McCourt Institute Research Grants

Funder: The McCourt Institute, established with founding partners Sciences Po (Paris) and Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)

Total Commitment: $50 million over 10 years to support research on technology for the common good

Geographic Scope: International (primarily France and United States through partner institutions)

Focus Areas:

• Ethical technology and digital governance
• Impact of technology on individuals and society
• New governance models and regulatory frameworks
• Technologies to mitigate harm and advance the common good
• Implementation of fact-checking mechanisms to fight disinformation
• Legal frameworks for artificial intelligence use
• Digital rights and responsible data practices

Eligibility:

• Researchers and faculty from Georgetown University and Sciences Po
• Interdisciplinary teams from law, computer science, public policy, and ethics

Award Structure:

• 2022: 28 researchers awarded across 17 projects
• Funded projects selected annually
• Administered directly by Georgetown University and Sciences Po

Key Contact:

• Shéhérazade Semsar-de Boisséson, Inaugural Executive Director of the McCourt Institute
• Maria Cancian, Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University
• Guillaume Plantin, Dean of Research and Faculty at Sciences Po

Background:
The McCourt Institute was established to advance technology for the common good. Selected projects address critical questions about digital technology impacts, including disinformation, artificial intelligence governance, and democratic participation.