Researchers, journalists, and policymakers interested in exploring the intersection of digital technology, artificial intelligence, media, and democracy are invited to apply for the prestigious Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) x TrygFonden Fellowship Programme 2027 at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).

The fellowship programme aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and generate innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing democratic societies in the digital age. Supported by TrygFonden, the programme offers fellows the opportunity to work closely with leading experts at the Digital Democracy Centre while contributing to public debate, policy development, and research outputs.

About the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Programme

The fellowship programme was established to strengthen collaboration between academia, journalism, and policymaking communities working on issues related to digital technology and democracy.

Selected fellows will collaborate with a mentor from the Digital Democracy Centre and engage in projects that generate new knowledge, develop practical solutions, and contribute to societal discussions on digital transformation.

The programme encourages projects that produce tangible outcomes, including:

Policy briefs
Educational resources
Public talks and presentations
Research outputs
New partnerships and networks
Public engagement initiatives

Projects with direct relevance to Denmark or Danish society will receive priority consideration. Comparative and international projects that provide valuable insights applicable to Denmark are also encouraged.

Priority Focus Areas for 2027

In addition to the centre’s broader research agenda, the 2027 fellowship cycle will place particular emphasis on projects linked to the DDC Hybrid Warfare Initiative.

The initiative examines how societies can strengthen resilience against emerging forms of international conflict, particularly those involving:

Digital technologies
Artificial intelligence
Information manipulation
Cyber threats
Democratic resilience
Media integrity

About the Digital Democracy Centre

Founded in 2021 at the University of Southern Denmark, the Digital Democracy Centre was created to address the growing impact of digital technologies and AI on democratic institutions, media systems, and political processes.

The centre brings together approximately 50 researchers from diverse disciplines, including:

Political science
Computer science
Communication studies
Journalism
Economics
Law
Artificial intelligence
Media studies

DDC research focuses on four primary themes:

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

The centre has developed a strong international reputation for interdisciplinary research examining issues such as misinformation, algorithmic decision-making, digital governance, political communication, and AI-driven media systems.

Fellowship Categories

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Programme welcomes applicants from various professional backgrounds through three fellowship tracks:

Academic Fellows

Researchers investigating the relationship between digital technologies and democracy.

Journalist Fellows

Media professionals covering issues related to technology, digital governance, media systems, and democratic institutions.

Policy Fellows

Professionals contributing to policy development, regulation, and governance of digital technologies and AI.

Eligible applicants may come from:

Universities and research institutions
Media organizations
Government ministries
Public agencies
Non-governmental organizations
International institutions

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows may receive a range of benefits, including:

Financial support through salary subsidies or stipends
Assistance with travel and accommodation costs
Access to DDC research resources
Flexible workspace at the University of Southern Denmark
Participation in seminars and speaker series
Networking opportunities with researchers and practitioners
Membership in the DDC alumni network

Support packages may vary depending on the fellow’s project and individual arrangements.

Mentor Requirement

A unique feature of the programme is its mentorship model.

Applicants must:

Identify a suitable mentor from the Digital Democracy Centre
Contact the prospective mentor directly
Obtain confirmation of mentorship before applying

Applications submitted without a confirmed mentor will not be considered.

The fellowship encourages close collaboration between fellows, mentors, and external practice partners throughout the programme.

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows will be expected to:

Participate actively in DDC activities
Collaborate with researchers and other fellows
Attend workshops and seminars
Engage in public outreach activities
Present findings during the fellowship period
Submit a short report within two months after completing the fellowship

Fellowships typically last between two and six months, although longer periods may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The fellowship can include:

Remote work
Short-term stays in Odense, Denmark
Hybrid collaboration arrangements

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

Preliminary project title
Fellowship category
Project description
Detailed project plan and timeline
Confirmation of mentor support
Work plan outlining remote and in-person activities
Description of collaboration with external partners
Expected outputs and impact
Curriculum Vitae (maximum five pages)
Budget and funding request details

Applicants are also encouraged to review the official budget guidelines before submitting their proposals.

Important Dates

Applicants should take note of the following deadlines:

Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Notification of Results: No later than 1 October 2026
Fellowship Start: Any time during 2027
Typical Fellowship Duration: 2–6 months

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the official fellowship application form and submit it together with their CV in PDF format.

Applications should be sent via email with the subject line:

“DDC / TrygFonden Fellowship Application”

For questions regarding the fellowship programme or application process, applicants may contact the Digital Democracy Centre directly through the designated fellowship email channel.

A Unique Opportunity for Digital Democracy Leaders

The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Programme represents a valuable opportunity for researchers, journalists, and policy professionals seeking to contribute to the future of democratic governance in a rapidly evolving digital world. By bringing together interdisciplinary expertise and practical engagement, the programme aims to develop innovative solutions that strengthen democratic resilience, improve public understanding of emerging technologies, and shape future policy discussions in Denmark and beyond.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.