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Open Call for Information Controls Research Program

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Open Call: Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence (US)

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The Information Controls Research Program supports researchers investigating internet censorship, digital surveillance, information controls, and threats to human rights in repressive environments. Fellows can receive a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD for 3–12 months, plus travel and equipment support of up to $5,000 USD each, depending on project needs.

The program welcomes applicants worldwide, with particular encouragement for researchers from the majority world and those with lived or professional experience in repressive environments. Eligible applicants include students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and junior to mid-career practitioners working across technology, cybersecurity, human rights, social sciences, and related fields.

Information Controls Research Program Overview

The Information Controls Research Program evolved from the former Information Controls Fellowship Program and supports a global community of researchers studying how technology affects access to information, digital freedom, security, and human rights.

The program supports research at the intersection of:

The program is particularly interested in research that improves understanding of information controls and develops practical approaches to protecting individuals and communities affected by censorship and surveillance.

Why the Information Controls Research Program Matters

Internet censorship and digital surveillance can restrict freedom of expression, access to information, civic participation, and human rights. Researchers working in these areas can help identify emerging threats and develop technical, social, and policy responses.

The program provides financial and institutional support for researchers investigating these challenges, particularly where research can contribute to a better understanding of how information controls operate.

Research may examine both existing information-control systems and emerging technologies that could reshape censorship, surveillance, and digital security.

Key Research Areas

Applicants can propose research addressing a broad range of information-control challenges. Priority areas include innovative approaches to censorship circumvention, emerging technologies, and threats affecting civil society.

Censorship Circumvention

Research may explore creative and practical methods for helping people access information despite internet censorship and restrictions.

Potential areas include:

Artificial Intelligence and Information Control

The program is also interested in the relationship between artificial intelligence and information controls.

Research could examine:

Quantum Computing and Information Controls

Emerging computing technologies may create new opportunities and risks for digital security.

Applicants may investigate the potential implications of quantum computing for:

Digital Threats to Civil Society

Another important area is the analysis of digital threats affecting civil society organizations, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

Research may examine:

Fellowship Funding

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD.

The fellowship can last for:

In addition to the monthly stipend, fellows may receive:

The final award depends on the duration of the fellowship and the researcher’s approved project requirements.

Based on the stated stipend structure, potential total awards range from $21,000 USD for a three-month fellowship to as much as $89,000 USD for a twelve-month fellowship when the maximum travel and equipment support is included.

Who Is Eligible?

The Information Controls Research Program is open to researchers and practitioners from around the world.

Eligible applicants may include:

The program particularly encourages applications from:

Applicants do not need to come from a single academic discipline. The program supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding censorship, surveillance, and digital threats.

Host Organization Requirement

Applicants must identify a host organization for the duration of their research.

The host may be:

The host organization must be located outside the United States.

Applicants should select a host that can provide an appropriate environment for carrying out the proposed research and can support the project during the fellowship period.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Certain applicants and organizations are excluded from the program.

Ineligible applicants include individuals or organizations involved in:

Applicants and organizations that are debarred or sanctioned by relevant authorities are also not eligible.

What Research Can Be Supported?

The program is designed for research projects that contribute meaningful knowledge about information controls and their effects.

Strong proposals may:

Projects can use technical, social science, policy, interdisciplinary, or other appropriate research methods.

How the Information Controls Research Program Works

Applicants should develop a clearly defined research project and identify an appropriate host organization.

Step 1: Define the Research Problem

Clearly identify the information-control challenge the research will address.

The proposal should explain:

Step 2: Develop the Research Methodology

Explain how the research will be conducted.

Depending on the project, this may include:

The methodology should be realistic for the proposed fellowship period.

Step 3: Identify a Host Organization

Applicants must propose an organization that will host them during the fellowship.

The host should be relevant to the research topic and capable of providing an appropriate research environment.

Step 4: Establish the Fellowship Period

Applicants should determine whether their project requires:

The proposed duration should correspond to the scope and complexity of the research.

Step 5: Plan the Budget

Applicants should determine whether they require additional funding for:

Travel and equipment support can each reach $5,000 USD, depending on project needs and approval.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Applicants should provide a clear research proposal and the information required by the program.

The application should demonstrate the significance of the research, the applicant’s ability to conduct it, the suitability of the host organization, and the expected contribution to the field.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

A competitive application should connect the research question to a clearly identified information-control problem.

Applicants should focus on:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid submitting proposals that are too broad or lack a clearly defined research question.

Common weaknesses include:

Important Considerations for Researchers

Research involving censorship, surveillance, activists, or human rights defenders can involve significant security and ethical risks.

Applicants should consider:

Projects should be designed in a way that minimizes unnecessary risks to people affected by repressive information-control environments.

Information Controls Research Program Funding at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Information Controls Research Program?

The Information Controls Research Program supports researchers investigating internet censorship, surveillance, information controls, and digital threats, particularly in environments where access to information and human rights are restricted.

How much funding does the program provide?

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD. Depending on research requirements, they may also receive up to $5,000 USD for travel and $5,000 USD for equipment.

How long can the fellowship last?

The fellowship can last for three, six, nine, or twelve months. The funding level depends on the selected duration and any approved additional support.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and junior to mid-career practitioners from a range of disciplines can apply. Relevant fields include computer science, engineering, information security, software development, social sciences, and data visualization.

Do applicants need a host organization?

Yes. Applicants must propose a host organization for the duration of their research. The host can be academic or non-academic but must be based outside the United States.

What research topics are encouraged?

Priority areas include censorship circumvention, digital surveillance, artificial intelligence and information control, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and digital threats affecting civil society and human rights defenders.

Who is excluded from the program?

Individuals and organizations involved in developing or selling surveillance technology are not eligible. Applicants and organizations that are debarred or sanctioned by relevant authorities are also excluded.

Conclusion

The Information Controls Research Program provides substantial financial and research support for scholars and practitioners examining censorship, surveillance, digital security, and human rights in challenging environments. With a $7,000 monthly stipend, potential travel and equipment support, and fellowship terms of up to 12 months, the program offers researchers an opportunity to pursue focused projects with academic, technical, policy, or human-rights relevance.

Researchers should develop a clearly defined and feasible project, identify a suitable host organization outside the United States, and demonstrate how their work can improve understanding of information controls and contribute to safer, freer, and more resilient digital environments.

For more information, visit Open Technology Fund.

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