Deadline: January 15, 2026
The ITU AI and Multimedia Authenticity Young Researcher Associate Programme 2026 is a prestigious global research initiative designed to engage early‑career researchers in addressing one of the most urgent challenges of the digital age: trust and authenticity in AI‑generated and AI‑edited multimedia content.
The ITU AI and Multimedia Authenticity Young Researcher Associate Programme 2026 is delivered under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good initiative and is aligned with the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration (AMAS). The programme brings together young researchers, technical experts, policymakers, and standardisation bodies to shape the future of digital content integrity.
Programme Overview
This programme is a one‑year, structured research collaboration that enables selected participants to contribute to cutting‑edge research, innovation, and international standards‑setting processes related to AI and multimedia authenticity.
Participants work at the intersection of technology, policy, ethics, and standardisation, focusing on how authenticity, rights protection, and trust can be preserved in an era of rapidly advancing generative AI tools.
Key Dates and Duration
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Programme Duration: One year (2026)
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to early‑career researchers and young professionals from around the world who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or MBA programme, or
- Actively engaged in research or professional work related to AI, multimedia, or digital trust.
Eligible Backgrounds and Disciplines
Applicants may come from a wide range of academic and professional fields, including but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Multimedia technologies
- Cybersecurity and digital trust
- Data science
- Business, management, and innovation
- Political science and digital policy
- Law, ethics, and governance of emerging technologies
There are no nationality restrictions, and applications are welcomed from candidates globally.
Programme Structure
The research programme is organised into three main phases:
Phase 1: Definition (Months 1–2)
- Conducting in‑depth literature reviews
- Identifying key challenges and gaps in AI and multimedia authenticity
- Refining research questions and defining project scope
Phase 2: Invention (Months 3–6)
- Designing innovative approaches and solutions for hybrid human‑AI content creation
- Developing technical, policy, or governance frameworks related to authenticity
- Collaborating with global experts and fellow researchers
Phase 3: Standardisation (Months 10–12)
- Contributing insights to international standardisation discussions
- Engaging with organisations such as ITU, ISO, and other UN‑affiliated bodies
- Translating research outcomes into practical recommendations and standards‑oriented outputs
Benefits of Participation
Selected participants will gain access to a wide range of professional and academic benefits, including:
- Expert mentorship from senior members of the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards (AMAS) community
- Monthly global collaboration sessions, including working group meetings and all‑hands discussions
- Opportunities to present research outputs at international forums such as the AI for Good Global Summit and leading academic conferences
- Direct exposure to global policy and standards‑setting processes
- Retention of intellectual property rights, which typically remain with the researcher or their home institution
Participation in the programme is voluntary and unpaid, but offers significant long‑term value through visibility, networking, and global impact.
Why This Programme Matters
As generative AI tools increasingly blur the line between authentic and synthetic content, ensuring trust, transparency, and accountability has become a global priority. The ITU AI and Multimedia Authenticity Young Researcher Associate Programme 2026 plays a critical role in shaping how societies, institutions, and technologies respond to these challenges through research‑driven standards and collaborative innovation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full programme details carefully and submit their applications before the stated deadline.
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review support to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
