Technology Law Research Fellowship | Centre for Development of IP and Research | Naovina Development of IP and Research Foundation | Virtual | Two Month | Submit by 9 June 2026

Technology Law Research Fellowship | Centre for Development of IP and Research | Naovina Development of IP and Research Foundation | Virtual | Two Month | Submit by 9 June 2026

Call for Application: Technology Law Research Fellowship – Class of 2026 by CDIPR, Meta Blueprint, Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow [Virtual, Two Month Fellowship]: Submit Application by June 9

About Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR):

The Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR) is a premier institution established as India’s First Non-Governmental Research Organisation dedicated to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Operating under the Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation as a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CDIPR is dedicated to promoting and protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) within India, thereby fostering a conducive environment for innovation and creativity. In today’s global landscape, where intellectual property serves as a cornerstone for economic growth, technological advancement and cultural development, CDIPR plays a pivotal role in driving forward-thinking policies, research and education. CDIPR is a community, Connecting 2200+ Members & 12,300+ Global Academicians on Intellectual Property Rights. 

About the Fellowship:

The Technology Law Research Fellowship, 2026 is one of the leading international research fellowships in the field of technology law and digital governance in South Asia, instituted by the Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR), Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation. The Fellowship is organised in collaboration with the Meta Blueprint and the Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow and is powered by the Community for Academic Research and Development (CARD). Conceived as a premier academic and policy initiative, the Fellowship seeks to advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Technology, Law, Public Policy, Digital Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Innovation, and Society. The programme aims to bring together a distinguished cohort of academicians, researchers, legal professionals, policymakers, technology experts, industry practitioners, and students from across South Asia and beyond, thereby fostering a globally connected and research-driven ecosystem dedicated to emerging technology law and policy.

In the contemporary digital era, rapid technological advancement has transformed governance systems, economies, communication networks, and social interactions. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Social Media Platforms, Quantum Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to raise complex legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges. Questions surrounding privacy, digital rights, algorithmic accountability, cyber governance, platform regulation, intellectual property, online speech, and emerging digital constitutionalism have become central to modern legal discourse. The Technology Law Research Fellowship, 2026 addresses these emerging challenges by providing a rigorous, research-intensive platform for the development of evidence-based legal and policy solutions. Through structured mentorship, academic training, collaborative engagements, and policy-oriented outputs, the Fellowship seeks to nurture future leaders capable of shaping technology governance and digital regulation at national, regional, and international levels.

About the Conclave:

The Technology Law Research Fellowship, 2026 is being organised as a post-conclave academic and research initiative under the broader framework of the South Asian Technology Law Conclave (SATLC), 2026. The SATLC is envisioned as a premier international platform dedicated to advancing discussions on technology regulation, digital governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, platform accountability, innovation policy, and the future of digital societies across South Asia and the Global South. The Conclave seeks to bring together scholars, judges, policymakers, lawyers, technology companies, digital rights organisations, international institutions, and researchers to deliberate upon the evolving legal and policy implications of emerging technologies. Building upon the success of previous global initiatives which witnessed participation from more than 65 countries and 120+ institutions worldwide, the SATLC 2026 aims to create meaningful dialogue on balancing technological innovation with constitutional values, human rights, democratic integrity, and sustainable development. Within this broader framework, the Technology Law Research Fellowship, 2026 serves as the foundational academic component enabling Fellows to contribute original research papers, policy briefs, and actionable recommendations that will be presented and deliberated during the Conclave. 

Objectives of the Fellowship:

The Fellowship is designed to achieve the following objectives:

• To promote high-quality and policy-oriented research in Technology Law and Digital Governance
• To bridge the gap between law, technology, innovation, and public policy
• To encourage interdisciplinary and comparative legal research approaches
• To develop innovative legal and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies
• To strengthen global academic collaboration and policy engagement

• To prepare participants for leadership roles in technology governance, digital regulation, policy advocacy, and legal innovation
• To foster critical discourse on rights, accountability, and ethics in digital ecosystems

Fellowship Duration and Mode:

• Duration: Two Months
• Mode: Virtual Programme with policy roundtable/dialogue
• Time Commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week

Thematic Areas of Research:

Applicants are invited to undertake research in the following indicative areas (non-exhaustive):

1. Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Legal Accountability

• Regulation of AI systems and algorithmic governance
• Bias, fairness, and transparency in automated decision-making
• Liability frameworks for AI-driven actions
• Ethical AI and human-centric technology governance
• AI in public administration and legal implications

2. Blockchain, FinTech and Digital Economies

• Regulation of crypto-assets and decentralised finance (DeFi)
• Legal status of smart contracts
• Financial inclusion and blockchain innovation
• Cross-border regulatory challenges in digital finance
• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and law

3. Data Protection, Privacy and Digital Rights

• Comparative data protection regimes in South Asia
• Cross-border data transfers and localisation policies
• Privacy rights in digital ecosystems
• Surveillance, state power, and civil liberties
• Data governance and accountability mechanisms

