The EDPS wishes to support promising research initiatives in the area of data protection and privacy. Applications are open to individuals who have worked on an independent research project that aims to strengthen the fundamental rights to privacy and to the protection of personal data. The EDPS will support the development of the selected research projects by offering its expertise in the areas of law, policy, and technology.
Awarded project in 2024
In 2024, the EDPS awarded its support to four research initiatives in the area of data protection and privacy:
- Study on Patient value in health data (re)use for oncology research, part of the Symphony of Us project
- Untangling Digital Euro’s Personal Data Protection Challenges: An Exploration of Data Processing Activities and Latent Privacy Risks
- Group Privacy in the Age of AI: Rethinking Individual-Centric Data Protection
- Can the GDPR protect us from the AI Act?
Discover the awarded projects
Call for applications 2024 - Closed
You can submit your the application form via email to the Policy and Consultation Unit of the EDPS functional mailbox: [email protected]. Please, mention ‘2024-0032’ in the subject line of the email. The 2024 call for applications is open until 31 March 2024 at 13:00 CET.
For more information please consult:
Which research projects will be selected?
The EDPS will support independent research projects that aim to advance the protection of the fundamental rights to privacy and the protection of personal data. To be selected, research projects should demonstrate a clear benefit for the public. The EDPS will select up to a maximum of four projects, taking into account the resources available.
Examples of possible research projects and topics include (but are not limited to):
- Academic research paper on the risks of commercial surveillance practices for individuals;
- Survey research project;
- Technology development research, e.g., proof-of-concepts for a privacy-enhancing technology.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to individuals (e.g., academic researchers, activists, data protection professionals, and students) who have already started an independent research project in the area of privacy and data protection and who seek the support of EDPS.
Please note that the EDPS is not currently seeking applications from research consortia or organisations as such. However, individuals may submit applications regarding their own research activities in the context of a broader research project.
Why apply?
Selected research projects will be able to benefit from the expertise of EDPS staff in the area of law, policy and technology. Examples of support include availability for interviews, providing feedback on interim or final results, providing indications on selected relevant bibliography, etc.
Selected research projects will be announced on the EDPS website and a symbolic (non-monetary) prize may also be awarded. The EDPS may publish relevant outputs of the selected research projects on the EDPS website.
How many projects will be selected and when?
The EDPS will select a maximum of 4 research projects and contact the selected applicants by 30 April 2024.
From beginning of May until July 2024, the EDPS staff will provide assistance to the selected research projects.
The EDPS will announce the selected research projects and may award a symbolic (non-monetary) prize to research projects that are considered particularly innovative or impactful.