The Internet Society is now accepting applications for the 2026 Mid Career Fellowship, a transformative seven-month program running from June to December. This initiative is designed to equip mid-career professionals in the Internet ecosystem with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities needed to tackle complex, interconnected digital challenges.
Program Overview
The fellowship emphasizes inclusive, innovative, holistic, and strategic leadership to prepare participants for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving Internet landscape. It's structured around five core modules with live lectures, practical assessments, and a final symposium to showcase fellows' work.
Core Modules
- Internet Critical Properties and Enablers – Understanding the foundations and key enablers of a globally connected Internet.
- Digital Transformation and Key Internet Issues – Exploring current trends, disruptions, and challenges in digital ecosystems.
- Digital Futures and Strategic Foresight – Applying foresight tools to anticipate and prepare for technological change.
- Systems and Design Thinking – Learning practical problem-solving frameworks for complex, interconnected systems.
- Leadership and Decision-Making – Strengthening leadership skills for decision-making under volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA).
Additional Activities
- Seminars on digital geopolitics, advocacy, and communications
- Practical case studies and cross-sector networking
- Symposium for presenting fellows’ projects and findings
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be mid-career professionals with at least 10 years of relevant experience in leadership roles
- Work in the Internet ecosystem in technical, policy, economic, or social capacities
- Be actively engaged in addressing digital challenges or transformation
- Have access to a reliable Internet connection and relevant devices
- Commit to approximately 6 hours per week over seven months
- Be proficient in English (fluency in other languages is an advantage)
Preference is given to candidates from:
- Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Asia-Pacific (APAC) region
Key Dates
- Week of 30 March 2026: Application submissions open
- 20 April 2026: Application submissions close
- April–May 2026: Fellow selection process
- Early June 2026: Program kick-off
- December 2026: Symposium
Program Benefits
Fellows gain:
- Access to world-class educational institutions and experts
- Hands-on experience in cross-disciplinary projects
- Exposure to global Internet governance and policy challenges
- Leadership training for VUCA environments
- Networking with diverse international professionals
- Opportunities to influence open, secure, and trustworthy Internet policies
Application Process
Candidates must complete an online application form and adhere to guidelines, including responsible use of generative AI tools if applicable. The selection process emphasizes professional, geographical, and gender diversity. The program is highly selective, limited to 15 fellows.
Alumni Insights
- Fellows report transformative experiences in leadership, foresight, and strategic problem-solving
- Practical skills gained are directly applicable to current professional roles
- Networking and collaboration with peers from diverse geographies and disciplines are highly valued
Program Partners
- Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- Dr. Laura DeNardis
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Executive Education
- University of Queensland
- Rhizomatica
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online. Candidates should demonstrate:
- Leadership experience
- Commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, and advocacy
- Ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder teams
Summary
The 2026 Mid Career Fellowship empowers Internet professionals to develop strategic leadership, digital foresight, and collaborative skills essential for addressing today’s complex global challenges. Fellows leave equipped to influence the future of the Internet and drive positive societal impact.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. 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.
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