4. Cybersecurity, Cyber Warfare and International Law

• Legal frameworks for cybersecurity governance
• State responsibility and cyber-attacks
• Cyber warfare and international humanitarian law
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Regional cooperation in cybersecurity

5. Metaverse, Web3 and Virtual Jurisprudence

• Legal recognition of virtual assets and property rights
• Jurisdictional challenges in virtual environments
• Taxation and regulation of digital assets
• Consumer protection in immersive technologies
• Governance of decentralised digital ecosystems

6. Digital Identity, Inclusion and Access to Justice

• Legal implications of biometric and digital ID systems
• Access to justice in digital governance frameworks
• Inclusion and exclusion in digital public infrastructure
• Identity, citizenship, and digital rights
• Technology-enabled legal services

7. Platform Governance and Intermediary Liability

• Regulation of digital platforms and social media
• Content moderation and freedom of expression
• Fake news, misinformation, and legal responses
• Liability of intermediaries and safe harbour provisions
• Competition law and platform economies

8. Technology, Labour and the Future of Work

• Gig economy and labour law reforms
• Algorithmic management and worker rights
• Remote work and digital employment frameworks
• Workplace surveillance and privacy concerns
• Social security in digital labour markets

9. Emerging Technologies and Future Legal Challenges

• Quantum computing and post-encryption regulation
• Internet of Things (IoT) and liability frameworks
• Autonomous systems and legal accountability
• Biotechnology, AI in healthcare, and legal ethics
• Anticipatory regulation for disruptive technologies

10. Technology, Environment and Sustainable Development

• Legal frameworks for green and sustainable technologies
• Digital technologies in climate governance
• E-waste regulation and environmental accountability
• Technology for sustainable development goals (SDGs)
• Climate justice and innovation policy

11. Regional Cooperation and Technology Law Harmonisation

• South Asian approaches to technology regulation
• Comparative legal frameworks and policy convergence
• Regional cooperation in digital governance
• South–South collaboration in technology law
• Institutional mechanisms for harmonisation

Structure of the Fellowship Programme:

The Fellowship is structured into three comprehensive phases:

Phase I: Orientation and Academic Foundation (Week 1-2)

This phase will introduce Fellows to the foundational dimensions of Technology Law and Policy Research. It will include:

• Inaugural Session and Programme Briefing
• Expert Lectures on Technology Law, Digital Governance, and Policy
• Workshops on Academic Writing, Legal Research, and Policy Drafting
• Orientation on Comparative Regulatory Frameworks and Global Technology Governance Models

Phase II: Guided Research and Mentorship (Weeks 3–6)

During this phase, Fellows will undertake intensive research under expert supervision:

• Allocation and refinement of research topics
• Weekly mentorship sessions with legal scholars, policymakers, and industry experts
• Development of research papers or policy briefs
• Participation in peer-review discussions and collaborative research forums
• Periodic submission of drafts and progress reports

Phase III: Policy Output, Review, and Dissemination (Weeks 7–8)

The final phase will focus on the consolidation and dissemination of research outputs:

• Submission of final research paper / policy brief
• Expert evaluation and peer-review process
• Presentation before an academic and policy panel
• Participation in a National/International Technology Law Policy Roundtable
• Contribution to an edited volume or policy compendium

Recognition & Awards:

Selected Fellows will receive:

• Internationally Recognised Fellowship Certificate jointly issued by CDIPR, Meta Blueprint and Cambridge – Teachers of Tomorrow.
• Publication in the International Edited Volume titled, “Technology, Law and Society: Law, Policy and Emerging Technologies in South Asia” with ISBN 978-81-998939-3-1. To be published and distributed across 15 nations, with DoI, international editorial and institutional collaboration.
• Top 3 Fellows – Merit Distinction for highest overall performance in the Fellowship.
• Excellence in Technology Law Innovation Award for innovative legal and policy contributions.
• Structured Mentorship Programme under leading academicians, policymakers, legal scholars, and technology experts from national and international institutions.
• Global Exposure and Networking Opportunities through direct engagement with an international cohort of researchers, professionals, and policymakers.

• Networking with Global Think Tanks, International Organisations, Academic Institutions, and Technology Leaders.
• Letter of Recommendation from CDIPR for outstanding Fellows, supporting academic and professional advancement.

Application Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 9th June, 2026 (Submission of the online application form along with Statement of Purpose Max. 100 words  and research interests.)
• Screening and Shortlisting of Applicants: 12nd June, 2026 (Applications will undergo a rigorous review process based on academic background, research aptitude, and alignment with Fellowship objectives.)
• Notification of Shortlisted Applicants: 13rd June, 2026(Shortlisted Applicants will be notified via email.)
• Declaration of Selected Fellows: 15th June, 2026 (Publication of the final list of selected candidates on official platforms, followed by formal onboarding communication.)
• Date of Fellowship Commencement: 15th July, 2026

Online Application Form:

For Further Information:

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