The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark is offering the 2027 DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program. This program aims to bring together researchers, journalists, and policymakers to study how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect democracy, media, and society. It is a chance for professionals to collaborate on important issues and contribute to a stronger, more resilient democracy in the digital age.
Program Goals and Structure
The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program is designed to create new knowledge and foster connections. It encourages fellows to produce practical outputs like policy briefs, educational materials, and tools for organizations. Fellows will work with a mentor from the DDC, and this mentorship must be confirmed before an application is submitted. Applications without a confirmed mentor will not be considered.
The fellowship accepts three types of participants:
- Academic fellows: These individuals conduct research on digital technologies and their impact on democracy.
- Journalist fellows: These fellows focus on reporting and analyzing topics related to digital democracy.
- Policy fellows: These participants contribute to discussions and the practical application of regulations concerning digital technologies.
Projects that have relevance to Denmark or offer insights that can be applied to Danish society are given priority. For 2027, projects related to the Hybrid Warfare Initiative, which looks at how societies can withstand new forms of international conflict, will receive extra attention.
About the Digital Democracy Centre
Established in 2021 at the University of Southern Denmark, the DDC is a hub for interdisciplinary research. It focuses on understanding the ways digital technologies and AI are changing democratic life. The center recognizes that digitalization impacts core democratic principles, raising questions about targeted political messaging, the spread of false information, how algorithms make decisions, and public trust in information.
The DDC’s research covers several key areas:
- Digital Democratic Integrity
- Digital Democracy and Societal Transition
- AI, Media, and Journalism
- Citizens, Organizations, and New Technologies
The center brings together about 50 researchers from various fields, including computer science, journalism, political science, media studies, law, economics, and communication.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The main goals of the fellowship program are to expand the DDC’s knowledge base, build stronger relationships with TrygFonden and other partners, and generate new insights through interdisciplinary work. It also aims to support public discussions in Denmark and internationally. Fellows will have access to a DDC mentor, research resources, flexible workspaces, and networking opportunities. Financial support, such as a salary subsidy or stipend, is also provided.
Fellow Expectations
Fellows are expected to actively participate in DDC activities. This includes collaborating with other fellows and researchers, attending seminars and workshops, and engaging in public outreach. Fellows should plan their stays in Odense, Denmark, to align with the Danish working calendar. Within two months of completing the fellowship, they must submit a short report. It is also required that fellows secure support from their home institution or employer before applying.
Fellowship Practicalities
The fellowship typically lasts between two and six months, though longer periods may be possible in special cases. Fellows can start their program at any point in 2027. The work format involves a mix of remote work and in-person time in Odense. Financial support is available as a salary subsidy or stipend, and applicants need to state their specific needs. Fellows will collaborate with their mentor and potentially with external partners like non-governmental organizations, media outlets, government ministries, or schools.
Application Requirements
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must submit the following:
- A preliminary title for their project.
- Their chosen fellowship type (academic, journalist, or policy).
- A brief project description, no more than 1000 characters.
- A detailed description and timeline, up to 2400 characters. This should include the fellowship duration (at least two months), the desired start date, confirmation of their mentor, and a work plan outlining remote versus in-office time.
- A description of their planned collaboration with external partners, limited to 1000 characters.
- A summary of the expected outputs from their project, no more than 500 characters.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), not exceeding five pages.
- A budget overview covering expenses like flights, housing, research costs, and salary compensation.
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is September 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the decisions by October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2027 DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program?
It’s a program by the Digital Democracy Centre at the University of Southern Denmark for researchers, journalists, and policymakers to study the impact of digital technologies and AI on democracy.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The fellowship accepts academic fellows, journalist fellows, and policy fellows who are studying or working on issues related to digital democracy.
What are the main goals of the fellowship?
The program aims to create new knowledge, foster connections, produce practical outputs like policy briefs, and support public discussions on digital democracy.
What is required for the application?
Applications need a project title, fellowship type, project descriptions, a confirmed mentor, CV, and a budget overview, all submitted in English.
