Tech Policy Press is inviting applications for its 2027 Fellowship Program, a prestigious year-long remote fellowship supporting journalists, researchers, lawyers and public policy professionals exploring the intersection of technology and democracy. The fellowship offers a $10,000 stipend, editorial mentorship and the opportunity to join an international cohort producing impactful public-interest reporting and policy analysis.
Applications are open to candidates from around the world, with a strong emphasis on voices and communities that are often underrepresented in global technology policy conversations. The application deadline is 24 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
About the Fellowship
Launched in 2023, the Tech Policy Press Fellowship has supported 25 fellows from 11 countries across three cohorts. Fellows have produced influential work examining artificial intelligence governance, digital rights, technology regulation, surveillance, platform accountability and the growing relationship between state and corporate power.
The 2027 programme will continue this mission by supporting independent reporting and analytical projects that investigate urgent questions shaping technology’s impact on democracy and society. The fellowship welcomes a wide variety of formats, including investigative reporting, policy analysis, essays, newsletters, podcasts and data-driven journalism.
Rather than assigning a fixed research agenda, applicants are encouraged to propose a clearly defined area of focus and explain how their work will contribute to informing policymakers, practitioners and the wider public.
Fellowship Benefits
Each selected fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend, distributed quarterly over the 12-month fellowship period.
In addition to financial support, fellows will benefit from:
- Ongoing editorial guidance from Tech Policy Press.
- Membership in an international cohort of journalists and researchers.
- Monthly feedback and idea-exchange sessions.
- Professional networking opportunities with experts in technology policy.
- A platform to publish work reaching a global audience through the Tech Policy Press website, newsletter, podcast and special events.
The fellowship is designed to help participants build a substantial body of public-interest work while strengthening their expertise and professional visibility.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is intended for mid-career professionals with demonstrated expertise in technology policy or closely related fields.
Eligible applicants include:
- Journalists
- Researchers
- Lawyers
- Public policy professionals
- Analysts and governance specialists
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, including candidates from the Global Majority and historically underrepresented communities in media and technology policy.
Applicants should have a strong background in a specific technology policy issue, geographic region or broader area involving technology’s influence on democracy, governance or society.
Fellowship Expectations
The programme is conducted remotely, and fellows will work as independent contractors throughout the year.
Selected fellows will be expected to:
- Publish at least one analysis or reporting piece each month.
- Attend a mandatory one-hour monthly cohort meeting.
- Participate in monthly editorial check-in meetings.
- Collaborate with fellow participants and the Tech Policy Press editorial team where appropriate.
- Meet agreed publication deadlines.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
While fellows may respond to emerging news events during the programme, they should begin the fellowship with a clearly articulated thematic focus.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit their application before 24 September 2026 using the official online application form.
Required documents include:
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- A cover letter of no more than two pages outlining the proposed fellowship project.
- Links to published work completed within the past three years.
- Two professional references.
Writing samples must be publicly accessible online and clearly attributed to the applicant. Social media posts, unpublished dissertations and class assignments are not eligible.
Information Sessions and Timeline
Tech Policy Press will host two online information sessions via Zoom for prospective applicants. Registration is required.
Available sessions include:
- 9 September 2026 – 8:00 a.m. EDT
- 16 September 2026 – 7:00 p.m. EDT
Following the application review process, shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview. All applicants are expected to receive notification of their application status by early December 2026.
The fellowship officially begins in January 2027 and runs for 12 months.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Tech Policy Press Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for professionals working at the intersection of technology, governance and public interest journalism to develop meaningful, independent work with global reach. Whether examining artificial intelligence, digital rights, online governance, cybersecurity or emerging technologies, fellows receive the editorial support and intellectual community needed to produce rigorous analysis that informs both public debate and policymaking.
For journalists and researchers from the Global South, the programme provides an important platform to elevate regional perspectives within international technology policy discussions and contribute to more inclusive global conversations about democracy and digital futures.
Application Deadline: 24 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT
