ICFP_Applicant_Questions

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1	Question	Answer
2	How long do ICFP fellowships last?	ICFP fellowships may be 3, 6, 9, or 12 months in duration.
3	Can fellowships be done remotely?	Yes. The application page states "While fellows are ideally able to work locally within their host organization, applicants who wish to work remotely will also be considered with the expectation that a strategy for remote communication will be established"
4	I cannot check if my CV was uploaded. Is that normal?	Yes. Our new proposal platform does not yet provide confirmation that the file uploaded but in all it has uploaded without issue.
5	Are countries from the Global South considered non-western?	For the purposes of fellowship considerations, yes. Any countries that institute significant information controls outside of the US/Canada and Western Europe are potential areas for research.
6	Can fellowship agreements have a part-time commitment?	"Fellows are expected to work full time on their project. Some previous fellows have maintained part time positions but full time positions are not allowed."
7	If I am changing status (PhD to postdoc) and host organization (faculty to a laboratory) within the same Western-based university, is this a problem?	Your status is not an issue. If you intend to have your host organization be the university you attend, please note that one of the things that is listed to avoid is "Working with a host organization you are already affiliated with"
8	Is it acceptable if I am based at a European university but collaborating with a Central Asian university?	Yes, that is acceptable
9	If I already have references, may I include them on my CV?	Please feel free to include them
10	There is no word limit stated for the mandatory questions. What is the ideal word count for answering application questions?	There is not an ideal word count. While brevity is appreciated, the applicant should include the content deemed relevant to assessing the project idea. Please note that applicants who move past the initial review round will be asked to complete a proposal form where longer descriptions are expected.
11	Are full-time doctoral students eligible to apply for the fellowship? If awarded the fellowship, would they be required to suspend their studies for the duration of the fellowship?	Doctoral students are not required to suspend their studies if the fellowship project is in line with their studies. But the fellowship does require that the equivalent of a full time effort be carried out over the course of the fellowship.
12	Shoud the host organization be a Law firm or a company? Are they supposed to be a NGO?	Applicants can specify any host organization of their choosing. Justification needs to be provided in the application. Non-academic host organizations are welcome, as are those based outside the United States. Please avoid working with a host organization you are already affiliated with.
13	How do I find a host organization?	We encourage you to look at the previous host orgs or to identify suitable organizations that have expertise in the subject matter area being focused on. Should your application be reviewed favorably, we will work with you to identify a suitable host organization.
14	Can an individual apply with more than one project with the same host organization? Should they submit more than once?	Individuals can apply with more than one project with the same host org. This can be done so either in one application or multiple applications.
15	Should we speak to the host organization before we submit an application?	Applicants are not required to speak to the host orgnizations before submitting an application. But justification on the choice of the host organization needs to be provided in the application.
16	I am a PhD student at Arizona State University. My Nationality is Pakistan. I just wanted to confirm that I am eligible to apply for the fellowship.	Yes, you are eligible to apply for the fellowship. Please note that any individual based in the United States will need to acquire the appropriate work authorization. For instance, if a student with an I-20 visa intends to carry out their project in the United States, they will need to apply to use Curricular Practical Training for their fellowship.
17	What does it mean to be affiliated with a host organisation? Would previous research consultancy work constitute an affiliation?	You are affiliated with a host organization if you are currently a staff member or student of the organization, or funding is already available for your project through this organization.
18	Is there a limit on how many projects/aplications an individual can submit? Is 5 too many?	There is not a specific limit on the number of applications one individual can submit. Nonetheless, please note that a maximum of one application will be selected to submit a full proposal. Overall, we welcome an individual to submit more than one potential project including if they have five different ideas.
19	In Things to Avoid, it is mentioned not to focus on countries with minimal information controls. Can I plesae have a list of those countries? More specifically, I just wanted to ask if South Asian Countries such as China, India, Pakistan come in that category?	Given the constantly evolving nature of information controls being implemented in any individual country, a list of countries cannot be provided. Nonetheless, a helpful point of reference is the Freedom of the Net report published by Freedom House. In addition, it is worth noting that past successful fellowship applicants have focused on all three countries you reference.
20	Since this fellowship is geared towards postdocs and experienced researchers, does this organization offer anything for recent undergrad graduates or anyone pursuing a master's?	Applications are open to experienced researchers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and can include students and junior to mid-career practitioners with demonstrated ability and expertise. Recent graduates or people pursuing a master's are also welcome to apply if they can demonstrate relevent skills to succefully carry out research within ICFP's remit.
21	Do you consider the study of surveillance technologies, malign influence operations, or state sponsored hacking to be in the scope of "information controls"?	While we cannot discuss project ideas until we fully review the applications, the study of surveillance technologies and state sponsored hacking are within the scope of the program. We recommend you to check the ICFP page, particularly the sections on "potential areas of focus" and "things to avoid".
