The program welcomes individuals who bring curiosity, field experience, and a desire to push forward new thinking on how digital systems and data practices can better serve people—particularly those most often excluded. Fellows are encouraged to pursue their own research interests while contributing to DIAL’s broader mission of improving the design, deployment, and governance of digital technologies.

Applications are open to professionals from academia, civil society, the private sector, and related fields who have a strong interest in digital transformation.

Fellowship Objectives

During the program, fellows will:

• Carry out original research on emerging trends related to digital systems, data use, and governance

• Engage with DIAL’s teams and partner organizations

• Share insights that support inclusive digital transformation

• Develop practical recommendations and best practices

• Contribute to a growing international community working on digital public infrastructure

Possible Research Themes

Applicants are free to propose their own topics, and DIAL encourages global and cross-country perspectives. Suggested areas include:

• Drivers of successful digital public infrastructure adoption in low- and middle-income countries

• Low-cost research methods that capture public attitudes toward data use

• Market and institutional safeguards that keep digital ecosystems open and competitive

• Ways to measure the societal impacts of digital public infrastructure beyond efficiency gains

Expected Outputs

Each fellow will produce:

1. Two preliminary publications (short pieces, expert comments, or articles)

2. One final, in-depth output, such as a research paper, case study, or policy brief

Program Timeline

• Month 1: Refinement of research plan

• Months 2–4: Fieldwork, analysis, and data collection

• Month 3: First preliminary publication

• Month 4: Draft submission and internal review

• Month 5: Second preliminary publication

• Month 6: Presentation of findings and completion of final output

• Months 7–8: Outreach and dissemination (if required)

All documents should be submitted in PDF format, using clear, professional fonts and appropriate file names.