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CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026: Two-Year Technology Policy Fellowship for Leading Academics and Researchers

Ling Peng
CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026 is now accepting applications from established academics and researchers interested in bringing their scholarly expertise into conversations about technology policy, digital rights, democracy, privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, free expression, and the future of the internet.

Based in Washington, D.C., with remote participation allowed, the program creates a bridge between academic research and real-world public-interest technology policy. Rather than separating academic scholarship from policy development, CDT’s Non-Resident Fellows Program gives researchers an opportunity to engage directly with the organization’s research and policy teams, contribute expertise to emerging technology debates, and strengthen the public-policy impact of their own research.

Applications for the 2026 intake are open until September 18, 2026.

About the Center for Democracy & Technology

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is an organization working at the intersection of technology, public policy, civil liberties, and individual rights.

CDT works to strengthen individual rights and freedoms by defining, promoting, and influencing technology policy and the architecture of the internet that increasingly shapes everyday life. Its areas of focus encompass some of the most significant technology-policy questions facing governments, researchers, companies, civil society organizations, and communities today.

These areas include:

Through its research, advocacy, policy engagement, and collaboration with experts, CDT seeks to ensure that technological development and technology policy protect people’s rights and freedoms.

What Is the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program?

The CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program is a two-year engagement designed to connect leading scholars and academics with CDT’s technology-policy work.

The program provides Fellows with opportunities to bring their research and specialist knowledge directly into CDT’s policy conversations. Fellows can exchange ideas with CDT staff, participate in discussions surrounding emerging issues, and help inform how the organization approaches the social, political, economic, legal, and technical implications of rapidly developing technologies.

CDT intentionally brings together Fellows from diverse academic disciplines, institutions, and areas of expertise.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects the reality that technology policy is no longer confined to computer science or law. Technology influences virtually every aspect of modern society, meaning that understanding its effects requires perspectives from numerous disciplines.

CDT therefore welcomes expertise spanning fields such as:

Through this diverse community, Fellows can help CDT understand the complex relationship between technology and the institutions, communities, governments, economies, and individuals affected by it.

Bridging Academic Research and Technology Policy

One of the central purposes of the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program is to help close the gap between academic research and public-interest technology policy.

Academic researchers can produce significant evidence, theories, frameworks, and findings concerning emerging technologies. However, translating that research into policy discussions and practical public-interest outcomes can require connections between scholars and organizations directly involved in policy development.

The Non-Resident Fellows Program creates opportunities for researchers and technology-policy practitioners to learn from each other.

For academics, this can provide greater exposure to policy discussions and the opportunity to understand how research can contribute to practical debates.

For CDT, Fellows provide access to expertise from leading researchers working across a broad range of disciplines.

The program also places Fellows within a wider community of researchers and technology-policy experts, providing opportunities to establish relationships, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate on some of the most important questions at the intersection of technology and democracy.

Objectives of the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program

The program is designed for researchers who want to engage directly with and contribute to CDT’s policy work.

CDT Fellows volunteer their time to pursue three broad objectives:

1. Inform and Advance CDT’s Research and Policy Work

Fellows contribute academic knowledge, research findings, disciplinary expertise, and perspectives that can strengthen CDT’s research and policy activities.

Their involvement can help the organization consider technology-policy questions through different academic lenses and incorporate relevant scholarly evidence into its work.

2. Amplify CDT’s Voice and Expand Its Expert Network

Fellows can help connect CDT with leading academics and specialists working on relevant issues.

These relationships can strengthen the exchange of information between academic communities and public-interest technology-policy practitioners.

3. Strengthen the Policy Impact of Fellows’ Research

The relationship is intended to benefit Fellows as well.

CDT aims to work with Fellows to strengthen the public engagement and policy impact of their academic research, potentially helping important scholarly work reach audiences involved in technology-policy conversations.

Who Is CDT Looking For?

CDT is seeking researchers from diverse experiences and backgrounds who are advocating for global digital rights.

Applicants may come from a wide variety of disciplines. Relevant backgrounds include, but are not limited to:

The breadth of disciplines reflects CDT’s recognition that digital rights and technology policy involve technical, legal, political, social, economic, cultural, and behavioral considerations.

Minimum Qualifications for the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions because this opportunity is specifically targeted at established academics rather than students or early-stage postdoctoral researchers.

Qualified applicants must be prepared to commit to a two-year non-resident engagement with CDT.

Applicants must also:

CDT places particular emphasis on candidates whose technology-policy experience relates to developments in the United States and European Union.