22	What are the primary objectives of the fellowship?	The objectives are to uncover the technical orchestration of repressive censorship and surveillance by governments, as well as methods to circumvent this information control so that all citizens can exercise their fundamental human rights online.
23	What types of financial support and stipends are provided to ICFP fellows, and how are these amounts determined?	Fellows receive a fixed monthly amount of $7,000 USD, for a maximum of 12 months. Applicants need to justify the project length in their application. In addition, fellows may receive a travel stipend of up to $5,000 USD and a non-travel stipend of up to $5,000 USD to cover research costs. These stipends must be pre-approved during the research phase.
24	What is the maximum amount granted per organization?	The funding is for the fellow/researcher, and not for the host organization. The amount depends on the project length; the maximum is $7,000 USD for 12 months.
25	Is it possible to request funding for training activists and journalists on digital security? Or for advocacy?	No. The program focuses on research to identify digital information control mechanisms, including digital surveillance, censorship, and potential ways to circumvent those information controls. Digital security training and advocacy are outside the scope.
26	Do you have examples of previous projects and specific areas of interest?	Please look at the ICFP page under the Eligibility and Recently Funded Fellows sections—we provide links to previous fellows' research
27	What is the application process for the ICFP, and what are the key dates for the 2025 application window?	It is a two-step application process: 1) a concept note that presents the research idea, including its feasibility and uniqueness; 2) applicants with competitive concept notes will be invited to submit a full proposal. The 2025 application window is January 13 - February 28, 2025.
28	How does the ICFP ensure the monitoring and evaluation of fellows' projects, and what role does the OTF Program Manager play in this process?	Fellows’ host organizations and the OTF Program Manager monitor and evaluate projects. Monitoring and evaluation assessments are based on predetermined and agreed-upon metrics, deliverables, and goals as laid out by the applicant in the project proposal. Fellows must be on track in order to receive their monthly stipend.
29	If the application is successful, what will the basic workflow and process for cooperating with OTF look like?	After your application is approved, we will first work with you to issue a contract. Fellows are expected to work closely with their host organization to fulfill the milestones outlined in the proposal and the contract and submit monthly progress reports. During the fellowship, OTF organizes regular calls for the fellowship cohort to connect, and discuss progress and challenges. Closer to the end of the project, fellows are expected to submit a full report and a blog post that summarizes the research
30	Who is eligible to apply for the ICFP, and what qualifications are typically required?	Individuals of all ages irrespective of nationality, residency, creed, gender, or other factors are eligible—with the exception that OTF is not able to support applicants within countries that the United States has trade restrictions or export sanctions as determined by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control. Applicants should demonstrate skill and ability to assist in efforts to overcome information controls;a desire to grow their knowledge and skills through a collaborative, cross-discipline approach; and a commitment to reach audiences outside of the research community.
31	Do researchers need to be affiliated with an academic institution to qualify?	No
32	Are there specific academic requirements for the ICFP? Do you need an undergraduate, master's, or PhD degree? Can early career researchers apply?	The applicant needs to demonstrate that they have the skillset needed to carry out the research. There are no specific academic requirements for applicants.
33	What do you mean by experienced researchers with demonstrated ability and expertise?	Applicants need to demonstrate in the application what their skill(s) and expertise are, which should align with the research topic and methodology they propose. We want to ensure that you can successfully carry out the research within 12 months.
34	How many fellows are selected and from which nationalities?	We do not have a fixed number for each round. In 2023, 11 fellows were selected. In 2024, 10 were selected. Each application is selected by its own merit. Individuals of all ages irrespective of nationality, residency, creed, gender, or other factors, are eligible to apply. The only exception is that OTF is not able to support applicants within countries that the United States has trade restrictions or export sanctions, as determined by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
35	Can this fellowship be a team project, like South and North Koreans together?	The fellowship is for individual researchers, but we encourage fellows to work with relevant communities.
36	Can I work in a country that I don't currently reside in?	Yes, as long as you have the valid visa to perform the work. Unfortunately, OTF cannot help fellows obtain visas.
37	What countries are prioritized when choosing proposals? Have there been any previous fellows from an African country? How many fellows are picked?	Countries with repressive information control mechanisms are prioritized. We have had fellows from African countries. We do not have a fixed number for each round. In 2023, 11 fellows were selected. In 2024, 10 were selected. Each application is selected by its own merit.
38	Can the ICFP provide visa support for non-US citizens?	If you already have a valid visa in the US, we can provide a letter to verify that you are supported by the ICFP. But if you are not in the US, we cannot provide visa support for you to work in the US.
39	Is the fellowship only US-based?	No.
40	In what situations has the travel stipend been used for past projects?	Fellows have used the travel stipend to attend conferences, conduct field research, and visit host organizations (if the fellow resides in a different location).
