Hello all, Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of Nordic Nerds (https://www.nordicnerds.org/), an interdisciplinary reading and mentorship group for scholars and professionals working across culture, technology, and digital rights. I started Nordic Nerds to help create the kind of space that is often difficult to find in academic life: one that combines intellectual exchange, supportive mentorship, and genuine community. Too often, graduate students and early-career researchers are expected to navigate academic and professional development without enough informal guidance, constructive feedback, or opportunities for cross-disciplinary conversation. This group was created in response to that need. Nordic Nerds is not meant to replace graduate supervision or formal institutional mentoring. Rather, it is a small, engaged, and informal space where participants can discuss emerging research, share ideas, ask questions about academic and professional life, and support one another through mentorship and discussion. Over time, the group has developed into a community centered on thoughtful exchange, generosity, and interdisciplinary curiosity. The group is especially well suited to PhD students, postdocs, early-career researchers, and professionals with interests in areas such as AI and ethics, digital rights and privacy, internet governance, platform regulation and policy, social media and online communities, and the broader intersections of culture and technology. Meetings take place online every second week, typically in the afternoon CET. We use Zoom for meetings and Element for ongoing group communication. Members are expected to participate actively in discussions and are encouraged to contribute by helping shape readings, presenting work, offering feedback, leading discussions, and mentoring more junior participants where appropriate. As in previous years, the cohort will be intentionally small in order to foster close discussion, trust, and meaningful engagement. Because places are limited, the application process is competitive and focuses on fit, motivation, and willingness to contribute to the group community. If this sounds like a good fit for you, or for someone in your networks, applications are open here: https://forms.gle/F33jXF5iHJP8KrwM7 Please feel free to share with colleagues, students, or others who may be interested. Best, Cory ---- Former Associate Professor in Communication Design & Information Systems at Linköping University E: me@coryrobinson.se<mailto:me@coryrobinson.se> https://coryrobinson.se<https://coryrobinson.se/> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephencoryrobinson/