Application Deadline: September 4, 2026
About the Fellowship
The AI Societal Impact Lab has officially launched applications for its inaugural Autumn 2026 Fellowship. This unique remote fellowship is designed to empower emerging voices interested in understanding and addressing the social, political, and ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, receive expert mentorship, contribute original research, and become part of a growing international community focused on ensuring that AI development benefits society responsibly. If you are a recent graduate, an early-career researcher, or someone passionate about the intersection of technology and society, this fellowship offers an outstanding platform to expand your knowledge, strengthen your analytical skills and publish your ideas.
Fellowship Details
- Duration: Approximately 8–10 weeks
- Start Date: Mid to late September 2026
- Format: Fully remote
- Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week (1 hour of group discussions + 3 hours of independent study, research, or project work)
Fellowship Curriculum
Participants can expect a structured programme combining collaborative learning with independent research:
- Weekly virtual fellowship meetings
- Individual research and analytical work
- Collaborative group projects
- Expert-led workshops
- Interactive seminars
- Mentorship sessions
- Preparation of a publishable analytical article
The fellowship is intentionally designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among participants with diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will enjoy numerous academic and professional development opportunities:
1. Become Part of an International Community: Participants will join a growing network of individuals committed to understanding and responding to the societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
2. Receive Expert Mentorship: Each fellow will receive mentorship from experienced fellows at the AI Societal Impact Lab, providing valuable guidance throughout the programme.
3. Collaborate on a Group Project: Participants will work together with fellow researchers and professionals on collaborative projects exploring real-world AI-related societal issues.
4. Publish an Original Analytical Article
Each fellow will produce an independent analytical piece that will be published on the AI Societal Impact Lab website, providing valuable publication experience and increasing professional visibility.
5. Participate in Workshops and Seminars: The fellowship includes specialized workshops and seminars focused on current debates surrounding artificial intelligence and society.
6. Develop Research and Analytical Skills
Participants will strengthen their abilities in critical thinking, policy analysis, academic writing, public communication, collaborative research, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
7. Expand Professional Networks: The programme provides opportunities to connect with researchers, academics, policy experts, and fellow participants from diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship welcomes applicants from a broad range of academic and professional disciplines.
Priority is given to:
- Recent graduates in the social sciences
- Recent graduates in the humanities
- Early-career researchers
The organisers strongly encourage applications from individuals in:
- STEM disciplines
- Arts
- Other academic backgrounds
- Other professional sectors
Important: Prior experience or expertise in artificial intelligence is not required. The fellowship values intellectual curiosity, diversity of perspectives, and a genuine interest in examining AI’s societal implications.
Ideal Applicants
The programme is particularly suitable for individuals interested in:
- Artificial intelligence governance
- AI ethics
- Technology policy
- Democracy and digital governance
- Human rights
- Social sciences
- Political science
- International relations
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Law
- Public policy
- Communication studies
- Digital transformation
- Responsible innovation
Why You Should Apply
Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the defining technologies of the 21st century. Understanding its broader societal implications is increasingly valuable for researchers, policymakers, educators, communicators, and professionals across numerous sectors.
This fellowship provides a rare opportunity to:
- Learn from experienced mentors
- Build interdisciplinary expertise
- Develop publishable research
- Strengthen analytical writing skills
- Collaborate with peers from different backgrounds
- Gain exposure to contemporary AI policy debates
- Build an international professional network
Because the programme is conducted entirely online, participants can engage from virtually anywhere while balancing their existing academic or professional commitments.
Application Process
Interested applicants should complete the official fellowship application form provided by the AI Societal Impact Lab. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible because spaces are limited and applications are reviewed continuously.
Application Link: Click here
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