41	I see a concept note guide for OTF’s Internet Freedom Fund application online—is this same guide also recommended for submitting concept notes for this fellowship?	Yes. Our Applicant Guidebook also has a section on guidance for ICFP applicants.
42	How specific should a research topic be for the fellowship? Is it better to focus on a country-wide issue or a state/local issue?	We encourage fellows to focus on a specific issue concerning information control (so that they can dig deep into the research) and to explain the potential impact of researching this specific issue. Regarding country focus, we prioritize countries with repressive information controls, and want to ensure that the scope is realistic for the duration of the fellowship.
43	What is the general scope of projects for each length of fellowship? Does the scope of a 3-month fellowship differ a lot from a 12-month fellowship?	The scope of work, activities, and outputs should be specific, and tangible for the duration of the fellowship.
44	Does the ICFP support projects which involve work (not necessarily on the ground, but with sources) in situations, locations, and reporting space considered to entail heightened risk (e.g., along the Thai /Myanmar border)?	Yes. These applicants need to provide a risk assessment and establish security measures for the researchers and sources involved.
45	For applicants concerned about personal safety or security for those close to us, what steps does OTF take to protect our information?Who has access to our information or knowledge of the names of fellowship applicants?	Security of the fellows and those involved is a top priority for OTF. Depending on the threat model, we will work with successful applicants (and their host organizations) on necessary security measures, including using pseudonyms. Only the OTF team and our trusted Advisory Council members will be able to access the application information. We minimize the collection of unnecessary private information and securely store information. Before completing a submission, we strongly encourage you to review our Privacy and Information Sharing Policy.
46	How is the working process between the fellow and the host organization?	In the application process, applicants will work together with their host organization on the proposal—ensuring that the scope of work and timeline are feasible, and that the fellow will have the necessary level of support. During the research process, fellows are expected to work full-time with their host organization.The host organization provides supervision and guidance for the researcher, and monitors their progress.
47	What kinds of organizations host fellows?	Organizations that have the expertise of the research proposed, and that have the capacity to support fellows. It can be an academic research institute, internet freedom organization, or private organization. Applicants should first identify organizations that they would like to work with and contact these organizations to gauge their interest and capacity for support.
48	Can I suggest the organization I would like to work with?	Yes, you may suggest suitable host organizations. Please provide justification in your application for your choices Non-academic host organizations are welcome, as are those based outside the United States. Please avoid working with a host organization you are already affiliated with.
49	What are the requirements for host organizations?	Host organizations should be aligned with the project proposed. They are expected to provide guidance to the fellows and monitor their progress. Some fellows might require access to the organization’s office and resources(e.g., a desk, computer, or data). Host organizations are also expected to connect fellows with their network to promote fellows' work.
50	How do you get a host organization in Africa?	We encourage you to look at the previous host organizations noted in fellow bios or to identify suitable organizations that have expertise in the subject matter area you are focused on. We can also help you to identify a suitable host organization.
51	Will the host organization I select review my proposal?	We encourage applicants to reach out to the potential host organization to gauge their interest and availability to host their fellowship. We will also share the applications with the host organizations before inviting applicants to submit a full proposal.
52	What is expected of fellows?	We expect fellows to carry out the research and deliver the outputs that are proposed in their application. At the conclusion of the ICFP, fellows are also expected to produce a public facing blog post or report to inform non-technical users of the importance of the research and key findings.
53	Can you provide further details on the two-stage application process, specifically the types of criteria and evaluation factors that are considered during both the initial submission and final selection phases?	Proposed ICFP projects should exhibit originality, substance, precision, and relevance to the mission of promoting freedoms of expression, assembly, and association online. This means considering how your project directly impacts users in repressive environments. You should also demonstrate your ability to carry out the project successfully. Please review our Applicant Guidebook for more information on the evaluation process.
54	How does OTF evaluate the scalability and long-term sustainability of projects that aim to counter internet censorship, especially in regions with rapidly evolving digital repression tactics?	We encourage applicants to think through and articulate what further research and/or projects could be built on the outputs of the fellowship project.
55	How should the applicant approach presenting the topic they aim to research methodology-wise? Is it necessary to add references?	Applicants are expected to detail the methodology, including what it is, why they are choosing this method, and what they expect to achieve through this approach. While we encourage references, we ask applicants to clarify the above in the application to facilitate the review process.
56	What type of output (paper, podcast, etc.) would you like to see as a result of this fellowship?	This depends on the research, but generally, we like to see monthly progress reports, a final report, and a blog post that summarizes the research and its key findings,codes produced (if applicable), as well as documented efforts to reach out to relevant communities to raise awareness of the research findings, and/or increase adoption.
57	What counts as a technical output?	It is not possible to provide a complete list of technical outputs, but these can include a final report that summarizes research findings, any tool developed in the research to achieve the goals, as well as recommendations for tool developers.
58	Do the solutions need to be open source?	Yes, all OTF supported projects are open sourced.
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