Apply Now: Digital Impact Alliance Launches (DIAL) Its 3rd Annual Fellowship Program (funded + stipend available)
The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) has announced the opening of applications for its 3rd Annual Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to support mid-career researchers and practitioners committed to advancing trusted, inclusive digital transformation.
This DIAL Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for professionals to explore cutting-edge questions related to digital public infrastructure (DPI) and data governance, while contributing to the global effort to shape equitable digital systems.
About the DIAL Fellowship
The DIAL Fellowship Program invites participants to bring their own research agendas, professional experience, and innovative thinking to a collaborative environment.
Fellows will explore frontier digital challenges and contribute to DIAL’s mission of improving the design, deployment, and governance of foundational digital systems and data-sharing innovations.
Over the course of 6–8 months, fellows will carry out independent research while engaging with DIAL’s team and partners. To support their work, each fellow receives a $5,000 USD stipend.
Core Thematic Priorities
The Fellowship emphasizes three key thematic areas that reflect DIAL’s commitment to inclusive and human-centered digital transformation:
1. Creating More Value From Data
Fellows working in this theme may explore:
- How data ecosystems can generate equitable social and economic benefits
- Approaches for improving data accessibility while safeguarding rights
- Mechanisms that ensure communities—not just institutions—benefit from data use
2. Understanding the Human Impact of Digital Systems
This priority focuses on how digital platforms and services affect people, particularly those who are marginalized or underserved. Research may examine:
- The lived experiences of users interacting with digital public services
- Barriers to accessing digital tools and infrastructure
- Risks of exclusion, surveillance, or bias in digital environments
3. Accelerating Data Sharing and Governance Practices
Fellows may explore innovative ways to:
- Strengthen responsible data governance frameworks
- Encourage ethical data-sharing across government, private sector, and civil society
- Build trust and transparency into digital ecosystems
- Support innovation while protecting individual rights
Who Should Apply
DIAL encourages applications from mid-career professionals with a passion for digital equity and emerging technologies. Suitable candidates include individuals from:
- Academia
- Civil society organizations
- Private sector and technology companies
- Public sector and development institutions
Applicants should have relevant experience or research interests in areas such as digital public infrastructure, data governance, human-centered design, technology policy, digital rights, or inclusive innovation.
What Fellows Gain
Participants selected for the Fellowship will benefit from:
- A $5,000 USD stipend to support their research
- The opportunity to investigate frontier questions shaping the future of digital governance
- Access to DIAL’s global network of experts, practitioners, and partners
- Collaborative learning and mentorship throughout the research period
- The chance to contribute to real-world solutions in digital transformation
Program Duration
- Length: 6–8 months
- Format: Remote, with virtual engagements, workshops, and periodic check-ins
- Outcome: A final research product aligned with DIAL’s priorities and designed to inform global digital transformation efforts
Application Deadline
DIAL is now accepting applications for the upcoming Fellowship cohort.
Deadline to apply: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Professionals who are curious, passionate, and dedicated to exploring inclusive digital futures are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can submit their applications using the link below:
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
