The Internet Society Foundation Research Grant Program 2026 is now open, offering funding between $200,000 and $500,000 for research projects focused on building a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable Internet.
Introduction
The Internet Society Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Research Grant Program, inviting researchers and institutions worldwide to submit proposals aimed at deepening understanding of the Internet and its impact on society. The initiative seeks to fund innovative projects that generate actionable insights to support the development of a more inclusive, trustworthy, secure, and sustainable Internet ecosystem.
With funding ranging from USD $200,000 to $500,000, the program supports forward-thinking research and collaborative initiatives that can influence public policy, guide industry decision-making, and shape technology development. By investing in global research capacity, the Foundation continues to advance its long-term vision of a world where everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and resilient Internet services.
Building Momentum Through Global Research
Over the past five years, the Research Grant Program has demonstrated measurable impact, supporting more than 70 research projects and distributing over $22 million in funding. The initiative has prioritized diverse participation, particularly encouraging researchers from the Global South and underrepresented communities. This inclusive approach has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations and produced research that directly informs governance and industry practices.
Among the program’s notable successes is work conducted by the Distributed AI Research Institute, which explored misinformation in non-dominant languages. The findings influenced policy discussions at the European Parliament and led to tools that help underserved communities navigate online spaces safely.
Similarly, the Internet Security Research Group advanced privacy-preserving telemetry through its Divvi Up initiative, contributing to emerging technical standards and providing practical privacy-focused tools. Research by Berna Akcali Gur and Joanna Kulesza on low Earth orbit satellite governance also supported international policy dialogue and capacity-building initiatives in countries such as Gambia and Botswana.
These examples illustrate how funded projects extend beyond academic knowledge production to shape policy, strengthen partnerships, and influence real-world digital practices.
Four Strategic Areas of Focus
To guide applicants, the Research Grant Program outlines four priority thematic areas. Proposals must address at least one of these focus areas.
1. Inclusive Internet
This focus area encourages research addressing structural and systemic barriers that prevent meaningful digital participation. Topics may include affordability, gender disparities, geographic inequalities, and digital literacy gaps. Projects may also explore community-led connectivity initiatives and infrastructure solutions that expand access.
2. Greening the Internet
The environmental impact of Internet infrastructure is becoming increasingly significant. Research under this theme may examine sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, resource extraction, and climate resilience. The program also welcomes proposals studying how extreme weather events affect connectivity, particularly in vulnerable communities.
3. Measuring Meaningful Connectivity
This theme seeks research that defines and measures connectivity beyond basic access. Proposals may explore frameworks that assess how connectivity enables economic, social, and civic engagement. Applicants are encouraged to consider emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and platform-dependent ecosystems.
4. A Trustworthy Internet
This focus area addresses reliability, security, and accountability across Internet infrastructure and services. Research may investigate emerging risks, governance challenges, and solutions to maintain the Internet as an open and secure platform for communication and innovation.
Open to Global Participation
The Research Grant Program is open to individual researchers, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and collaborative partnerships worldwide. The Foundation strongly encourages participation from underrepresented groups and applicants from the Global Majority.
According to Maiko Nakagaki, the initiative aims to empower research that drives tangible change. She emphasized that the program supports knowledge that can directly influence decision-making and strengthen a resilient Internet ecosystem. The Foundation also highlights that supported research is designed to translate into practical improvements in Internet governance, accessibility, and security.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for the 2026 Research Grant Program opened on 7 April and will close on 22 May at 21:00 UTC. Submissions must be made through the Foundation’s grant management platform, Fluxx, and proposals can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review full program guidelines, ensure alignment with thematic priorities, and participate in upcoming information sessions aimed at supporting successful applications. These sessions will provide clarity on expectations, evaluation criteria, and project implementation requirements.
Advancing a More Inclusive Digital Future
Through its continued investment in global research, the Internet Society Foundation seeks to foster knowledge that drives policy innovation and strengthens Internet infrastructure worldwide. By supporting collaborative, interdisciplinary research, the program aims to ensure that technological advancement benefits communities equitably and sustainably.
Researchers and organizations interested in shaping the future of the Internet are encouraged to submit proposals and contribute to building a more inclusive, resilient, and trustworthy digital ecosystem.
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