What happens when generative AI becomes part of a teenager’s everyday life? The OpenAI AI & Teen Development Research Grant Program is inviting researchers to investigate that question—from learning and behavior to social-emotional development and human-AI interaction.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Research Grant
- Host Organization: OpenAI
- Location: International / Research-based
- Mode: Research / Institutional
- Nationality: Worldwide
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older
- Degree Required: Not specifically stated; applicants should have relevant research expertise or affiliation
- Eligible Applicants: Researchers affiliated with recognized universities/research institutions or individuals with specialized expertise in adolescent development, psychology, human-computer interaction, or AI societal impacts
- Work Experience: No specific minimum requirement
- Research Focus: Generative AI and adolescent development
- Target Population: Adolescents aged 13–17
- Total Funding Pool: $5 million
- Maximum Grant: Up to $1 million per project
- Indirect Costs: Up to 10% of the total project budget
- Stipend: Not specified as a personal stipend; funding is awarded for eligible research projects
- Application Fee: $0
- Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PDT
What Will the Research Explore?
The program focuses on building evidence about how generative AI affects adolescents, including:
- AI usage patterns and engagement
- Behavioral outcomes
- Social and emotional impacts
- Peer relationships and human-AI interaction
- Mental health-related outcomes
- Differences across age, culture, socioeconomic background, and support systems
- Age-assurance approaches
- AI guardrails and safety interventions
- Technical design choices affecting young users
Up to $1 Million Per Project
The overall funding pool is $5 million, with individual projects eligible for up to $1 million.
Research budgets can also include indirect/overhead costs of up to 10% of the total project budget, according to the provided program information.
This is research funding, rather than a conventional fellowship stipend paid directly to an individual.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be 18+ and either:
- Be affiliated with a recognized research institution or university, or
- Have specialized expertise relevant to adolescent development, psychology, human-computer interaction, or the societal impacts of AI.
The provided information indicates that for-profit commercial organizations are generally not prioritized.
🔗 Official Application Portal
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