Tech Policy Press has opened applications for its 2027 fellowship, a year-long opportunity supporting mid-career professionals to pursue independent research and reporting at the crossroads of technology and democracy. The program offers a $10,000 stipend and a collaborative international community, aiming to elevate diverse perspectives often missing from global tech policy dialogues.
- Applications due September 24, 2026
- Year-long, part-time program with $10,000 stipend
- Focus on tech's impact on democracy and inclusive policy analysis
What happened
Tech Policy Press announced the opening of applications for its 2027 fellowship program, continuing a track record since 2023 of supporting 25 fellows from across 11 countries. This year’s fellowship invites mid-career journalists, researchers, and policy professionals to propose projects investigating urgent issues where technology intersects with democracy.
The fellowship is designed to support independent reporting and policy analysis, offering a $10,000 stipend and access to an international cohort for feedback, editorial guidance, and professional development through monthly sessions. All fellows will operate remotely as independent contractors.
Why it matters
The fellowship positions itself as a crucial platform to foster original, thoughtful perspectives on technology policy at a moment when digital governance increasingly shapes societal and democratic outcomes globally. By emphasizing underrepresented communities and regions, it seeks to fill gaps in the dominant global tech policy discourse and inform decision-makers with diverse insights.
Supporting mid-career professionals ensures that applicants bring significant expertise or lived experience to their projects, potentially elevating the quality and impact of policy debates. The combination of financial support, editorial mentorship, and peer collaboration enhances the ability of fellows to produce influential, high-quality work.
What to watch next
Interested applicants should prepare focused proposals that clarify how their work will contribute both to public knowledge and tech policy decision-making. The deadline for submissions is September 24, 2026, with further engagement opportunities via scheduled informational Zoom sessions.
Following the selection, the fellowship will unfold over the course of 2027 with regular cohort interactions. Observers and stakeholders in tech policy and democracy will be watching for the new cohort’s outputs, which are expected to highlight fresh viewpoints and critical analysis pertinent to digital rights, governance, and inclusion.