Danish Institute for Human Rights Global Visiting Researcher Programme 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Researchers from the Global South

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has launched its Global Visiting Researcher Programme 2026, a fully funded initiative designed to strengthen international research collaboration with academics primarily based in the Global South and other underrepresented regions. This prestigious programme offers selected researchers the opportunity to work with one of Europe’s leading human rights institutions while contributing to high-impact global research.

If you are a scholar passionate about human rights, governance, justice systems, or digital transformation, this is an exceptional opportunity to gain international exposure, expand your academic network, and produce meaningful research outputs.

What is the Danish Institute for Human Rights Global Visiting Researcher Programme?

The Danish Institute for Human Rights is Denmark’s National Human Rights Institution and equality body. It works nationally and globally to promote and protect human rights through research, policy advice, and strategic partnerships.

Through this new visiting researcher programme, the Institute seeks to develop new and strengthen existing collaborations with researchers from underrepresented regions. The programme emphasizes equitable partnerships, mutual learning, and knowledge exchange.

Key Research Themes for 2026

Successful applicants will work within one of three major thematic areas:

1. Technology and Human Rights

This theme focuses on how emerging and existing technologies impact human rights and democratic governance in the Global South.

Possible research topics include:

• Digital rights and freedoms
• AI governance and accountability
• Human rights impact assessments of technology
• Inclusive digital regulations and policy frameworks
• Rights-respecting digital transitions through development cooperation

2. National Human Rights Institutions and Preventing Violent Extremism

This area examines how National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can contribute to peace, security, and the prevention of violent extremism in Sahelian and coastal West African contexts.

Possible research topics include:

• Security governance and human rights
• Radicalization prevention strategies
• Human rights-based approaches to peacebuilding
• Policy recommendations for regional frameworks
• Population protection strategies

3. Customary Justice Systems and Human Rights Standards

This research theme explores how customary law, informal justice systems, community paralegals, and formal justice institutions can better protect marginalized communities.

Priority groups include:

• Women
• Children
• People with disabilities

Applicants in this area should draw on case studies from at least two of the following countries:

• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Uganda
• Zambia

Programme Duration

• Affiliation with the Institute for up to 6 months
• Minimum 2-week visit to Copenhagen required
• Hybrid participation models are welcome

Benefits of the Programme

Selected researchers will receive substantial support, including:

• Research stipend / honorarium
• Travel costs to and from Copenhagen
• Visa support and costs
• Accommodation in Copenhagen
• Academic mentorship and institutional support
• Access to policy and international research networks
• Opportunity to publish policy briefs, working papers, or academic articles

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Current CV (maximum 3 pages)
• One relevant publication in English or French
• Project proposal (1–5 pages) including aims, methodology, outputs, and relevance

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Human rights expertise and experience
• Affiliation with an academic institution in the Global South
• Quality of previous publications
• Feasibility of project proposal
• Relevance to the thematic focus areas

Why You Should Apply

This programme is more than a research visit. It is a platform for global collaboration, policy influence, and academic growth. Participants will engage with leading experts, contribute to real-world human rights solutions, and build long-term partnerships for future funding opportunities.

Application Deadline

1 June 2026

How to Apply

APPLY HERE. 

For more information about this apportunity, click here. 

Discover more internship opportunities, click here. 

Final Thoughts

The Danish Institute for Human Rights Global Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 is one of the best fully funded research opportunities for scholars from the Global South. If your work intersects with justice, technology, governance, or human rights, this programme could be a major step forward in your academic career.

Apply early and prepare a strong proposal that clearly demonstrates relevance, impact, and feasibility.