The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is currently accepting applications for its esteemed international GovAI Research Fellowship 2026. This fellowship is intended for seasoned academics who are dedicated to furthering high-impact AI governance research and creating workable policy solutions for the responsible, ethical, and safe development of cutting-edge AI systems. Professionals who want to use rigorous research and teamwork to impact global AI policy have a great opportunity.
The fellowship offers fellows the chance to work in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment for a two-year renewable appointment situated in the United States or the United Kingdom. In order to conduct research that informs governments, international organizations, and policymakers about the future of AI legislation and governance, participants will work with top experts in AI governance, public policy, economics, law, computer science, and related topics.
A competitive pay, full employee benefits, professional development opportunities, sponsorship of visas for suitable UK-based roles, and access to a worldwide network of researchers and policymakers are all offered to successful applicants. The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant and quickly developing fields of research in the world, regardless of your background in AI policy, economics, political science, law, philosophy, computer science, or any pertinent field.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Organization: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
- Host Countries: United Kingdom & United States
- Position: Research Fellow
- Programme Type: Research Fellowship
- Duration: 2 Years (Renewable)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
Degree Level
The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 is intended for researchers at different career stages, including:
- Research Fellows
- Early-Career Researchers
- Mid-Career Researchers
- Policy Researchers
- Independent Researchers
Note: There are no formal degree requirements for this fellowship. However, applicants should have strong research experience and the ability to conduct high-quality, independent research relevant to AI governance.
Available Subjects
Applicants may undertake research in a wide range of fields related to artificial intelligence governance and public policy, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI Governance
- AI Safety
- AI Risk Management
- AI Policy
- Public Policy
- Technical AI Governance
- AI Economics
- Geopolitics of AI
- Strategic Policy Research
- Machine Learning Governance
- Emerging Technologies
- Technology Regulation
- Threat Modelling
- Responsible AI
The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary research that contributes to the safe, ethical, and responsible development and governance of advanced AI systems.
Eligibility Criteria for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
To be eligible for the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Show that you have experience carrying out independent, high-caliber research.
- Possess knowledge of AI governance or a closely related topic, such as computer science, political science, economics, law, public policy, or other pertinent fields.
- Demonstrate a keen interest in the responsible, moral, and safe advancement of artificial intelligence.
- Have a track record of successfully completing important studies, publications, or policy initiatives.
- Possess the ability to operate both independently and cooperatively in a research team.
- Be prepared to mentor and assist younger researchers when appropriate.
- Applications from think tanks, business, government, academia, and civil society organizations are highly welcomed.
Note: Applicants with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds who are dedicated to furthering AI governance research and developing evidence-based AI policies are encouraged to apply for the fellowship.
Benefits of the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
The GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent funding package and a wide range of professional benefits for successful applicants, including:
- Competitive pay depending on workplace location and experience.
- Annual salary of £84,000–£103,500 for fellows based in London, UK.
- Annual salary of US$134,500–US$170,000 for fellows based in Washington, DC.
- UK visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants.
- US visa sponsorship in exceptional cases.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Annual professional development budget.
- Wellbeing allowance.
- Childcare support budget.
- Coworking space allowance for remote staff.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Extended parental leave.
- Ergonomic home office equipment support.
- Employer pension contribution (10%).
- 33 days of paid annual leave, including public holidays.
Along with these financial and job advantages, fellows will work with top authorities on AI governance, contribute to important studies, and influence international regulations for the responsible and safe advancement of AI.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Selected GovAI Research Fellows will be expected to:
- Create and oversee independent studies on AI governance and associated subjects.
- Publish scholarly articles, studies, policy briefs, and other research products.
- Give governments, legislators, international organizations, and other stakeholders recommendations based on research.
- Plan and take part in research activities, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Encourage and assist junior researchers, seasonal fellows, and research scholars.
- Participate in GovAI’s overall research strategy and long-term projects.
- Work with multidisciplinary research teams across AI, economics, public policy, law, political science, and related fields.
- Contribute to evidence-based policies that promote the safe, ethical, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence.
Application Procedure for GovAI Research Fellowship 2026
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Completed online application form.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover letter or statement of interest.
- Research publications or writing samples.
- Details of previous research experience and achievements.
- References (if requested).
- Any additional documents required during the application process.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official GovAI application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your CV and supporting documents.
- Provide details of your research experience and achievements.
- Review your application carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Research excellence.
- Quality and impact of previous work.
- Expertise in AI governance or related disciplines.
- Originality of research ideas.
- Communication and analytical skills.
- Leadership and mentoring potential.
- Ability to contribute to GovAI’s research mission.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 16 August 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and ensure all required documents are submitted before the closing date.
Apply Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the GovAI Research Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship offers a competitive salary, employee benefits, visa sponsorship (where applicable), health insurance, professional development funding, and additional employment benefits.
2. Who can apply?
Researchers from academia, government, industry, think tanks, and civil society with experience in AI governance or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
3. Is a PhD required?
No. There are no formal degree requirements, but applicants should have substantial research experience and a strong record of high-quality research.
4. Where is the fellowship hosted?
The fellowship is hosted by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI), with positions available in the United Kingdom and the United States.
5. How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship is offered for two years and may be renewed based on performance and organizational needs.
6. Which research fields are eligible?
Eligible areas include AI Governance, AI Safety, AI Policy, AI Economics, Public Policy, Machine Learning Governance, Technology Regulation, Responsible AI, and related disciplines.
7. Does the fellowship provide visa sponsorship?
Yes. UK visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates, while US visa sponsorship may be provided in exceptional cases.
8. What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 16 August 2026.
