OpenAI announced a $5 million grant program to fund independent research into how generative artificial intelligence influences the lives and development of adolescents aged 13–17. The initiative aims to build a stronger evidence base on how teens use AI and what impacts it has during adolescence.
Why the program was launched
Generative AI tools are increasingly part of how teenagers learn, create, and seek advice. OpenAI notes that effects are likely to be nuanced and context dependent: they can vary by what teens use AI for, how they interact with it, individual circumstances, and the support available from families, schools, communities, and technology providers. The program is intended to produce evidence that can guide AI product development for teens and inform policymakers and regulators.
Who and what kinds of research are eligible
Funding is open to independent research with a particular focus on adolescents' social and emotional development. The call encourages interdisciplinary proposals spanning child and adolescent development, psychology, public health, human‑computer interaction, communication, sociology, anthropology, data science, and AI safety. All methodological approaches are eligible, including qualitative, quantitative, experimental, observational, theoretical, participatory, and mixed methods. Studies that involve teens in design or interpretation are welcome but not required.
Preference may be given to projects that study ChatGPT, involve interdisciplinary teams, engage underrepresented populations or regions, and produce clear evidence relevant to near‑ or medium‑term policy and regulatory decisions.
Ethical and data considerations
Research involving minors must address informed consent and assent procedures, privacy protections, safeguarding, data security, and the risk that participation could expose or generate sensitive information. Collecting sensitive data does not automatically disqualify a project, but such studies may require additional ethical review, expertise, safeguards, and time. Applicants must describe these protections in their proposals.
Application, timeline and administrative terms
- Submission format: applications should be prepared as a single‑spaced Google Doc and submitted in English. The research itself may be conducted in any language.
- Deadlines and review: submissions are open now through October 6, 2026. A panel of internal experts and advisors will review applications on a rolling basis; selected proposals will be notified on or before November 13, 2026.
- Reporting requirements: each funded project must provide a final report to OpenAI and is required to submit an interim progress update in Q1 2027, including early findings where appropriate.
- Budget: OpenAI will award individual grants up to $1 million, with total awards not exceeding $5 million. Up to 10% of each grant may be used for overhead or indirect costs.
- Funder and priorities: the grants are funded and administered by OpenAI Group PBC. The program is focused on research rather than for‑profit initiatives, so for‑profit organizations are not prioritized.
- Contact: questions can be sent to collaborativeresearch@openai.com. OpenAI will not provide status updates to applicants who are not selected.
Why this matters
By funding targeted, independent research on adolescents' interactions with generative AI, OpenAI seeks to deepen understanding of the technology's complex and context‑dependent effects. The program emphasizes evidence that can inform product design, public dialogue, and regulatory choices, and encourages grantees to make findings publicly available via peer‑review, preprints, or public reports, although publication is not a requirement for funding.
