Funded by UVA’s Grand Challenges Research Initiatives and administered by UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, the Lab supports a postdoctoral fellowship program, faculty research, topical convenings, and research-practice partnerships to critically examine the impact of digital systems and channels these insights into innovative pathways for technology that serves the public good.
About
Our Lab
As digital technologies reshape our world, the Digital Technology for Democracy (DTD) Lab pioneers impact-oriented research to ensure that democratic processes and public institutions are strengthened rather than undermined during this transformation.
Research & Programming
Data in the Dark
Automation’s Ecologies
Visual Misinformation
AI & the Environment
Student Technology Council
Technology & Disinformation
Social Contagions
Gender & Tech
Co-Opting AI
Urban Digital Twins
Technology & Democracy Exchange
Data Center Policies
Descendant-Led Digital Humanities Lab & Network
Cryptocurrency & Democracy
Postdoctoral Research Fellows
The DTD Lab supports a transdisciplinary cohort of fellows who play a key role in animating this pan-university project spanning across all twelve UVA schools.
In addition to actively pursuing their own research projects, fellows are an integral part of the DTD Lab. They participate in Lab-sponsored seminars and workshops; actively engage with the community of scholars formed by a cohort of fellows, Lab faculty co-leads, and other affiliated faculty; and contribute to Lab-sponsored initiatives (such as white papers or other forms of intellectual output). Fellows are invited to participate in convenings aimed at bringing together different sectors, including the technology industry and policymakers and are connected with relevant departments, units, and schools at UVA to support their work and engagement with colleagues during their fellowship. Fellows are part of a broader community at the Karsh Institute of Democracy and included in professional development activities offered to postdoctoral fellows at UVA.
Seed Grants
The DTD Lab provides funding to UVA tenured/tenure-track faculty for projects connected to the DTD Lab’s mission of understanding the intersections of democracy and digital technology, including how rapidly evolving digital technologies and artificial intelligence can challenge but also fortify democratic institutions and practices.
Large Grants: For projects with prospects to leverage findings to secure external funding for research or creative activities. Collaborative proposals are encouraged, especially those spanning departments/schools or career ranks or stages. Project duration is 1 year; funding requests may be up to $40,000 per project.
Small Grants: For projects requiring a smaller initial investment to initiate the research and prepare for external grant applications. Project duration is 1 year; funding requests may be up to $15,000 per project.
