APNIC Foundation Launches Research Fellowship Program to Shape the Digital Future of Asia Pacific
APNIC Foundation to Launch Research Fellowship for Meaningful Internet Development in APAC
In an exciting move for the tech and policy communities, the APNIC Foundation has announced the launch of its Research Fellowship program for 2025. This initiative underscores the Foundation’s mission to foster digital inclusion, strengthen digital infrastructure, and enhance knowledge within the rapidly changing Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The program is poised to serve as a crucial platform for applied research, offering actionable insights into the future of the Internet in one of the world’s most diverse regions.
Scheduled to run from September to December 2025, the fellowship will support five talented researchers, each receiving a stipend of USD 10,000. Over the four-month period, these individuals will work remotely, dedicating their efforts to producing outputs that blend technical rigor with practical utility. These outputs will aim to inform decision-making processes for policymakers, network operators, the Internet technical community, and other key stakeholders across the tech ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to address critical challenges hindering Internet development and digital transformation in APAC.
Tackling Digital Transformation Challenges in APAC
The Asia Pacific region is undergoing a major digital transformation, but it faces complex challenges stemming from its vast diversity. Governments, technical communities, and private organizations are confronting issues such as AI readiness, Internet stability, digital public infrastructure, and shifting economic dynamics. The APNIC Research Fellowship program seeks to fill a gap—providing evidence-based, region-specific research that connects the dots between technical insights and actionable policy frameworks.
This fellowship is designed to support interdisciplinary approaches, mixing methodologies such as data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and technical exploration over distinct thematic tracks. These tracks include emerging technologies, Internet infrastructure, inclusive digital growth, and policy development. By tackling pervasive questions like how digital transformation impacts societies, economies, and governance systems, the program will generate insights with practical applications for the region’s unique needs.
How to Apply for the Fellowship Program
The APNIC Foundation’s Research Fellowship is open to APAC residents, regardless of citizenship. The application process emphasizes a researcher’s ability to deliver practical solutions that bridge theory and practice. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their proposals by 30 August 2025 at 23:59 (UTC+10). Each proposal should clearly address a well-defined problem, present a detailed methodology, and outline month-by-month milestones.
Applicants will be required to submit their CVs (maximum two pages) along with a concise methodology summary of no more than 400 words. Proposals should define the expected deliverable, whether it be a robust dataset, a measurement tool, a policy framework, or another actionable output alongside its intended real-world users. Although optional, including prior work or letters of support can further strengthen applications. Applications must be submitted through the designated online form. For queries, candidates can reach out to the APNIC Foundation team at partnerships@apnic.foundation.
Driving Innovation Across Disciplines
The APNIC Foundation’s Research Fellowship decision to encourage interdisciplinary research underscores the importance of diversifying approaches to solving Internet-related challenges. Whether you specialize in technology or policy, the vision is to foster collaboration across disciplines, producing outcomes that tangibly impact communities. As applicants work on issues such as measurement methodologies or digital capability gaps, these efforts could lead to advancements in both academic understanding and policy innovation.
By empowering researchers with funding and an emphasis on impactful outputs, the fellowship sets the stage for addressing the unique, pressing challenges of the Asia Pacific region’s digital future. Beyond the research itself, the potential influence on Internet infrastructure policies and socio-economic growth holds promise for lasting change. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of digital transformation in APAC, this program presents a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference.
