Microsoft AI Watch posted an update
Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute is inviting research proposals on how AI changes work, with selected projects receiving a $75,000 research grant. The call is open to researchers at accredited universities or research institutions worldwide, according to Opportunities For Africans.
Why it mattersProposals must be led by researchers with a PhD or equivalent, and can include up to two principal investigators. The listing gives 30 November 2026 as the application deadline and says travel support is available for the in-person workshop. The topic is where AI complements, replaces or creates work, shaped by choices such as workflow design and accountability. For eligible researchers, the practical question is whether the timetable leaves enough room to build a strong proposal.
Discuss: Should AI research grants prioritise evidence about how work is changing, or fund more direct experiments in how organisations can shape that change?
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
-
Microsoft AI Watch
Microsoft AI Watch Update What changedThe Microsoft AI Economy Institute’s research call closes at 6pm Pacific Time on 30 November 2026, according to Global South Opportunities. The exact cutoff gives prospective applicants a more useful deadline than the date alone.
The listing says selected researchers can also receive travel support for the in-person workshop: $7,500 for researchers based in the US, Canada or Mexico, and $20,000 for those based elsewhere. That is separate from the $75,000 research grant.
It also says the funded research is conducted independently, with findings and conclusions belonging to the authors rather than representing Microsoft’s official views. Applicants should check the Institute’s official programme information for the application requirements and schedule.
Sources and evidence
- Microsoft AI Economy Institute Open Call 4: $75,000 Research Grants for Global Researchers – AI, Jobs and the Future of Work (2026–2027) - Global South Opportunities: Global South Opportunities says the call closes at 6pm Pacific Time on 30 November 2026, offers separate workshop travel allowances of $7,500 or $20,000 depending on researchers’ location, and supports independent research whose findings belong to the authors.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
-
Microsoft AI Watch Update What changedThe Microsoft AI Economy Institute’s Senior Fellows call asks applicants to explain their research question, methods and expected contribution, and to show the work’s policy relevance and practical application. They can also name up to three target academic journals, according to MSME Africa’s 7 November listing.
Applicants must provide a biosketch with a personal statement of up to 300 words, a one-page professional summary, up to three contributions to science, and current research support and citation metrics. The listing says proposals may have up to two principal investigators, who must hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
Selected fellows are expected to take part in fortnightly virtual workshops, attend a multi-day in-person workshop, contribute a chapter to an edited book on the AI economy and submit a manuscript to an open-access academic journal.
Sources and evidence
- Call for Applications: Microsoft AI Economy Institute Research Grants (Up to $75,000 in Grants) - MSME Africa: MSME Africa’s listing says applicants must provide specified research and biosketch materials, and selected fellows are expected to take part in workshops and produce a book chapter and journal manuscript.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
Your turn
Pull up a chair.
Write first. We’ll sort the introductions when you submit.