Tech Policy Press, a non-profit media and community venture, headquartered in Austin, Texas, in the United States of America, and focused on the intersection of technology and democracy, has opened applications for its 2027 Fellowship cohort, giving journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals an opportunity to spend a year exploring important issues at the intersection of technology and democracy.
Since its launch in 2023, the fellowship has supported 25 fellows from 11 countries across three cohorts. Their work has examined issues including artificial intelligence governance, technology regulation, digital rights, and the growing influence of governments and corporations in the technology sector.
For the 2027 cohort, Tech Policy Press is looking for professionals who can pursue independent reporting and analysis on urgent, often underreported questions surrounding technology and democracy. The fellowship is part-time and runs for 12 months, beginning in January 2027.
Applicants can propose projects covering original reporting, policy analysis, research, and other forms of public interest work. They should have a clear area of focus and be able to explain how their work could help inform the public and decision-makers. Projects that bring attention to communities and regions often left out of global technology policy discussions are particularly encouraged.
Each selected fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend, paid quarterly. Fellows will also become part of an international cohort, receive ongoing editorial support, attend monthly sessions, and have opportunities to exchange ideas and collaborate with other fellows.
Participants will work remotely as independent contractors. They will be expected to contribute reporting or analysis at least once a month, attend a mandatory monthly cohort meeting, meet regularly with the Tech Policy Press editorial team, and complete agreed assignments on schedule.
The fellowship is open to journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals with experience or expertise in technology policy, a particular issue or geography, or the broader impact of technology on democracy and society. International applicants are welcome, with particular encouragement for candidates from the Global Majority and communities that remain underrepresented in media.
Applicants must submit a CV or resume, a cover letter of no more than two pages, links to previous published work, and two professional references. Writing samples should be publicly available online and generally published within the past three years. Social media posts, dissertations, class assignments, and unpublished research papers will not be accepted.
The application deadline is September 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by early December 2026, while some candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Tech Policy Press will also hold two online information sessions for prospective applicants on September 9 at 8 a.m. EDT and September 16 at 7 p.m. EDT. Registration is required for both sessions.
The fellowship is highly competitive. More than 2,000 applications were received last year for only 8 to 10 fellowship places. Applicants are therefore encouraged to clearly present their experience, proposed area of focus, and the public value of the work they hope to produce.
For further questions, applicants can contact fellows@techpolicy.press.
For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.techpolicy.press/call-for-applications-2027-tech-policy-press-fellowship-program/
