Editor’s note: In this piece, we share information about a doctoral award opportunity from Duolingo. The story below has been adapted for the purposes of TIRF communications.

The call for applications is currently open for the Duolingo English Test Dissertation Research Awards, which support dissertation research by doctoral candidates specializing in language assessment. This opportunity is open to doctoral candidates worldwide; previous winners of this award will not be considered. Each recipient will be awarded up to US $6,000.

In conjunction with language assessment, preferred topics include the following:

• AI and large language models
• Automated evaluation of writing and speaking
• Automated feedback to test-takers
• Computer adaptive testing
• The environmental impact of language testing
• Innovative item types
• Natural language processing
• Predictive, ecological, and/or face validity
• Responsible use of AI
• Testing accommodations
• Test security and proctoring.

Other topics are also welcome. The proposed research does not need to be directly related to the Duolingo English Test.

To be eligible for the Duolingo award, applicants must:

• Be currently registered for a PhD or equivalent degree;
• Have completed all required coursework; and
• Have an approved dissertation proposal in language assessment.

In order to apply, please submit a summary of the proposed dissertation research (maximum 1,500 words, not including references) via this Google form. Additionally, applicants’ advisors must submit a letter of support to confirm that the dissertation topic has been approved.

Applications are due by Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM anywhere in the world. All applications will be anonymized and reviewed by Duolingo English Test Assessment Research staff. Winners will be notified and awarded by December 2025.

For more information, click here, visit the FAQ page, and/or write to [email protected].