Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program supports researchers, journalists, and policymakers working on projects related to digital technology, artificial intelligence, media, politics, and democracy. The fellowship provides mentorship, financial support, research resources, networking opportunities, and platforms for public engagement to develop practical knowledge and solutions for digital democracy challenges.
The programme is designed for professionals exploring how digital technologies influence democratic systems, public communication, governance, and society.
About the Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program
The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) Fellowship Program is an initiative that brings together researchers, journalists, and policymakers to study and address the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on democracy.
The fellowship supports interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge creation, and public engagement by connecting experts from academia, media, government, and civil society.
Selected fellows work with DDC mentors to develop projects that generate practical outputs such as:
- Research publications
- Policy briefs
- Educational resources
- Public talks and discussions
- Outreach activities
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
The programme aims to strengthen understanding of digital democracy challenges and support evidence-based approaches to technology governance.
Key Focus Areas of the Fellowship
The Digital Democracy Centre Fellowship supports projects focused on:
- Digital technology and democracy
- Artificial intelligence and its impact on society
- Online media and political communication
- Digital governance and regulation
- Public engagement and democratic participation
- Policy development related to emerging technologies
- Societal resilience and hybrid warfare
- International and comparative studies relevant to Denmark
Projects connected to the DDC Hybrid Warfare Initiative are also encouraged, especially those examining:
- Digital threats to democratic systems
- Information manipulation
- Cyber-related societal challenges
- The role of AI in international conflicts
Fellowship Categories
The programme welcomes applications from three main categories of fellows.
Academic Fellows
Academic fellows conduct research on topics related to:
- Digital technologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Democracy and governance
- Media transformation
- Technology policy
Applicants may come from universities, research institutions, or related academic environments.
Journalist Fellows
Journalist fellows explore and report on issues connected to:
- Digital technology
- AI developments
- Media systems
- Political communication
- Online information ecosystems
The fellowship supports journalism that improves public understanding of digital democracy issues.
Policy Fellows
Policy fellows contribute to:
- Digital regulation discussions
- Technology policy development
- Practical implementation of democratic technology solutions
- Governance approaches for emerging technologies
They may work within governments, NGOs, international organisations, or policy institutions.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how societies communicate, govern, and participate in democratic processes.
The fellowship helps create stronger connections between researchers, journalists, and policymakers by supporting:
- Evidence-based technology policies
- Better public understanding of AI and digital risks
- Collaboration between academic and practical sectors
- New approaches to protecting democratic values
- Knowledge sharing across professional communities
The programme contributes to building more resilient and informed digital societies.
Fellowship Benefits and Support
Selected fellows may receive a combination of financial and professional support, including:
- Salary subsidy or fellowship stipend
- Research-related financial assistance
- Travel support
- Housing support where relevant
- Research expenses
- Access to DDC resources
- Workspace opportunities
- Participation in speaker series
- Professional networking opportunities
- Opportunities to present work through DDC platforms
- Access to the DDC alumni network
The exact support structure depends on the fellow’s project requirements.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to professionals working in areas related to digital democracy, technology, media, and policy.
Eligible applicants include:
- Researchers from national or international research institutions
- Journalism graduates and media professionals
- Policymakers working on technology-related issues
- Professionals from ministries, NGOs, educational institutions, and related organisations
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Relevant experience in their field
- Interest in digital technology and democracy
- Ability to contribute to knowledge creation and public discussion
- Commitment to completing the fellowship project
Mentor Requirement
Applicants must secure confirmation from a suitable Digital Democracy Centre mentor before submitting an application.
Applicants should also coordinate with their current:
- Supervisors
- Department heads
- Employers
- Managers
PhD students and research assistants are generally not eligible to serve as fellowship mentors.
Project Requirements for 2027 Fellowship
Applicants must submit a project proposal in English.
The project plan should include:
- Proposed project title
- Fellowship category (academic, journalist, or policy)
- Project description
- Research or activity objectives
- Timeline
- Confirmed DDC mentor
- Work plan
- External collaboration partners
- Expected outputs
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Details of requested financial support
Projects should clearly explain how they contribute to understanding or improving digital democracy.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Develop a Project Idea
Create a project focused on digital technology, artificial intelligence, media, politics, or democracy.
The project should demonstrate:
- Clear objectives
- Practical relevance
- Potential public impact
- Connection to DDC priorities
Step 2: Identify and Confirm a Mentor
Applicants should contact an appropriate DDC mentor and receive confirmation before applying.
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare:
- Project proposal in English
- CV
- Fellowship category selection
- Timeline and work plan
- Expected outcomes
- Financial support requirements
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application according to the fellowship guidelines and requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects unrelated to digital democracy
- Applying without confirmed DDC mentorship
- Providing unclear project objectives
- Missing details about expected outputs
- Requesting financial support without justification
- Submitting incomplete project plans
Strong applications should demonstrate both research quality and practical relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Digital Democracy Centre Fellowship Program?
The Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program supports researchers, journalists, and policymakers developing projects on digital technology, artificial intelligence, media, politics, and democracy.
2. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Researchers, journalists, and policymakers working in relevant fields can apply. Eligible applicants may come from universities, media organisations, governments, NGOs, and research institutions.
3. What topics does the fellowship support?
The fellowship supports projects related to digital democracy, AI, technology governance, online media, political communication, societal resilience, and digital policy.
4. Do applicants need a mentor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must confirm mentorship from a suitable Digital Democracy Centre mentor before submitting their application.
5. What support do selected fellows receive?
Fellows may receive financial support, research resources, workspace access, networking opportunities, mentoring, and opportunities to share their work publicly.
6. Can international projects apply?
Yes. International and comparative projects may be considered if they provide relevant insights for Denmark or Danish society.
7. Can PhD students apply as mentors?
No. PhD students and research assistants are generally not considered eligible mentors for this fellowship programme.
Conclusion
The Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program provides a platform for researchers, journalists, and policymakers to explore the relationship between technology and democracy. By supporting innovative projects, collaboration, and public engagement, the fellowship aims to strengthen knowledge and develop practical responses to challenges created by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
For more information, visit DDC.