The Internet Society Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Research Grant Program, a major funding initiative aimed at supporting innovative research on the Internet and its impact on society. The program seeks to generate actionable insights that contribute to building a more inclusive, secure, trustworthy, and sustainable Internet ecosystem. Applications are open from April 7 to May 22, 2026 (21:00 UTC) and are available to researchers and institutions worldwide. Program Overview and Purpose The Research Grant Program is designed to fund forward-thinking projects that address critical challenges shaping today’s digital world. By supporting interdisciplinary and collaborative research, the initiative aims to: Advance knowledge on the social, economic, and technological impact of the Internet Inform public policy and industry decision-making Promote open, accessible, and practical research outputs Strengthen global collaboration among researchers The program aligns with the Internet Society Foundation’s 2030 strategic goals, which focus on ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and resilient Internet services, while promoting a safe and trustworthy digital environment. Funding and Scope The program provides substantial financial support to selected projects: Grant Range: USD $200,000 to $500,000 Eligible Applicants: Individual researchers and organizations globally Languages Accepted: English, French, and Spanish Special emphasis is placed on supporting applicants from the Global South and underrepresented communities, ensuring diversity and inclusivity in research perspectives. Key Focus Areas Applicants must align their proposals with one or more of the following four thematic areas: 1. Inclusive Internet This area focuses on addressing barriers that limit digital participation. Research topics may include: Income inequality and affordability challenges Gender disparities in Internet access Geographic and infrastructure limitations Digital literacy and community-led connectivity solutions 2. Greening the Internet This theme explores the environmental impact of Internet infrastructure and usage. Relevant research areas include: Energy consumption and efficiency Sustainable technologies and infrastructure Climate resilience and digital ecosystems Impact of extreme weather on connectivity 3. Measuring Meaningful Connectivity This focus area examines how connectivity can be evaluated beyond basic access. Research may explore: Metrics for meaningful digital participation Role of emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing Platform-dependent ecosystems and digital inclusion 4. A Trustworthy Internet This theme addresses issues of security, reliability, and accountability. Topics may include: Online safety and cybersecurity challenges Privacy and data protection Risks to open access and free expression Building trust across network layers Program Impact and Achievements Over the past five years, the Research Grant Program has demonstrated significant global impact: 70+ research projects funded Over USD $22 million distributed in grants Strong representation from diverse and global research communities Notable outcomes include: Research by the Distributed AI Research Institute on misinformation in non-dominant languages influenced policy discussions at the European Parliament and produced tools for underserved communities Work by the Internet Security Research Group advanced privacy-preserving technologies through the development of new standards Research on satellite governance contributed to international policy dialogues and capacity-building in countries such as Gambia and Botswana These examples highlight how funded research translates into real-world policy influence, technological innovation, and societal impact. Application Process Applicants must submit their proposals through the Foundation’s Fluxx grant management platform within the application window. Key steps include: Develop a proposal aligned with one or more focus areas Ensure clarity, feasibility, and potential for real-world impact Submit all required documentation before the deadline The Foundation also provides guidance materials and may host information sessions to support applicants throughout the process. Program Vision The Research Grant Program emphasizes not only the generation of knowledge but also its application. Funded projects are expected to: Influence policy and governance frameworks Strengthen global research collaborations Contribute to practical solutions for digital challenges The program reflects a broader vision of creating an Internet that is accessible, secure, and beneficial for all users worldwide. Conclusion The Internet Society Foundation’s Research Grant Program 2026 offers a significant opportunity for researchers to contribute to shaping the future of the Internet. By supporting innovative and impactful research, the program plays a crucial role in advancing global digital inclusion, sustainability, and trust. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.