The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has officially opened applications for the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship 2027. The fellowship provides researchers, journalists, and policy professionals with an opportunity to collaborate on projects exploring the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) on media, democracy, politics, and society.

Designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme brings together experts from academia, journalism, and policymaking to generate new knowledge, influence public debate, and develop practical solutions for challenges facing digital democracy.

About the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen collaboration between research, journalism, and public policy by supporting projects focused on digital technology and democratic governance.

Selected fellows become part of the Digital Democracy Centre’s research community, where they work closely with experienced mentors while contributing to research, public engagement, and policy discussions.

The programme encourages innovative thinking and practical collaboration that can produce meaningful societal impact.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme seeks to:

Promote collaboration between researchers, journalists, and policymakers.
Advance knowledge on digital technologies and democracy.
Encourage interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Support evidence-based public debate.
Develop practical solutions for challenges created by AI and digital technologies.
Build lasting national and international professional networks.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship welcomes applicants from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including:

Academic Fellows

Researchers investigating topics related to:

Digital technology
Artificial intelligence
Media
Democracy
Politics
Society

Journalist Fellows

Journalists covering issues related to:

Digital democracy
Artificial intelligence
Technology policy
Online media
Democratic participation

Policy Fellows

Professionals working on:

Public policy
Regulation
Digital governance
AI implementation
Technology legislation
Democracy and civic participation

The programme encourages diverse applicants with expertise relevant to digital democracy.

Research Areas

Projects may align with the Digital Democracy Centre’s research themes, including:

Digital Democratic Integrity
AI, Media, and Journalism
Citizens, Organisations and New Digital Technologies
Digital Democracy and Societal Transitions

Applicants whose work connects with these themes are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

Accepted fellows may receive a range of benefits depending on individual agreements with the Digital Democracy Centre and its partners.

Potential benefits include:

Financial support.
Individual mentorship from a DDC researcher.
Access to DDC research resources.
Flexible workspace.
Participation in seminars and speaker events.
Networking opportunities.
Collaboration with DDC researchers and partners.
Membership in the DDC alumni network.
Opportunities to showcase research and professional work.

Support is tailored according to each fellow’s project and collaboration agreement.

Expected Fellowship Outcomes

Fellows are expected to contribute to practical outputs that strengthen public understanding of digital democracy.

Possible outputs include:

Policy briefs.
Educational resources.
Public talks.
Research collaborations.
Professional networks.
Public engagement activities.
Contributions to debates on AI and democracy.
Outreach initiatives in Denmark and internationally.

The programme places strong emphasis on producing work that reaches audiences beyond academia.

Mentorship and Collaboration

Each fellow collaborates with a self-selected mentor from the Digital Democracy Centre.

Mentors provide guidance throughout the fellowship while helping fellows:

Expand research collaborations.
Develop professional networks.
Access DDC expertise.
Connect with external partners.
Increase the impact of their work.

The fellowship also encourages collaboration among fellows from different professional backgrounds.

Fellowship Community

Participants become part of an interdisciplinary community focused on digital democracy research.

Previous fellowship cohorts have included professionals from diverse disciplines who worked on projects connected to the Centre’s research priorities over periods ranging from three months to one year.

The programme continues to expand its international network of researchers and practitioners committed to strengthening democratic resilience in the digital age.

Why Apply?

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to:

Work alongside internationally recognized researchers.
Explore the societal impacts of AI and digital technologies.
Build cross-sector collaborations.
Influence public policy discussions.
Engage with media and public audiences.
Strengthen professional networks.
Develop practical outputs with real-world impact.

For professionals working at the intersection of technology, democracy, journalism, and public policy, the fellowship provides a valuable platform for research, collaboration, and public engagement.

Final Thoughts

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship 2027 provides an exciting opportunity for researchers, journalists, and policy professionals to collaborate on some of the most important questions surrounding digital technology, artificial intelligence, and democracy. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, financial support, and access to a vibrant research environment, fellows can contribute meaningful knowledge while helping shape public understanding and policy development in an increasingly digital world.

Interested applicants should review the programme requirements and prepare their applications through the official Digital Democracy Centre channels.

Keywords

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DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship 2027: Applications Now Open for Researchers, Journalists and Policy Professionals