Independent tech researchers are under pressure, and that matters for all of us.
A new report from the Coalition for Independent Technology Research reveals that most tech researchers face steep obstacles, including lack of data access, funding, and safety concerns.
Why does this matter? Because without independent research we lose some of our best defenses against online harms, including the rapid spread of climate disinformation. From downplaying the severity of the climate crisis to amplifying fossil fuel industry narratives, online disinformation actively delays urgent climate action. Independent researchers play a vital role in uncovering how these narratives spread, who benefits from them, and how they can be challenged.
The State of Independent Technology Research 2025: Power in Numbers draws on interviews, surveys, and case studies from nearly 500 researchers in 45 countries, offering one of the clearest snapshots yet of the realities shaping the field.
What the report uncovers:
- Data Access: 60% of respondents said they struggle to get the information needed for their work.
- Funding: 85% cite lack of resources as their biggest challenge.
- Concerns about safety: Nearly 70% reported facing threats to their safety as a result of their work.
Want to understand what it really takes to research technology in 2025 and why it matters for all of us?
