The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark is offering a unique fellowship program for 2027. This initiative, supported by the TrygFonden foundation, aims to bring together researchers, journalists, and policymakers. The goal is to explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence are changing democracy, media, and society. This program is designed to foster collaboration and create new knowledge on these critical topics.
Program Overview
The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program is structured to produce several key outcomes. These include policy briefs, educational materials, public presentations, and outreach activities. Fellows will also engage in collaborative research and develop practical tools for various organizations. A core component of the fellowship is working with a mentor from the DDC. Applicants must secure a mentor’s confirmation before submitting their application, as applications without one will be automatically disqualified.
The program accepts three types of fellows:
Academic Fellows
These individuals focus on research related to digital technologies and their impact on democratic processes.
Journalist Fellows
Journalists who cover topics concerning digital democracy are encouraged to apply.
Policy Fellows
This category is for professionals who contribute to discussions and the practical application of regulations concerning digital governance.
Projects that have relevance to Denmark or offer comparative insights applicable to Danish society are given preference. For the 2027 cycle, projects connected to the Hybrid Warfare Initiative, which looks into societal resilience against new forms of international conflict, will receive extra consideration.
About the Digital Democracy Centre (DDC)
Established in 2021 at the University of Southern Denmark, the DDC serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research. Its main focus is understanding the influence of digital technologies and AI on democratic life. The center acknowledges that digitalization affects the fundamental aspects of democracy, raising questions about issues like microtargeting, the spread of false information, and how algorithms make decisions.
The DDC’s research covers several key areas:
- Digital Democratic Integrity: Examining the security and trustworthiness of digital democratic systems.
- Digital Democracy & Societal Transition: Studying how digital advancements are reshaping societies and their political structures.
- AI, Media & Journalism: Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in media production and journalistic practices.
- Citizens, Organizations & New Technologies: Exploring how individuals and groups interact with emerging technologies.
The center brings together approximately 50 researchers from diverse fields. These include computer science, journalism, political science, media studies, law, economics, and communication. Leading figures at the DDC include Professor Claes de Vreese, Associate Professor Lena Frischlich, Associate Professor Curd Knüpfer, and Professor Josphine Lukito.
Purpose of the Fellowship Program
The fellowship program has several key objectives. It aims to expand the DDC’s knowledge base and strengthen connections with TrygFonden and other external partners. A primary goal is to generate new insights through interdisciplinary collaboration. The program also seeks to support public discussions in Denmark and internationally. Finally, it focuses on creating practical outputs that can be used by various stakeholders.
Fellows benefit from several advantages during their time in the program. These include:
- Mentorship: Access to a dedicated DDC mentor.
- Research Resources: Support for their research activities.
- Workspace: Flexible working spaces are available.
- Networking: Opportunities to join speaker series and connect with a wider network.
- Financial Support: This can include a salary subsidy or a stipend, depending on the fellow’s needs.
- Alumni Network: Connection to the DDC alumni community after the fellowship concludes.
Expectations for Fellows
Fellows are expected to actively participate in the DDC’s activities. This includes collaborating with other fellows and researchers within the center. They should also attend seminars, workshops, and public outreach events. Fellows are required to coordinate their stays in Odense, Denmark, to align with the Danish working calendar. Within two months of completing their fellowship, they must submit a short report detailing their work and outcomes. It is also a requirement that fellows secure support from their home institution or employer before applying for the fellowship.
Practical Structure of the Fellowship
The fellowship typically lasts between two and six months, though longer periods may be considered in exceptional circumstances. The start date can be any time during 2027, provided it aligns with the Danish working calendar. The work format is a blend of remote work and in-person stays in Odense. Financial support is provided as either a salary subsidy or a stipend, with applicants needing to specify their requirements. Collaboration is a key aspect, with fellows working alongside their DDC mentor and potentially with external partners such as non-governmental organizations, media outlets, government ministries, schools, or consumer groups.
Application Requirements
To apply for the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program, candidates must submit the following:
- Preliminary Project Title: A concise title for the proposed project.
- Fellowship Type: Indicate whether the application is for an academic, journalist, or policy fellowship.
- Brief Project Description: A summary of the project, limited to 1000 characters.
- Detailed Description & Timeline: An in-depth explanation of the project, including the fellowship duration (minimum two months), proposed start date, confirmed mentor, and a work plan detailing remote versus in-office time. This section has a limit of 2400 characters.
- Description of Collaboration: Outline any planned collaboration with external partners, with a maximum of 1000 characters.
- Expected Outputs: Specify the anticipated deliverables from the project, limited to 500 characters.
- CV: A curriculum vitae, not exceeding five pages.
- Budget Overview: A breakdown of estimated costs, including travel, housing, research expenses, and any requested salary compensation.
All application materials must be submitted in English. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the decisions by October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program?
It’s a program by the Digital Democracy Centre at the University of Southern Denmark, supported by TrygFonden, for 2027, focusing on how digital tech and AI affect democracy, media, and society.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The program accepts Academic Fellows (researchers), Journalist Fellows (journalists covering digital democracy), and Policy Fellows (professionals in digital governance).
What are the main requirements for applicants?
Applicants need a preliminary project title, fellowship type, project descriptions, a confirmed DDC mentor, CV, and a budget overview, all submitted in English by September 1, 2026.
What kind of support do fellows receive?
Fellows get mentorship, research resources, workspace, networking chances, financial support (salary subsidy or stipend), and join the DDC alumni network.