Importantly, the program is not open to current students or postdoctoral researchers.

What Will CDT Non-Resident Fellows Do?

Non-Resident Fellows are expected to become active intellectual contributors to CDT’s broader research and policy community.

Their engagement can include participating in policy strategy calls and joining briefings concerning emerging technology-policy issues.

Fellows are also encouraged to:

These activities provide multiple ways for Fellows to translate academic expertise into practical policy engagement.

Required Contribution During the Two-Year Fellowship

In addition to committing to serve as a Non-Resident Fellow for at least two years, each Fellow agrees to complete at least one specified contribution during the two-year period.

The contribution should concern issues relevant to CDT’s work and be timely.

A Fellow can satisfy this requirement by undertaking at least one of the following:

  1. Co-authoring a CDT blog post or participating in a CDT Tech Talk podcast;
  2. Speaking, presenting, or otherwise contributing to a CDT-branded event; or
  3. Collaborating with CDT on the development of a funding proposal.

These requirements provide Fellows with flexibility to contribute in a way that aligns with their expertise and professional interests.

Participation in CDT Events and Policy Discussions

Fellows may also be invited to participate in CDT-branded events when appropriate.

Examples can include:

Fellows are additionally encouraged to promote CDT through their external professional and academic networks.

This can involve sharing relevant CDT outputs, promoting job, internship, and externship opportunities, and connecting CDT with emerging research, policy conversations, events, or experts within Fellows’ academic institutions and professional networks.

Opportunities for Collaborative Research

The fellowship can extend beyond discussions and events into collaborative research.

CDT Non-Resident Fellows may be invited to conduct research alongside CDT on mutually agreed projects connected to the organization’s core research and advocacy priorities.

Fellows may also proactively propose joint research projects they believe would complement CDT’s work.

However, applicants should understand that proposing a project does not necessarily mean it will automatically proceed. CDT evaluates proposed collaborations in the context of its:

This provides room for innovative collaboration while ensuring projects remain aligned with CDT’s broader mission and capabilities.

Memorandum of Understanding for Selected Fellows

Every Non-Resident Fellow will receive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the beginning of their term.

The MOU will establish important aspects of the two-year relationship between the Fellow and CDT.

It will outline:

This provides Fellows and CDT with a shared framework for expectations and engagement throughout the program.

How CDT Supports Its Non-Resident Fellows

The relationship between CDT and its Fellows is designed to involve active support and engagement rather than simply providing Fellows with a title.

At the beginning of the program, CDT conducts an orientation program.

The orientation includes information concerning:

Following orientation, CDT commits to keeping Fellows connected with relevant developments and opportunities.

Access to Technology and Internet Policy Insights

CDT plans to provide Fellows with regular updates regarding important technology and internet-policy developments.

Fellows may also be engaged in relevant working groups and can receive expert insights connected to their research interests.

This exposure can be particularly valuable to academics seeking stronger connections between their research and ongoing policy discussions.

Invitations to CDT Events and Programs

Fellows become active members of CDT’s wider community and can receive invitations to relevant events and programs throughout their participation.

All Fellows are invited as CDT guests to certain public events and webinars, including the organization’s Annual Dinner, Tech Prom.

Fellows will also have opportunities to interact directly with CDT experts.

At the same time, CDT welcomes Fellows’ feedback and recommendations, allowing academics to contribute their perspectives to the organization’s work on developing trends and emerging technology-policy issues.

Is the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program Remote?

Yes. The opportunity is listed in Washington, District of Columbia, United States, but the position allows remote participation.

This is consistent with the structure of the opportunity as a “Non-Resident” Fellows Program.

Applicants should nevertheless carefully assess whether their professional position, expertise, and availability allow them to participate meaningfully in CDT’s activities throughout the two-year engagement.

Duration of the Program

Selected applicants must commit to serving as CDT Non-Resident Fellows for at least two years.

The two-year structure allows Fellows to establish meaningful relationships with CDT researchers and policy professionals rather than participating through a short-term engagement.

The MOU provided at the beginning of the fellowship will establish the key dates and deliverables applicable to each Fellow’s term.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare several important documents.

The required application materials are:

1. Full Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a comprehensive CV demonstrating their academic background, professional appointments, publications, research experience, relevant policy engagement, and other qualifications.

2. Relevant Writing Sample

Candidates must submit a writing sample relevant to the opportunity.

Given CDT’s emphasis on impactful academic work and technology-policy expertise, applicants should consider selecting a sample that effectively demonstrates their research capabilities and relevant subject-matter knowledge.

