Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2026 at the University of Southern Denmark! This program supports researchers, journalists, and policymakers exploring the impact of digital technologies and AI on media, politics, and democracy. With a flexible duration of 2-12 months starting in 2026, the fellowship offers funding through salary subsidies or stipends for travel and housing. Academic, journalist, and policy fellows from diverse backgrounds can apply, collaborating with DDC mentors and partners to produce outputs like policy briefs and talks. The application deadline is September 15, 2025, and there is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Fields: Digital technology, AI, media, politics, and democracy
• Who Can Apply: Researchers, journalists, policymakers (from universities, media, NGOs, ministries, etc.)
• Fellowship Types: Academic, Journalist, Policy
• Duration: 2-12 months, starting in 2026
• Funding: Salary subsidy or stipend for travel/housing
• Location: Mix of remote and in-person work in Odense, Denmark
• Application Fee: None
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

About the Fellowship Program

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program is designed to encourage teamwork between different fields to study the effects of digital tech and AI on society. Fellows will:

• Generate fresh insights and contribute to public discussions.
• Build new professional networks.
• Work with a mentor at DDC and its partners.
• Create practical outputs, such as policy briefs, educational materials, or public talks.

Check this: TWAS Visiting Expert Programme: Opportunities for Developing Countries

The program welcomes a mix of fellows:

• Academic Fellows: Researchers focused on digital technologies and democracy.
• Journalist Fellows: Those covering topics in digital democracy.
• Policy Fellows: Experts involved in regulations and real-world applications for digital democracy.

Fellowships are flexible, lasting 2-12 months, and can include a mix of on-site work in Odense, Denmark, and remote options.

Also check: Digital Humanism Junior Visiting Fellowship

Purpose of the Fellowship Program

This program aims to share DDC’s expertise in new ways by connecting fellows with DDC, TrygFonden, and other partners. The goals are to:

• Produce new knowledge and collaborations.
• Create tangible results like networks, educational packages, policy briefs, talks, and public contributions.

Fellows get benefits like:

• A dedicated DDC mentor.
• Financial support (salary subsidy or stipend for travel/housing).
• Access to research resources, workspaces, speaker series, and networks.
• Inclusion in the DDC alumni community.

Benefits are tailored to each fellow’s needs and agreements.

Also check: NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Who Can Apply?

The Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden fellowship program welcomes a diverse range of fellows. The target group of the fellowship program is researchers, journalism graduates, and policymakers who may currently hold various positions in national and international research and educational institutions as well as in media organizations, ministries, NGOs, etc. There are three main types:

1. Academic Fellows: For researchers studying digital technologies and democracy.
2. Journalist Fellows: For those reporting on digital democracy topics.
3. Policy Fellows: For experts shaping regulations and practices in digital democracy.

Check this: Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025

Expectations for Fellows

Before applying:

• Contact your desired DDC mentor for confirmation (find mentors on the DDC website).
• Get approval from your current supervisor or manager.

During the fellowship:

• Engage actively with DDC activities, like seminars and workshops.
• Collaborate with mentors, other fellows, and researchers.
• Plan stays in Denmark (following the Danish work calendar) and coordinate with your mentor.
• Present your work through outreach, such as talks or events.

After the fellowship:

• Submit a short report on your experience within two months.
• Join the DDC alumni network automatically.

Want paid internships? Click here

Application Process

Applications must be in English and include:

• Preliminary Project Title
• Brief Project Description and Purpose (max 1000 characters)
• Detailed Description and Timeline (max 2400 characters), including:
  • Confirmed mentor
  • Fellowship duration (min. 2 months) and start date
  • Work plan (remote vs. in-office)
• Description of Activities and Collaborations with external partners (max 1000 characters)
• Expected Outputs, Impact, and Products (max 500 characters)
• Attached CV (max 5 pages)
• Overview of Financial Support Needed (e.g., flights, housing, salary compensation)

Your project should involve a specific collaboration, like linking to a research project, working with NGOs/media, or creating policy recommendations.

How to Apply:

• Use the application form
• Send the completed form and CV as PDFs to [email protected].
• Subject line: “DDC / TrygFonden Fellowship application”.