The 12-month programme known as the Arms Control Negotiation Academy, or ACONA, is intended to give a group of up-and-coming international security practitioners and specialists excellent professional development.

Selection and competition characterise the curriculum. Under the framework of weapons control, technical advancements, and important historical case studies, the extensive training programme covers advanced negotiation skills. A Certificate in Arms Control Negotiation is awarded to participants, who also become members of ACONA's network of upcoming generations of arms control negotiators.

During three week-long workshops, or "boot camps," ACONA Fellows participate in intensive negotiation exercises, expert lectures, and small-group discussions with distinguished scholars and practitioners, along with a conference. Previous speakers at ACONA included Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Catherine Ashton, the former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

For ACONA Fellows, attendance at the conference and all boot camps are required. In addition, by the end of their 12-month fellowship, they must actively participate in discussions, collaborate with a small group of fellows on an international research project, and present the project's findings. The fellowship covers housing and transportation costs to and from the most recent Icelandic conference and boot camp.

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Iceland offers a 12-month fellowship with 16 opportunities per year, starting from July 1 to June 30, 2025. The application deadline is 10th may 2024.