Deadline: January 31, 2026
The HIIG Internet and Society Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications! Hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in Berlin, Germany, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers, scholars, and professionals exploring the intersection of internet technologies, democracy, and knowledge systems.
The fellowship invites applications from individuals passionate about the relationship between digital transformation and democratic change, focusing particularly on how knowledge and expertise shape democratic processes in today’s networked world.
About the HIIG Internet and Society Fellowship 2026
The HIIG Internet and Society Fellowship 2026 is a six-week, in-person research program taking place at the HIIG research institute in Berlin, Germany, from June 1 – July 18, 2026. The fellowship provides a collaborative environment for scholars to engage in high-level research on internet and society-related topics, contributing to ongoing global debates about technology, democracy, and public trust.
The central theme for the 2026 edition is “Democratic Change and Knowledge.” The fellowship will explore how evolving forms of knowledge, digital technologies, and social interaction influence democratic participation and public understanding. Fellows will investigate how societies can maintain trust in expertise while navigating the challenges of misinformation, polarization, and digital disruption.
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship welcomes innovative projects that critically examine key questions around democracy, knowledge, and technology, such as:
- The effects of declining public trust in expertise and its implications for democratic institutions.
- Legal and institutional frameworks for knowledge-based democracies.
- The role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in democratic accountability and decision-making.
- Public trust in science and the media in the digital age.
- Strategies for fostering engagement between scientific research and citizen participation.
These focus areas aim to strengthen the dialogue between academia, technology, and society — encouraging research that leads to actionable insights and long-term societal impact.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to researchers, early-career scholars, and practitioners with a strong academic background and demonstrated expertise in areas related to the theme. Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree with an ongoing or planned PhD (junior fellows).
- Be an advanced PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher (senior fellows).
- Demonstrate a clear research focus aligned with the fellowship’s theme.
- Have proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
Applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds — including law, social sciences, media studies, political science, and technology studies — are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and relevant experience.
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) detailing the applicant’s interest, background, and intended contribution to the fellowship.
- Research idea outline (maximum 1 page) demonstrating how the proposed project connects with the fellowship’s 2026 theme.
- Optional work or writing sample relevant to the research topic.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected fellows will have the unique opportunity to:
- Work on-site at HIIG’s research institute in Berlin.
- Collaborate with leading scholars, fellows, and HIIG researchers.
- Present and refine research during internal talks, workshops, and collaborative sessions.
- Participate in a one-week research sprint to accelerate project development.
- Contribute to HIIG’s open-access publications or Digital Society Blog.
The fellowship emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and exchange — providing a vibrant academic community to explore cutting-edge ideas on democracy and technology.
Key Dates
- Fellowship Duration: June 1 – July 18, 2026
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through HIIG’s online portal.
👉 Read more about the programme
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