Tech Policy Press is inviting applications for its upcoming 2027 fellowship cohort. Since beginning in 2023, the program has nurtured 25 fellows representing 11 countries through three cohorts, producing work on artificial intelligence governance, tech regulation, digital rights, and the relationship between state and corporate power.
Overview
The organization aims to support a fresh cohort of fellows pursuing independent reporting and analysis that address critical issues where technology intersects with democracy. Designed as a year-long, part-time commitment, the fellowship targets mid-career journalists, researchers, and public policy professionals. The program welcomes diverse contributions spanning original reporting to policy analysis.
Candidates should arrive with a defined focus area and a vision for how their contributions will serve both public understanding and policymakers. Projects that amplify voices and perspectives from communities and regions typically underrepresented in global technology policy discussions are particularly valued.
Selected fellows receive a $10,000 stipend to fund their work. Beyond financial support, fellows participate in an international cohort offering regular critique and idea-sharing, benefit from ongoing editorial support, and engage in monthly sessions aimed at developing and strengthening their output.
Fellowship expectations
Applicants should demonstrate strong expertise in a specific technology policy domain or issue, a particular region, or more broadly the relationship between technology and democratic or social systems. All fellows operate remotely as independent contractors.
- Produce analysis or reporting (minimally monthly) addressing technology and democracy topics. (While focus areas may shift during the fellowship, applicants must articulate their initial topic and explain their suitability for covering it)
- Participate in a required one-hour monthly cohort meeting
- Attend monthly one-on-one sessions with Tech Policy Press editorial staff to assess progress and plan next steps
- Work alongside fellow participants and Tech Policy Press staff when relevant
- Honor all deadlines for deliverables (individualized for each fellow)
- Report any potential conflicts of interest
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit an application form by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 24th, 2026. The submission requires:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) describing your intended accomplishments
- URLs to previously published work
- Contact information for two professional references
Information Sessions
Tech Policy Press will conduct two online information sessions for prospective applicants via ZOOM, with registration required. Sessions are scheduled for:
- September 9th, 8 am EDT
- September 16th, 7 pm EDT
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship welcomes mid-career journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals focused on technology and democracy. The program actively encourages applications from the Global Majority and underrepresented groups in journalism. Applicants should have demonstrated experience or interest in tech policy, media, or adjacent fields, and be dedicated to producing rigorous public-interest work throughout the fellowship.
What are the benefits of being a Tech Policy Press fellow?
- The opportunity and support to work on a pressing, underreported issue for a year
- Develop a significant body of work by the end of the fellowship
- Access to an international cohort of past and current fellows
- Engage in learning opportunities provided by Tech Policy Press
- Develop and maintain a network of sources in your focus area
Can you provide a timeline for the application review process and when selected fellows will be notified of their acceptance?
Applicants will receive notification of their status by early December 2026.
When does the fellowship start and how long does it last?
The fellowship begins in January 2027 and runs for 12 months.
Are you accepting international applicants?
Yes, and international applicants are encouraged to apply.
Can I share additional information that is not part of the application questions?
Applications will be evaluated solely on the basis of information provided in the required application form.
What counts as published work?
Published work must be publicly available online and clearly attributed to you. Acceptable formats include reported articles, policy or issue analyses, opinion pieces, essays, podcasts, newsletters, and data projects. Social media posts and unpublished materials such as coursework or dissertations do not qualify. While published links need not focus on tech policy, they must demonstrate your capacity to write clearly about complex subjects including technology.
Will there be an interview round for the fellowship? How many interview rounds will there be?
A subset of candidates may be invited to participate in one online interview.
How does Tech Policy Press plan to promote and showcase the work of fellows to a wider audience?
Fellow work is published on the Tech Policy Press website and featured prominently in the newsletter to reach a broad, engaged readership. Fellowship projects are also highlighted through the organization's podcast and at events held throughout the year.
How will the stipends be distributed?
Stipends are distributed quarterly.
Is the 2027 cohort open to those whose main contributions are technical? Would graphic work or data visualization be considered an asset in addition to writing?
The program welcomes applications from various disciplines, provided you can demonstrate how your work aligns with Tech Policy Press's editorial scope.
Can we upload pre-print papers or research papers that are not formally published yet?
No.
What kinds of projects have past fellows worked on, particularly for candidates from policy, governance, or development backgrounds? Is it a disadvantage if my geographic or thematic focus has already been covered by another fellow?
Information about fellows and their projects is available on the fellowship page of the Tech Policy Press website. Prior coverage of your geographic or thematic area does not disqualify an application.
Are there any preferred geographic or thematic focuses for applicants from the Global South?
No.
What are some of the criteria to reject an application?
Applications may be rejected if they fail to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the 2027 Fellowship announcement.
Are co-authors allowed?
Yes, though submitting at least one solo publication is recommended.
Are translations allowed?
At least one submission must be originally written in English, though self-translated work may also be included.
Should the monthly submissions be exclusive to Tech Policy Press?
Yes, though republication is permitted.
How recent should writing samples be?
Writing samples should be from the past three years.
Is this fellowship open to candidates outside the USA who are not authorized to work in the USA?
Yes. The fellowship is open to candidates worldwide.
Is it disadvantageous to be open to working in multiple formats?
No.
Do you have to stick to one theme, or can you write on a variety of topics?
Fellows are encouraged to respond to news developments as they relate to their area of expertise.
How broadly or specifically should applicants define the tech policy area or issue they want to work on?
The scope is entirely at your discretion.
The place where I work automatically translates our articles into English using AI. Is that a problem?
Evidence of your own command of English is required.
What should we do to share a published piece behind a paywall?
Submitted pieces must be open access. If your published work is paywalled, provide a copy to Tech Policy Press.
How competitive is the application?
Last year, the program received more than 2,000 applications for only 8-10 fellowship positions. Given the volume of submissions, the selection team must make challenging decisions. The organization appreciates the effort of all applicants.
What kind of professional references are acceptable? When will you contact my references?
References should be individuals who can speak to the quality of your writing or your capacity to produce public-interest work on technology and democracy. References will be contacted only if you advance to the shortlist.
Can I submit a publication if my name is not on the byline?
If you face special circumstances requiring submission of work without a byline, provide a detailed explanation in your application, as Tech Policy Press must be able to evaluate work clearly attributed to you.
Other questions
For additional inquiries about the fellowship, contact Tech Policy Press at fellows@techpolicy.press.
