Explore the 2027 DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship: Shaping Digital Democracy

Understanding the Digital Democracy Centre x TrygFonden Fellowship Program

The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark, in partnership with TrygFonden, has launched the 2027 DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program. This initiative is designed to support research and public engagement focused on how digital technologies and artificial intelligence affect democracy, media, and society. It uniquely brings together researchers, journalists, and policymakers to collaborate on strengthening democratic resilience and shaping digital governance. The program aims to produce valuable outputs like policy briefs, educational materials, and public discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between technology and democratic processes.

Program Goals and Structure

The core purpose of the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program is to generate new knowledge and build stronger networks. It encourages interdisciplinary insights and supports public discourse on critical digital issues. Fellows will work closely with a confirmed mentor from the DDC, a requirement for application acceptance. The fellowship is open to three types of participants: academic fellows researching digital technologies and democracy, journalist fellows covering these topics, and policy fellows contributing to regulatory discussions. Projects that have relevance to Denmark or offer comparative insights applicable to Danish society are given priority. In 2027, a special focus will be placed on projects related to the Hybrid Warfare Initiative, which looks at societal resilience against new forms of conflict.

About the Digital Democracy Centre (DDC)

Established in 2021 at the University of Southern Denmark, the DDC serves as a leading center for studying the influence of digital technologies and AI on democratic life. The center acknowledges that digitalization impacts the fundamental aspects of democracy, raising questions about targeted political messaging, the spread of misinformation, and the fairness of algorithmic decision-making. The DDC’s research covers several key areas, including Digital Democratic Integrity, Digital Democracy and Societal Transition, AI, Media, and Journalism, and the role of Citizens, Organizations, and New Technologies. The center is home to approximately 50 researchers from diverse fields such as computer science, journalism, political science, law, economics, and communication.

Benefits and Expectations for Fellows

Fellows participating in the DDC x TrygFonden program can expect to gain access to a dedicated DDC mentor, research resources, and flexible workspaces. They will also be part of speaker series and networks, with potential financial support through a salary subsidy or stipend. The program also offers membership in the DDC alumni network. In return, fellows are expected to actively participate in DDC activities, collaborate with other fellows and researchers, and engage in seminars, workshops, and public outreach events. Fellows are also required to coordinate their stays in Odense, Denmark, in line with the Danish working calendar and to submit a short report within two months after their fellowship concludes. Securing support from their home institution or employer before applying is also a mandatory requirement.

Fellowship Practicalities

The fellowship typically lasts between two to six months, though longer durations may be considered in exceptional circumstances. The start date can be anytime within 2027, with flexibility for remote work combined with in-person stays in Odense. Financial support is available as a salary subsidy or stipend, and applicants must clearly state their financial needs. Collaboration is a key component, with fellows working alongside their DDC mentor and potentially external partners like non-governmental organizations, media outlets, government ministries, schools, or consumer organizations.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program, candidates must submit several documents. These include a preliminary project title, the type of fellowship sought (academic, journalist, or policy), and a brief project description of no more than 1000 characters. A more detailed description and timeline, up to 2400 characters, must outline the fellowship duration, start date, confirmed mentor, and work plan, specifying the balance between remote and in-office work. Applicants also need to describe their intended collaboration with external partners (max 1000 characters), list expected outputs (max 500 characters), provide a CV (max 5 pages), and submit a budget overview covering expenses like flights, housing, research costs, and salary compensation. All application materials must be submitted in English.

Key Dates for Applicants

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2027 DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program is September 1, 2026. Applicants can expect to receive notification of the decisions by October 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions