Research on the Future, Sustainability of the Internet

The Internet Society Foundation has announced a new grants program in support of researchers worldwide who are studying the future and sustainability of the Internet. Through the program, grants of up to $200,000 over two years are available for research focused in one of two categories:

Greening the Internet — The Internet both affects and is affected by the environment and climate change. Having a critical awareness of this impact is key to the Internet’s resilience and ensures its sustainability for generations to come. This awareness may include an assessment of energy consumption by the Internet, or the toxins and waste generated by its use.  It may consider the enabling effect the Internet has on other sectors to limit greenhouse gas emissions. It may examine the ways in which climate change and extreme weather threatens Internet infrastructure and limits connectivity. Research focused on Greening the Internet should promote an awareness of these and other issues concerning the Internet’s environmental footprint and the sustainability measures needed for it and the planet to thrive.

The Internet Economy — New and emerging Internet-based activities have the power to disrupt the economic landscapes and lead to unpredictable economic futures. Having a firm grasp of the interactions that create the Internet Economy has the potential to reshape this uncertainty. Unpacking how the Internet transforms traditional ideas about competition, production, and consumption of goods and services could be useful in allowing for equitable and gainful participation of everyone in a rapidly digitizing global economy. Research proposals focusing on the Internet Economy should present an analysis of past or present ecosystems that yields insight into the future of the Internet and its dependent market(s).

The program is open to independent researchers and research institutions worldwide. To be eligible, researchers should have a postgraduate research degree (PhD, Masters) and publications/patents in the relevant area, Research institutions should be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or equivalent) and should have a mission that is aligned with that of the foundation.

Statements of Interest will be accepted beginning September 1. Full proposals will be accepted by invitation on a rolling basis thereafter. 

For additional information, see the Internet Society Foundation website.