3. Cover Letter

Applicants must provide a cover letter explaining:

Applicants should ensure that their cover letter clearly communicates how their academic expertise intersects with technology policy and CDT’s areas of work.

Important Document Submission Requirement

There is an important formatting requirement applicants should not overlook.

The CV, writing sample, and cover letter must be compiled into one PDF or document for submission.

Applicants should therefore not prepare these documents as unrelated individual uploads unless the application system specifically instructs otherwise.

Combining everything into a single organized file before beginning the final submission process can help ensure compliance with CDT’s stated application instructions.

How to Apply for the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026

Interested researchers should complete the application through CDT’s official recruitment system.

A practical application process would involve:

  1. Review the fellowship requirements carefully.
  2. Confirm that you hold a full-time academic position.
  3. Assess whether your research experience relates meaningfully to CDT’s technology-policy priorities.
  4. Update your full academic CV.
  5. Select a relevant and strong writing sample.
  6. Prepare a tailored cover letter explaining your interest, expertise, and qualifications.
  7. Compile the CV, writing sample, and cover letter into one PDF or document.
  8. Access the official CDT careers page and locate the Non-Resident Fellows Program opening.
  9. Select “Apply for this position.”
  10. Complete the required application information and submit the combined document before the deadline.

Applicants with questions about the program or application process can contact CDT’s research team at research@cdt.org.

APPLY NOW

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Center for Democracy & Technology Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026 is Friday, September 18, 2026.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials well before the closing date, particularly because the application requires a CV, relevant writing sample, and tailored cover letter compiled into one document.

Why Researchers Should Consider the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program

For academics whose work intersects with digital rights and technology policy, the CDT Non-Resident Fellows Program provides an opportunity to move beyond traditional academic publication and participate in broader policy conversations.

Several aspects distinguish the program.

Direct Engagement With Technology Policy

Fellows can participate in strategy calls, emerging-issue briefings, policy discussions, and other activities that bring academic expertise closer to practical technology-policy work.

Greater Policy Impact for Academic Research

Researchers often seek ways to ensure their scholarship reaches audiences beyond academic journals and conferences.

Through CDT, Fellows can explore opportunities to strengthen the public engagement and policy relevance of their work.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Technology policy requires perspectives from numerous fields.

Researchers can become part of a community spanning law, political science, sociology, economics, psychology, communications, computer science, human-computer interaction, media studies, and other disciplines.

Opportunities to Publish and Present

Fellows may contribute to CDT’s blog, participate in Tech Talk, present at CDT events, and engage in other public-facing opportunities.

Potential Research Collaboration

Researchers may have opportunities to collaborate with CDT on mutually agreed research projects and can propose projects relevant to the organization’s priorities.

Access to a Wider Technology-Policy Community

Participation connects Fellows with CDT experts and a broader network of researchers and technology-policy professionals.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CDT states that it is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

The organization specifically states that it believes diversity enables stronger and more impactful work.

Women, people of color, disabled people, members of low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Details at a Glance

Program: Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026

Organization: Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)

Listed Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Participation: Remote participation allowed

Duration: At least two years

Target Group: Established academics and researchers holding full-time positions at academic institutions

Primary Focus: Technology policy, digital rights, academic research, and public-interest technology policy

Required Documents: Full CV, relevant writing sample, and cover letter

Submission Format: Required materials must be compiled into one PDF or document

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

Conclusion

The Center for Democracy & Technology Non-Resident Fellows Program 2026 provides established academics and researchers with an opportunity to connect rigorous scholarly research with real-world technology-policy discussions.

As questions surrounding artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, online expression, surveillance, democracy, data governance, digital equity, and the open internet become increasingly important, interdisciplinary academic expertise has an important role to play in shaping informed public policy.

Through its two-year Non-Resident Fellows Program, CDT aims to bring researchers directly into this environment. Selected Fellows can engage with CDT experts, participate in policy strategy discussions and emerging-issue briefings, contribute original writing and presentations, collaborate on relevant initiatives, and help strengthen the connection between academic evidence and public-interest technology policy.

At the same time, Fellows can benefit from closer exposure to policy conversations, opportunities to strengthen the reach and impact of their own research, and relationships with a broader community of academics and technology-policy professionals.

Researchers with impactful peer-reviewed work, relevant technology-policy experience, and a full-time position at an academic institution should consider preparing their application materials early.

Applications must include a full CV, relevant writing sample, and cover letter compiled into one document, and must be submitted by September 18, 2026.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.

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