About this CFP
Amazon participates in a complex network - of individuals, processes, technologies, and organizations collaboratively safeguarding networks, devices, and data from cybersecurity threats. We seek to invest in research initiatives that effectively bridge the gap between internal fraud prevention measures and broader external security enhancements. We invite proposals in the following key areas:
- Advanced tools and methodologies for combating online fraud and abuse, including counterfeit detection and mitigation of AI-enabled misconduct.
- Innovative approaches and technologies for identifying and preventing identity-related fraud and abuse, such as detection of digital footprint manipulation.
Research proposals should prioritize the development of novel insights and defensive frameworks that elevate security standards against bad actors. We particularly value proposals demonstrating potential for broad impact and viable implementation of defensive technologies in the cybersecurity space.
Timeline
Submission period: October 1, 2025 — November 5, 2025 (11:59PM Pacific Time).
Decision letters will be sent out in February 2026
Award details
Selected Principal Investigators (PIs) may receive the following:
- Unrestricted funds, no more than $100,000 USD on average.
- AWS Promotional Credits, no more than $40,000 USD on average.
- Training resources, including AWS tutorials and hands-on sessions with Amazon scientists and engineers
Awards are structured as one-time unrestricted gifts. The budget should include a list of expected costs specified in USD and should not include administrative overhead costs. The final award amount will be determined by the awards panel.
Eligibility requirements
Please refer to the ARA program rules on the rules and eligibility page.
Proposal requirements
Proposals should be prepared according to the proposal template and are encouraged to be a maximum of 3 pages, not including Appendices.
Selection criteria
Funding decisions will be based on the potential impact to the research community and quality of the scientific content.
Expectations from recipients
To the extent deemed reasonable, award recipients may acknowledge support from ARA (e.g., (“Research reported in this [publication/press release] was supported by an Amazon Research Award, [Cycle /Year].“). Award recipients will inform ARA of publications, presentations, code and data releases, blogs/social media posts, and other speaking engagements referencing the results of the supported research or the Award. Award recipients are expected to provide updates and feedback to ARA via surveys or reports on the status of their research. Award recipients will have an opportunity to work with ARA on an informational statement about the awarded project that may be used to generate visibility for their institutions and ARA.