The Innovation Award is designed to support work that can create better transatlantic understanding of issues at the heart of the U.S.-EU relationship, particularly at the intersection of policy and technology. The 2021-22 Innovation Award will give preference to proposals focused on EU or U.S.-EU approaches to innovative technologies and business models and their integration with new and existing policies and regulations. Successful proposals should address research topics focusing on the intersection of technological innovation and policy, such as but not limited to data privacy and protection. The policy-oriented research funded by the grant should be of common importance for the U.S.-EU relationship and/or EU affairs and tenable in any one or two EU Member States.

Candidates are welcome to submit applications affiliated with any appropriate institutions, including European universities, governments, non-profit organizations and think tanks.  Proposals will be considered both from candidates who plan to be based primarily in one member state as well as candidates who will divide their time between host institutions in two or more EU member states. Candidates planning to be based in ony one member state should ensure that their proposed research still demonstrates a pan-European perspective. On the other hand, candidates planning to divide up their time in multiple member states should address the feasibility of these plans and should consider visa requirements for the countries involved. 

Candidates are responsible for arranging their own placement, including letters of invitation from any hosts.