute meaningfully to a safer digital ecosystem.
Understanding the Critical Role of Routing Security
Routing security ensures that data travels along trusted paths without interception or alteration. In an era where BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) hijacks can reroute traffic to adversarial servers, initiatives like MANRS are indispensable. MANRS promotes voluntary commitments from network operators to implement safeguards such as prefix validation, route filtering, and global coordination. According to the Internet Society, routing incidents have surged, with over 1,000 reported BGP anomalies annually in recent years, underscoring the urgency for skilled practitioners.
Participants in the fellowship not only learn these norms but actively apply them. By engaging in real-world projects, fellows bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping to mitigate risks that affect billions of users daily. This hands-on approach distinguishes the program, transforming novices into advocates capable of influencing network policies worldwide.
Core Pillars of the MANRS Fellowship Program
The fellowship is structured around three dynamic tracks: training, research, and policy analysis. Each track targets specific needs within the routing security landscape, allowing fellows to specialize based on their interests and strengths.
- Training Track: Fellows develop and deliver educational content to network operators, ISPs, and communities. This involves creating workshops, webinars, and resources to promote MANRS adoption, reaching underserved regions.
- Research Track: Here, participants investigate routing vulnerabilities, analyze incident data, and propose innovative solutions. Projects might include studying BGPsec implementations or modeling attack vectors.
- Policy Track: Fellows explore regulatory frameworks, advocate for standards in international forums, and assess the impact of policies on routing resilience.
Regardless of the chosen path, fellows receive comprehensive mentorship from MANRS ambassadors—industry veterans with extensive experience in routing operations. This guidance ensures projects align with global priorities and yield tangible outcomes.
Program Structure and Participant Commitments
Spanning up to eight months, the fellowship demands a weekly commitment of several hours, blending virtual meetings, independent work, and collaborative tasks. Starting typically in spring, the timeline accommodates diverse schedules while fostering consistent progress.
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | Month 1 | Mentor pairing, project scoping, foundational training |
| Execution | Months 2-6 | Project development, monthly check-ins, community outreach |
| Wrap-up | Months 7-8 | Final deliverables, presentations, impact reporting |
A monthly stipend supports fellows financially, enabling focus without external pressures. No prior expertise is required, though enthusiasm for Internet governance is essential. Open to all ages and backgrounds, the program prioritizes diversity to reflect the global Internet community.
Success Stories and Real-World Impact
Past cohorts have produced remarkable results. One training-track fellow organized a series of regional webinars that onboarded 50+ networks to MANRS actions, reducing local hijacking incidents by 30%. Research fellows have published papers on resource certification, influencing standards bodies like the IETF. Policy participants contributed to discussions at forums such as NANOG and APT, shaping agendas for stricter route origination rules.
These achievements highlight the fellowship’s multiplier effect: individual efforts scale through shared knowledge, amplifying security across ecosystems. Alumni often transition into roles at major operators, continuing their advocacy and mentoring future fellows.
Who Should Apply? Eligibility and Application Essentials
Ideal candidates are self-motivated emerging leaders from engineering, academia, policy, or activism backgrounds. Proficiency in English and reliable internet access are prerequisites, as is the ability to commit to the full duration.
The application process is straightforward:
- Review track descriptions on the official MANRS site.
- Submit a motivation statement, CV, and project proposal via the online portal.
- Applications are evaluated holistically, with selections announced within weeks.
Deadlines vary annually, but early preparation is advised. Multiple track applications are welcome, though selection is for one only.
Why Routing Security Matters More Than Ever
In 2026, with IoT proliferation and 5G/6G deployments, routing demands escalate. State-sponsored attacks, like those mimicking legitimate prefixes, threaten critical infrastructure. MANRS counters this by fostering a culture of accountability among autonomous systems. Fellows play a frontline role, equipped with tools like the MANRS Observatory for real-time monitoring.
Beyond technical fixes, the program emphasizes community building. Secure routing is a collective endeavor, requiring trust and transparency among operators worldwide.
Future Directions and Expansion Opportunities
Building on successes, MANRS is evolving. Recent updates include expanded stipends and hybrid events for in-person collaboration. Partnerships with chapters of the Internet Society enhance local relevance, tailoring content to regional threats like undersea cable disruptions in Africa or peering disputes in Asia.
Looking ahead, the fellowship aims to integrate AI-driven anomaly detection and quantum-resistant protocols, preparing participants for tomorrow’s challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stipend amount?
Fellows receive approximately $750 monthly, disbursed directly to their accounts for the program’s duration.
Is prior experience required?
No—passion and potential are key. Training covers essentials.
Can I participate remotely?
Yes, the program is fully virtual, accommodating global time zones.
What deliverables are expected?
Track-specific outputs like reports, presentations, or training materials, plus participation in ambassador activities.
How selective is the program?
Competitive, with 10-15 fellows selected per cohort from hundreds of applicants.
Embarking on the MANRS Fellowship equips you with skills to safeguard the Internet’s routing foundation. Whether through educating peers, pioneering research, or influencing policy, your contributions will resonate globally. Apply today and join a movement toward a more resilient network.
References
- Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS) Actions — Internet Society. 2024-06-24. https://manrs.org/about/manrs-actions/
- MANRS Observatory — MANRS. 2025-01-15. https://manrs.org/observatory/
- Internet Routing Security: BGP Hijacking Trends — RIPE NCC. 2024-11-20. https://www.ripe.net/publications/newsroom/2024-bgp-hijacking-report/
- BGP Security Standards (RFC 8205) — IETF. 2017-09-01 (authoritative standard). https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc8205
- MANRS Champions Program — MANRS. 2023-04-04. https://manrs.org/champions/
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