OpenAI Announces $5 Million Grant for Research on AI's Impact on Youth

OpenAI has announced a $5 million independent research grant program to investigate the impact of generative AI on the lives and development of adolescents aged 13 to 17. This program aims to build an evidence base on how adolescents use AI and its effects, supporting AI product development and responses from policymakers.

Research Scope and Priorities

Eligible research addresses opportunities and challenges related to adolescents' social-emotional development, differences by age and context, and the efficacy of safety measures. Key research topics include emotional development (such as emotion regulation and self-esteem), social development (such as friendship and belonging), and demographic variations, mitigation measures, and policy approaches. Interdisciplinary research in child development, psychology, HCI, and AI safety is encouraged, and various methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and experimental, are permitted.

Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Funding is up to $1 million per project, with overhead costs limited to within 10% of the grant. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with experience in relevant fields; currently, for-profit organizations are excluded from priority consideration. During evaluation, scientific rigor, feasibility, ethics and safety measures, and independence—ensuring trustworthy results even if unfavorable to OpenAI—are key criteria. In particular, research related to ChatGPT or targeting underserved populations is prioritized.

Timeline and Deliverables

Applications are accepted until October 6, 2026, and selection results will be notified by November 13, 2026. Researchers must submit interim progress and initial results in Q1 2027. Final reports must include research findings and evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and technology providers; public dissemination, such as peer-reviewed papers or preprints, is encouraged but not a mandatory condition for receiving funding.