Open Call for Information Controls Research Program

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The Information Controls Research Program supports researchers investigating internet censorship, digital surveillance, information controls, and threats to human rights in repressive environments. Fellows can receive a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD for 3–12 months, plus travel and equipment support of up to $5,000 USD each, depending on project needs. The program welcomes applicants worldwide, with particular encouragement for researchers from the majority world and those with lived or professional experience in repressive environments. Eligible applicants include students, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and junior to mid-career practitioners working across technology, cybersecurity, human rights, social sciences, and related fields. Information Controls Research Program Overview The Information Controls Research Program evolved from the former Information Controls Fellowship Program and supports a global community of researchers studying how technology affects access to information, digital freedom, security, and human rights. The program supports research at the intersection of: - Internet censorship - Digital surveillance - Information security - Technology and human rights - Artificial intelligence - Quantum computing - Cybersecurity - Digital threats against civil society - Human rights defenders - Digital rights and freedom of expression The program is particularly interested in research that improves understanding of information controls and develops practical approaches to protecting individuals and communities affected by censorship and surveillance. Why the Information Controls Research Program Matters Internet censorship and digital surveillance can restrict freedom of expression, access to information, civic participation, and human rights. Researchers working in these areas can help identify emerging threats and develop technical, social, and policy responses. The program provides financial and institutional support for researchers investigating these challenges, particularly where research can contribute to a better understanding of how information controls operate. Research may examine both existing information-control systems and emerging technologies that could reshape censorship, surveillance, and digital security. Key Research Areas Applicants can propose research addressing a broad range of information-control challenges. Priority areas include innovative approaches to censorship circumvention, emerging technologies, and threats affecting civil society. Censorship Circumvention Research may explore creative and practical methods for helping people access information despite internet censorship and restrictions.

Potential areas include:

- Circumvention technologies - Internet filtering - Network interference - Access to blocked information - Digital resilience - Secure communication - Alternative information networks Artificial Intelligence and Information Control The program is also interested in the relationship between artificial intelligence and information controls.

Research could examine:

- AI-enabled censorship - Automated surveillance - AI-generated disinformation - Algorithmic content restrictions - Machine learning for information monitoring - AI-based threats to digital rights - Defensive uses of AI against censorship Quantum Computing and Information Controls Emerging computing technologies may create new opportunities and risks for digital security. Applicants may investigate the potential implications of quantum computing for: - Encryption - Digital communications - Surveillance - Cybersecurity - Information security - Privacy protection Digital Threats to Civil Society Another important area is the analysis of digital threats affecting civil society organizations, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

Research may examine:

- Online harassment - Digital surveillance - Account compromise - Cyberattacks - Threat intelligence - Privacy risks - Digital targeting of activists - Security challenges for human rights organizations Fellowship Funding Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of $7,000 USD.

The fellowship can last for:

- 3 months - 6 months - 9 months - 12 months In addition to the monthly stipend, fellows may receive: - Up to $5,000 USD for travel - Up to $5,000 USD for equipment The final award depends on the duration of the fellowship and the researcher’s approved project requirements. Based on the stated stipend structure, potential total awards range from $21,000 USD for a three-month fellowship to as much as $89,000 USD for a twelve-month fellowship when the maximum travel and equipment support is included. Who Is Eligible? The Information Controls Research Program is open to researchers and practitioners from around the world.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Students at any academic level - Doctoral researchers - Postdoctoral researchers - Junior-career practitioners - Mid-career practitioners - Computer scientists - Engineers - Information security specialists - Software developers - Social scientists - Data visualization specialists - Researchers working across multiple disciplines The program particularly encourages applications from: - Researchers from the majority world - Individuals with experience living in repressive environments - Researchers studying technology, security, and human rights - Applicants whose work addresses emerging information-control challenges Applicants do not need to come from a single academic discipline. The program supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding censorship, surveillance, and digital threats. Host Organization Requirement Applicants must identify a host organization for the duration of their research.

The host may be:

- An academic institution - A research organization - A nonprofit organization - Another appropriate non-academic institution The host organization must be located outside the United States. Applicants should select a host t